It’s not enough that you give them money every morning, breakfast staples Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks want you to come back for lunch too. Dunkin’ Donuts has just released a new grilled-chicken flatbread for $3.99 in response to a slew of new hot sandwiches that Starbucks has already began testing in a limited selection of their cafes. While both companies continue to have lines out the door in the morning, they can’t seem to sustain the same demand as the P.M. roles around. John Costello, global marketing and innovation president at Dunkin’ Brands, explained “Our mission is to get people running in the morning and to keep them running all day.”

Chains such as these have began pushing into the lunch time competition, just as companies such a McDonald have fiercely advertised for their McCafe as a coffee stop alternative. Coffee and donut shops rely on breakfast time for about 65% of their daily revenue. Dunkin’ Donuts has been trying to appeal to customers to stay in the afternoon by redesigning their restaurants with earth toned paint, intimate booth settings, and soft jazz tunes playing in the background. Earlier this year the breakfast giant launched the chicken bacon ranch sandwich as its first non-breakfast food alternative.

Starting on May 6, Starbucks began testing its own lunch time sandwiches in 178 stores in Phoenix, Arizona and Richmond, Virginia. The sandwiches included a chicken bacon swiss sandwich ($5.95), a grilled cheese ($5.25) and a beef brisket and cheddar baguette ($6.95). The sandwiches are expected to be release nationwide sometime in September of this year. Troy Alstead, COO of the Seattle based chain, declared ““Starbucks stores across the U.S. will increasingly be seen as a destination for a quick, delicious and high-quality lunch.” Starbucks is adamant about providing different dining options for its consumers. According to the LA Times, the company plans to open a new restaurant in L.A soon.

It’s great that giant corporate chains like Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks are trying to make lunch more convenient for its customers. But why not try just bringing a lunch? Why not make a chicken bacon ranch sandwich at home? Not only will you save money, but even if you mimic your favorite fast food sandwich it will probably be healthier for you as well. Dunkin’ Donuts have been opening hundreds of stores within the last year, but what about the little guys? So hit up a food truck, or take advantage of your locally deli. Take a break, your cup of joe will still be there in the morning. The truth is, most people hardly have the time to make their own home food for breakfast or lunch, hence, these corporate giants would always compete for every penny they can get.

Photo Illustration: Murs Alison/biznob.com