Chicken wing lovers have a double reason to celebrate this National Chicken Wing Day on July 29, 2026. Wholesale wing prices have dropped dramatically, falling 66% from their pandemic-era peak. However, while major restaurant chains are offering enticing deals from free wings to deep discounts, the days of expecting menu prices to drop may be over. Industry experts explain why your favorite spot might not cut its regular prices, even as they roll out special promotions.

The Price Plunge: A 66% Drop from Pandemic Highs

For the first time in years, the wholesale chicken wing market has become a buyer's paradise. After supply chain challenges and soaring demand sent prices above $3.20 per pound during the pandemic, the market has seen a significant correction. Wholesale wing prices opened in 2025 below $1.00 per pound and have risen only modestly to slightly above $1.10 per pound . This represents a 66% decline, making wings remarkably affordable for restaurants and grocery retailers .

The primary driver of this drop is a surge in supply. U.S. meat-chicken producers boosted domestic production by 2.2% in 2025, aided by lower feed costs . The National Chicken Council noted that production has run ahead of earlier expectations as poultry geneticists and live-production management have begun to overcome challenges with hatchability and livability . This increased supply, combined with somewhat soft consumer demand for wings in recent months, has kept wholesale prices in check .

A Seasonal Pattern and Long-Term Trends

This isn't just a temporary blip. Experts note a typical seasonal pattern that could push wing prices even lower. According to the Daily Livestock Report, a seasonal spring trend could push wing prices below $0.80 per pound, potentially marking the lowest quarterly average in 20 years . This would be welcome news for consumers, but the impact on restaurant menus is more complex. Cold storage inventories are not burdensome, with frozen wing stocks down 6% from a year earlier, indicating the supply pressure is real and sustained .

To put this in perspective, during the 2026 Super Bowl, wholesale prices were $1.12 per pound, compared to $1.99 the same week in 2025 . While the market has strengthened slightly this week, prices remain a bargain .

Why Prices at Your Favorite Restaurant May Not Drop

While wholesale costs are down, consumers shouldn't expect restaurants to permanently lower their menu prices. The economics of running a restaurant mean the savings are often used differently. Kipper Greist, managing partner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Florida, explained the reality to Fox News Digital: "Prices fluctuate constantly on every menu item. If one item drops, three go up. The cost of reprinting menus is thousands of dollars, so it isn't cost-effective to raise or lower prices when the market changes" . Instead of permanently altering prices, restaurants prefer to offer rotating specials, like 99-cent wing nights .

The National Chicken Council also confirms this dynamic. "When wing prices rise to unattractive levels for food service buyers, they tend to pull back on wing promotions and special price offerings," said Tom Super, senior vice president of public affairs for the council. "Then, as wing prices move to much more affordable levels, food service buyers jump back into marketing wings more aggressively" . For the consumer, this means the savings are most often passed on through limited-time deals rather than permanent price cuts.

National Chicken Wing Day Deals: Where to Get Your Fix

Thankfully, that strategy means National Chicken Wing Day is filled with incredible deals from major chains. Here are some of the top promotions available on July 29 :

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Get six free wings with a minimum $15 purchase using the code FREEWINGS .

• Wingstop: Get five free wings with a minimum $10 purchase using the code FREEWINGS .

• Pizza Hut: Enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free deal on wings with the code BOGOWINGS .

• Dave & Buster's: Boneless wings start at 50 cents each, and traditional wings start at $1 each .

• Hurricane Grill & Wings: Bone-in and boneless wings are available for 99 cents each all day .

• Hooters: Get 10 wings for $7.29 with the purchase of a drink .

• Native Grill & Wings: Bone-in wings are 49 cents each with the purchase of a drink .

This flood of deals comes as chicken production has also led to lower prices at retail. Costco, for example, quietly cut the price of its Kirkland Signature Crispy Wings from $16.99 to $14.99 .