LOS ANGELES – Following a McDonald’s report last week that revealed the company’s sales fell 1% in March and would probably fall again in April, the Los Angeles Times speculated that perhaps cheapest is not always the best way to engage cash-strapped consumers.

“McDonald's Dollar Menu has failed to perk up the fast food giant's sales,” the LA Times writes, “but executives are determined to push its value deals -- even in the face of a public that increasingly is lining up over at Chipotle and Panera.”

Despite the dour sales report, the company said it would stay the course in its cheaper-prices strategy, hoping to lure customers from its rivals.

“[T]he jury's out on whether McDonald's can be both healthful and cheaper than competitors -- while also turning a profit,” the Times concludes. “If your stomach is empty and your wallet is too -- is McDonald's your go-to restaurant?’