Like summer weather spilling over into autumn, this summer’s fast food trend is carrying over into late September. The trend is $5 value meals, and there are a couple of new ones from Popeyes and Wendy’s. The Popeyes deal, however, is not like McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal, which got the ball rolling in June. That one was a complete meal, with fries and drink. Popeyes’ 3 Piece Signature Chicken Deal is just three pieces of fried chicken for $5. Ordering online, you have the choice between classic and spicy flavors, but the order defaults to dark meat. We decided to order in person and got a box with a wing, leg and thigh. If you want chicken breast, it costs extra. We paid $5, but as is usual with these kinds of offers, the price may vary by locations, and some locations charge $6. If you add anything to your meal, it’s easy to leave discount territory. We chose two featured items, a new Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cup and Premium Strawberry Lemonade. They pushed the total to $13.57, including tax. Wendy’s deal is called the $5 Big Noon Saucy Deal, and it’s a digital exclusive. It includes a six-piece order of Saucy Nuggs, fries and a drink. Diners can choose from six styles of chicken nuggets, including Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Garlic Parm and Spicy Ghost Pepper. With tax, our total was $5.44. The name is a nod to football season and refers to Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff,” which previews college games. Information: popeyes.com, wendys.com Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Taco Bell is bringing back the Big Cheez-It on Friday, Sept. 20 Restaurants Food and Drink | National Pepperoni Pizza Day 2024: Where to find deals Restaurants Food and Drink | Dine 909: These 12 restaurants are coming soon to the Inland Empire Restaurants Food and Drink | 9 tips to help you master eating at fine-dining restaurants Restaurants Food and Drink | Use this advice from bartenders to order a better cocktail