Time for another look at the Fast Food / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector… KFC is all over the place with new deals, a new Sandwich and a new Colonel, McDonald’s offers a rare Gold Card in a new contest, and Welch’s, the Grape Juice people, plunge into the Energy Drink sector…
Nice, warm, fuzzy retro look for this new KFC ‘Family Colonel’ ad
featuring Jason Alexander as the Man Himself.
KFC brings back popular Chicken Breast Fillets
They were a hit last time they appeared – first in 2010 and later in 2014. Now, they’re back as an option i9n the Colonel’s (US)$20 Fill Up at participating outlets. The Fill Up includes 6 Chicken Breast Fillets, three large sides, and four biscuits (or whatever kind of bread they serve with KFC in your part of the world).
…Offers a new Crispy Colonel Sandwich…
The Crispy Colonel has proven popular with those who have big appetites. Now, you can get a Double Crispy Colonel. It’s not twice as crispy, it’s double the Crispy Boneless Chicken Breast on the usual soft bun.
…AND introduces yet another new celebrity Colonel!
Guess who the latest celebrity Colonel is? No, not some crazy guy like Rob Lowe or George Hamilton, but former Seinfeld’s-gang member, Jason Alexander. He’s billed as the ‘Family Colonel’ and I gotta tell you, I found it hard, at first, to see Alexandr in the character. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with so much hair before!
Chipotle tests another innovation
Amid the clamor and hubbub over the chain’s worst food poisoning outbreak yet, Chipotle’s has launched a test of a new gimmick: Bacon you can add to any dish; as a topping. like Guacamole or its signature Queso sauce. Starting in September, Chipotle’s will make its Applewood Smoked Bacon available, in crumbled form, at 8 Orange County, CA, restaurants. It’s been suggested unofficially, that this move could signal a future expansion by the Tex-Mex eatery into the Breakfast market.
Starbuck’s embraces Kombucha
Joining a parade that a growing number of trendy eateries have started, the premium Coffee giant is adding Kombucha to its beverage menu. To put it as simply as possible, Kombucha is fermented Tea infused with probiotics. Starbuck’s new line features six flavours, including Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp, Pink Grapefruit, and Turmeric Pineapple Coconut. Contrary to the usual pattern, where such new produtcs are introduced first at the chain’s own stores, Starbuck’s Kombucha will be sold first at selected natural foods stores and supermarkets in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and New York City. Look for availability to expand in the new year.
DQ features Reese’s Candy Bar Blizzard
Dairy Queen is featuring a Blizzard it calls Outrageous as it’s Flavour of the Month for August. The crazy concoction features: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, Peanut Butter, and Caramel blended with Vanilla soft serve Ice Cream. If you haven’t caught on, yet, it’s inspired by the new Reese’s Outrageous Candy Bar…
Welch’s ups the energy
The legendary king of Grape Juice, Welch’s, is expanding into the Energy Drink business. But it’s a cautious move. Welch’s is testing two flavours of what it calls Sparking Plus Energy in the New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore/DC markets. Flavours – for now, at least – include Sparkling Grape and Sparkling Fruit Punch. They’re blends of fruit juice, organic Coffee Extract and carbonated Water. If all goes well in the test markets, Welch’s says it’ll waste no time launching the new beverages on a much wider basis.
McDonald’s Gold Card promo hypes new ordering app
McD’s is offering one of it’s legendary Gold Cards to the lucky winner of a new contest that just opened yesterday. The Gold Card is bestowed by the company’s head office upon heroes and outstanding members of society who frequent the Burger bar. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Rob Lowe have them, to name a few. It gets you free McD’s for life! To get into the random drawing pool, all you have to do is download the McApp and place one order via your iPhone or Android smart phone, now until August 24. The new card will be good for any McDonald’s in the world and will come to you in the form of a custom 24-karat gold phone case that has your name etched into it.
“And there you have it!”
I use the above phrase in honour of classic British soccer commentators who are back at work this weekend after a summer break. The British Premier League season starts today! We’ll be back in seven for another look at the Fast Food / QSR news…
~ Maggie J.