Restaurant prices are some of the hardest numbers to pin down online. This page explains exactly where the prices, calories and deals on USA Food Menu come from, how we decide which number to publish, and what you should keep in mind when you use them.
Written and maintained by Jahanzaib, founder and editor of USA Food Menu, based in Houston, Texas.
Why one “official” price rarely exists
Most big chains are franchised. The company sets the menu and suggests prices, but each franchise owner can charge more or less depending on rent, local wages, taxes and demand. On top of that:
- Airport, stadium, highway, campus and hotel locations often charge 20 to 40 percent more.
- Big cities such as New York, San Francisco and Seattle usually cost more than small towns.
- Delivery apps mark menu prices up before fees and tips are added.
- App deals, coupons and loyalty rewards can bring the real price far below the menu board.
That is why our pages show a typical price, and a range where prices vary a lot, rather than claiming one exact figure.
Where our information comes from
| Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Official brand websites and ordering apps | Live prices for specific locations, the current menu and new items |
| Official nutrition and allergen documents | Calorie counts, allergen notes and ingredient details |
| Company press releases and earnings calls | Launches, price changes, deals and discontinued items |
| Independent price trackers and menu board photos | Checking our prices against several US markets |
| Reader reports | Spotting changes and local differences we have missed |
How we choose the price we publish
- Collect. We gather prices for the same item from the official app or website for several locations in different parts of the country.
- Compare. We check those figures against independent price trackers and any menu board photos available.
- Pick the typical price. We publish the price a typical suburban location charges, leaving out unusually high airport and big city prices.
- Show a range when needed. When prices vary widely, or when a chain has no national pricing at all, we give a range and say so clearly on the page.
- Label what changes. Limited time items, seasonal drinks and deals are marked so you know they may disappear.
Calories and nutrition
Calorie figures come from each chain’s published nutrition information. Where an item can be customized, such as a sandwich with different sauces or a drink in several sizes, we give a range. Calories change when you add or remove ingredients, so treat them as a guide. Our calorie calculator can help you see how a meal fits your daily needs. If you have a food allergy, always check the restaurant’s current allergen guide before ordering.
Deals and Hot Deals boxes
Every menu page has a Hot Deals box near the top. We update it when a chain launches, changes or ends a promotion, using the chain’s own app, website and announcements. Deals are often limited to participating locations and can end early, so check the restaurant’s app before you go.
How often pages are checked
Every menu page is reviewed at least once a month. The month in each page title, for example “Updated October 2026”, shows when it was last checked. Pages for chains that change prices or run deals often, such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell and the pizza chains, are checked more often.
What our prices are not
- They are not official prices supplied by the restaurant.
- They are not a quote for your local store.
- They do not include tax, tips, delivery fees or service charges.
For the exact price at a specific location, the chain’s own app with your store selected is always the final word.
Help us keep prices accurate
If you see a different price, a missing item or wrong opening hours, please tell us through our contact page. Include the restaurant, the city or ZIP code, the date and what you saw. A photo of the menu board helps. We review every report, and when a change applies widely we update the page. You can read more about corrections in our editorial policy.
Browse all menus in our menu directory, or read more about USA Food Menu.