NORMAL -- Whether they're called value meals or dollar menus, fast-food restaurants keep customers coming back by stretching the buck.

The strategy appears to be working well in this recession as more consumers look to save when they can.

While customers tout the fast food as less expensive than a full-service restaurant, restaurants take pride in delivering a full meal for under $5. In some cases, these inexpensive meals include health-conscious alternatives such as salads, yogurt and packaged apples.

Bob Dobski, who co-owns eight area McDonald's with his wife, Julie, has noticed consumers are more cost conscious.

At McDonald's, the dollar menu offers a choice of drink, fries, sandwich, yogurt or ice cream. Dobski said the menu, which started about seven years ago, is especially popular with college students and senior citizens.

"It's cheap and fills you up," said Bloomington resident Chris Barker, a roofer, who stopped recently at the McDonald's drive-through at 806 S. Main St., Normal, for a late lunch. He chose a dollar burger.

Kody Stubblefield of Normal, a student at Normal Community High School, was at the same McDonald's, but came for dessert, a dollar sundae.

Lanette Johnson of Normal, a bank teller, chose a $1 sweet tea and $1 fries along with a more expensive grilled chicken sandwich.

"More people should be conscious of what they're spending," she said.

Meanwhile at Burger King, the BK value menu offers sandwiches, drinks, fries, side salad or apple pie for $1.

"We are seeing new customers because of the recession," said Steve Wiborg, chief executive officer of Heartland Food Corp., which owns the three Bloomington-Normal Burger King restaurants.

"For $5 you can come to Burger King and get a full meal and that doesn't happen at a full-service restaurant," he said.

Both chains believe they're picking up customers from full-service restaurants.

"Instead of a mid-level restaurant, I think they're coming to us to save money," Dobski said, adding that McDonald's has also offered extra-value meals that have included sandwiches, fries and medium drink for $3 or $4.

The concept is similar at Arby's, where Erik Struble, general manager at 1808 W. Market St., Bloomington, said cost-conscious consumers can get either two fish or two regular roast beef sandwiches for $4.

"It is a good deal. You can't go to a sit-down restaurant for that," Struble said.

At Subway, $5 regular foot-long sandwiches are priced for the recession as well. For $1 additional there are sides that include drink, yogurt, chips, packaged apple or cookie.

"Customers say it's good for their wallets," said Rebekah Pinson, assistant manager of the Subway at 2310 E. Oakland Ave., Bloomington.

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