McDonald’s saw a key sales metric jump in the third quarter as it doubled down on discount meals – but it fell short on earnings as it warned anxious Americans have cut back on dining out.

US same-store sales increased 2.4% for the second straight quarter . That beat estimates of a 1.9% rise – though McDonald’s attributed this to a larger average check, implying diners are paying more for their meals despite the fast-food industry’s “value wars.”

Overall same-store sales rose 3.6%, reversing a decline of 1.5% from the same period last year.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said the results are “a testament to our ability to deliver sustainable growth even in a challenging environment.”

Shares in the world’s largest fast-food chain jumped 2% Wednesday morning.

But the Golden Arches c

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