It’s that time again. Time for our weekly roundup of ‘quick service’ and ‘take-out’ food industry news. Arby’s is (re)launching a trio of classic Sandwiches for spring, Subway is trying a high-end approach to breakfast, and there’s news of a new addition you can request on any McDonald’s Sandwich…
Olive Garden’s new Meatball Pizza Bowl. Hope you like lots of cheese…
Arby’s launches new ‘Old’ Sandwiches
Arby’s – the self-proclaimed meat pros – have resurrected three classic deli Sandwiches for spring. They’ll be offering their versions of the Miami Cuban, the Texas Brisket and the New York Reuben the beginning of next month. Alas, the Miami and the Texas Sandwiches will be available for a limited time only. (Arby’s doesn’t say how long that will be.) Get ’em while they’re hot! Each Sandwich gets it’s own classic toppings and it’s own traditional type of toasted Bread or Roll.
Subway test-markets new Breakfast Sandwiches
No doubt hoping to carve out a slice of the breakfast market, struggling Subway is testing a trio of Croissant-based breakfast Sandwiches. You start with one of three basic Sandwiches: Egg and Cheese; Black Forest Ham, Egg, and Cheese; or Turkey, Egg, and Cheese. Then you can customize them – in the subway tradition – with anything you like from the Sandwich Ingredient ‘buffet’. You can add meats other than the Ham to any Croissant Sandwich at additional cost. Alas! There’s no Sausage option…
From the Boardroom: Taco Bell Chief jumps to Chipotle
Chipotle, trying to rebound from a year of food safety issues and food poisoning incidents, has apparently spirited Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol to head up its operations. Chipotle will be hoping that Niccol can do for its troubled brand what he’s done for Taco Bell – turned a waning chain around and positioning it as a youthful, trendy brand leveraging social media and innovation. We’ll see. Look for a menu overhaul and some high-profile media stunts.
Olive Garden adds new Meatball Pizza Bowl
Evolving Italian eatery Olive Garden has added an innovative new item to its luncheon menu… The Meatball Pizza Bowl is a Bread Bowl made from a Pizza Crust filled with melted Italian Cheeses and topped with Meatballs and Marinara sauce. It’s a Lunch Duo selection, so you get unlimited Salad or Bread Sticks in the combo. Other Lunch Duo selections include Bread Stick Sandwiches and Spaghetti Pie. The Duos are available over lunch Monday to Friday.
McD’s Update: Put an Egg on it!
Now that McMuffins are available all day at McDonald’s, you can get an egg on any McSandwich, anytime. It’s not an official ‘secret menu’ item, but it appears McD’s will do it for you if you ask. And fork over an additional couple of bucks. You can get ’round’ or ‘folded’ Eggs and those who have tried it say it makes any Burger better!
And that’s the skinny…
…On all your (potentially) fattening favourites for this week. We’ll bring you the cream of the cream of Fast Food News again next Saturday, for your weekend overdoing pleasure!
~ Maggie J.