Zaxby's Great 8 Boneless Wings Meal: A Closer Look
The 'Great 8 Boneless Wings Meal' is a trademark menu item from Zaxby's, featuring eight all-white meat boneless wings. It comes complete with crinkle fries, Texas toast, ranch dipping sauce, and a small drink. The price for this specific meal can fluctuate significantly. Historically, it has been advertised for as low as $7.99 during special promotions. However, current prices seen on delivery apps like Grubhub and Postmates suggest a higher range, often between $10.99 and $13.19 or more, depending on the restaurant's location and applicable delivery fees. Upgrades, such as upsizing the drink or fries, will also increase the final cost.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Your Meal
Several elements dictate the final price you pay for your boneless wings meal, regardless of the restaurant. Understanding these can help you find better deals:
- Location: Prices can differ substantially between different cities and states due to variations in local food costs, labor wages, and operating expenses.
- Platform: Ordering via third-party delivery services (e.g., Postmates, Grubhub) often incurs higher prices, service fees, and delivery charges compared to ordering directly from the restaurant or dining in.
- Promotions and Deals: Restaurants frequently run limited-time promotions, such as Zaxby's historical Great 8 deals or Buffalo Wild Wings' BOGO offers, which can drastically reduce the cost per wing.
- Included Sides: A meal deal's price is influenced by the included sides, like fries, toast, or a drink. A la carte wings will be cheaper than a bundled meal.
- Economic Factors: Broader economic conditions, including the price of chicken and fuel costs for transportation, impact the food supply chain and are eventually reflected in menu prices.
Comparison: Great 8 vs. Other Chains
To determine the best value, it's helpful to compare Zaxby's offer to similar boneless wing meals from competitors. Keep in mind that specific pricing varies by location and timing.
| Restaurant | Meal Description | Example Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaxby's | Great 8 Boneless Wings Meal (8 wings, fries, Texas toast, dip, drink) | ~$10.99 - $13.19+ | Exact price depends on location and platform. |
| Wingstop | Medium 8 pc Wing Combo (8 wings, fries, drink) | ~$15.39 - $17.29+ | Prices can be higher in Canada; includes 2 flavors and dip. |
| Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) | Varies; offers 10 boneless wings + fries combo | ~$16.99 (deal specific) | Runs BOGO offers, which can provide better per-wing value. |
| Applebee's | All You Can Eat Boneless Wings | ~$15.99 | A limited-time offer providing unlimited wings, tenders, and sides. |
| Pizza Hut | Big Boneless Wings Bundle (16 wings, double fries) | ~$15.99 | Larger quantity, better value for sharing. |
How to Get the Best Price on Your Boneless Wings
Saving money on your next boneless wings meal is possible with a bit of strategy. Here are some tips:
- Use Restaurant Apps: Many chains offer exclusive deals, loyalty rewards, or coupons through their mobile apps. Zaxby's app, for instance, has offered specific promotions in the past.
- Look for Special Days: Restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings often have special offers on certain days of the week, like their BOGO boneless wing deals.
- Compare Delivery Services: Use different food delivery apps to compare prices, delivery fees, and any promotional discounts they may be running for a specific restaurant.
- Opt for In-Store Pickup: By picking up your order yourself, you can often avoid the extra service and delivery fees charged by third-party apps.
- Check for Bundles: Meal bundles, like Pizza Hut's Big Boneless Wings Bundle, can offer a better price per wing when purchasing a larger quantity.
- Consider Making Your Own: For the absolute lowest cost, purchasing raw chicken and ingredients and cooking them at home is the most economical option.
Conclusion
While the 'Great 8 boneless wings meal' from Zaxby's is a solid offering, its price is dynamic and depends heavily on location and how you order. Expect to pay anywhere from $11 to $14+, especially when ordering for delivery. By comparing prices with other chains and taking advantage of deals, you can ensure you get the best value. Whether you choose Zaxby's for its specific combination or opt for a competitor's offer, staying informed about current pricing and promotions is key to saving money on your boneless wings meal. For a broader look at the industry, you can read more about factors affecting food prices on sites like ResearchGate.
