It’s that time, again: Time to review the biggest and best stories from the Fast Food sector for another week. Taco Bell Leads the way with a whole slew of announcements, McDonald’s ups its Breakfast ante, and Chipotle’s offers a big BOGO deal for cash-strapped students returning to school…
Taco Bell’s new Reaper Ranch Fries: The secret’s in the Sauce…
Taco Bell brings back Breakfast Stackers…
The Bell’s latest promo involves the return of a hit: $1 Breakfast Stackers. So popular were the generous Quesadilla-style Sammies that Bell fans made a lot of noise when they disappeared from the menu this past January. Now they’re back – for a limited time only, of course – with a new twist. The Steak and Egg Stacker, features Scrambled Eggs, Nacho Cheese, a Three Cheese blend, and Steak for a hefty $2 breakfast. But you can also order a downsized $1 version. And you can add Bacon or Sausage for a slight additional charge.
…Launches ultra-hot Pepper Fries…
Taco Bell is counting on the notoriety of the infamous Carolina Reaper Chili Pepper – one of the hottest yet from the greenhouses of South Carolina heat freak Smokin’ Ed Currie. Reaper Ranch Fries come in two forms: A side order which consists of the Bell’s seasoned Fries topped with Reaper Sauce, or as Reaper Ranch Fries Supreme, a more substantial order of fries topped with Ground Beef, Sour Cream, and Tomatoes. They’re being tested, for a short time, in Cincinnati, OH. Meanwhile, in Columbua, OH, The Bell is testing what it calls Rattlesnake Fries: Rattlesnake Fries, topped with Pickled Jalapeño rounds, Steak, Nacho Cheese Sauce, and Jalapeño sauce. They’;re available as Supreme Fries or in Burrito form. Reaper and Rattlesnake Fries will both be available until mid-September.
…Doubles up on Cheesy Gordita
If you’re a fan of The Bell’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch, you’ll be glad to hear that you can now get a Double version of the already substantial hand-held meal. The original Cheesy Gordita Crunch features a soft Gordita Flatbread inside of which nestles a crunchy Corn Tortilla shell. Inside that, there’s a big scoop of The Bell’s trademark Seasoned Beef topped with Lettuce and Cheese. The Double adds another scoop of Seasoned Beef on top of the Melted Cheese between the Bread and Taco Shell layers. Seems as though the latest trend in the fast Food sphere is going bigger, as the next announcement, from McDonald’s, attests…
McD’s adds French Toast McGriddles to Breakfast menu…
They call it the McGriddles French Toast Breakfast Sandwich, and it’s the biggest Breakfast Sammy McD’s has offered to date. Start with 2 slices of Brioche style French Toast and stack it with Bacon and Sausage, American (Process) Cheese and a Fried Egg, and you’ve got a really big bite. The French Toast McGriddles is being test-marketed at 200 locations in Minnesota, but will be offered chain-wide if the test goes well. Can’t see how it wouldn’t…
…Enhances its popular Chicken Tenders
McDonald’s has had great success with its Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders since they were first released about a year ago. Now, they’re adding a new flavour to their menu with Sweet N’ Spicy Honey BBQ Glazed Tenders. this version of Crispy Tenders is prepared in the same manner as the regular ones, except that they’re glazed with a new BBQ sauce incorporating Brown Sugar, Chili Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika. You can order them in 6, 8 or 10 packs.
Chick-Fil-A sneaks Spicy Strips onto the menu
Chick-Fil-A (CFA) is quietly testing Spicy Chick-N-Strips, and those who’ve had ’em say they’re a natural hit. The move is simple for CFA to institute: Just hit the Strips with the same Spice Blend as CFA already uses on their Spicy Chicken Sandwich. If the test goes well in Philadelphia and several Texas towns, Spicy Chick-N-Strips should merit a roll-out across the chain. Stay tuned…
Chipotle’s offers limited-time BOGO special for students…
The embattled resto chain, still battling the stigma of repeated food poisoning outbreaks, is offering students students a buy-one, get-one-free special starting today. All Chipotle’s entrées are included in the deal. You can order online (just add ‘Student’ after specifying any two or more entrées you want to order), or come in and ask for the deal at the counter. You don’t have to show student ID. You can get a free Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Salad, order of Tacos, or a Kids Meal when you buy an entrée of equal or greater value. Limit: One free entrée per order.
…Closes stores to retrain staff on food safety procedures
Though Chipotle’s already carried out a massive retraining program for its staff following an earlier food poisoning outbreak, the latest, involving almost 700 people in Ohio, has signaled that it’s time to refresh all staff on food safety rules and procedures. We don’t know what day it will be, but Chipotle stores will be closed for a half day for intensive training. We’ll keep you posted.
And that’s the skinny…
…on what’s going to make us all a little fatter over the next few weeks. I’ll be back in seven with the next Fast Food Update…
~ Maggie J.