Time, once again, to delve into the depths of the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) sector and see what’s been going on over the past week. We’ll start off with an important notice from McDonald’s about why you might not be able to get your fave Salad there for a while, then segue to launches and rollouts…
The Baskin Robbins Donut Shop Freak Shake. Freaky, indeed!
McDonald’s recalls Mixed Greens after many report illness…
McD’s had announced it’s recalling pre-cut mixed Salad Greens from across 3,000 outlets in the U.S. midwest, after a spate of illnesses reported by patrons after eating the resto’s salads. The epicentre of the outbreak seems to have been Illinois, where more than 90 people complained of illness, Other states affected include: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The culprit, again, is Lettuce, and the bug is cyclospora, a parasitic infestation that can cause diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and cramps. Salads have been removed from the menu in affected areas until another Lettuce supplier can be found.
…Launches new ordering app with $1 Sandwich coupons
McDonald’s is late to the p[arty launching its online phone ordering app. But it’s rolling it out in a big way. Download the app and you;ll receive a new coupon offer on your phone every day now through the end of September that lets you buy a different McD’s Sandwich for just a dollar. The offer excludes Signature Crafted sandwiches and Double Quarter Pounders. I’m assuming McD’s operators are being compensated for $1 Burger sales. They’d be losing money on many of those sandwiches otherwise.
Chipotle turns another page…
You’ll recall that Chipotle’s cleaned house and bought in a new CEO a few months ago. They also announced they’d be trimming their menu dramatically. getting rid of poor sellers and dishes that didn’t address directly their core theme. Now, they’ve opened up a test Kitchen outlet in NYC to give the public a preview of potential new menu items before committing to bigger tests or a rollout. Early offerings include Nachos, Quesadillas, an Avocado Tostadas, Spring Salads and an ‘;Animal Style’ toppings medley that is available on several different menu items, consisting of a blend of Queso, Carnitas and Red Sauce. Don’;t miss the new NEXT Chipootle’s outlet in Manhattan’s Chelsea district next time you’re in NYC.
Baskin Robbins blasts out Freak Shakes for summer
As interesting to look at as they are to consume, Freak Shakes are more about their toppings than the actual shakes. Available in three flavours, including Unicorn, OREO ‘n Cookies and Donut Shop, they boast freaking garnished including whole Waffle Cones, whole Dunkin’s Donuts and Donut Holes, Cotton Candy wands, Sweet-Sour Candy Strips. Freak Shakes are available July 15 through the 31st, in honour of National Ice Cream Day, which falls on the third Sunday in July, and Ice Cream Month, which runs through though July.
Seven-11 forges ahead with new summer Slurpees
Seven-11 has enlarged its ready to eat foods menu with the addition of Jarritos Slurpees. Jarritos is a Mexican Soda/Pop line that will be familiar to those who frequent taquerias and one-off Mexican eateries. The Mandarin Jarritos Slurpee is currently available at selected outlets and has generated a lot of social media noise…
QSR Sphere News Briefs:
OREOs is launching two new limited-time flavours: Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake and Rocky Road Trip.
The Laughing Cow has launched Soft Cheese Cups to make pacing lunches and snacking on the go easier.
Starbucks brings out an array of new Bakery items for summer including: a Summer Berry Swirl Croissant, a Frosted Doughnut Cake Pop and a Confetti Sugar Cookie.
And that’s the skinny…
…on what wants to make us fat for this week. We’ll be back in seven with another handpicked selection of news from the QSR universe.
~ Maggie J.