We’ve got notable news from the Burger, Tex-Mex and Chicken sectors this week, featuring Burger King’s Drive-Thru service and Chipotle’s new Rewards program. But the Sweets and Desserts sector hogs the page with items from Snickers, Pizza Hut and Krispy Kreme…
100 Burger King Chicken Nuggets for (US)$10. Price is ‘permanent; delivery offer limited.
Burger King named king of drive-thrus…
BK has been declared the fasted drive-thru operator among the major North American Quick Service (QSR) restaurants. QSR magazine has just released the results of its annual survey of fast food drive-thrus and BK takes the speed title easily with an average service time of 193.3 seconds per order. Next speediest service came from Dunkin’s with an average turnaround of just under 200.1 seconds, followed by KFC at just under 218.9 seconds. While speed is the reason most diners use the drive-thru lane, QSR notes that longer service turnaround times tend to result in more accurate orders and, hence, greater customer satisfaction. Another notable observation: the rush to offer mobile ordering apps has not yet, apparently, had any significant impact on overall drive-thru service.
…Offers 100-Nugget orders with free delivery
Burger King is promoting the recent drop in the price of its Chicken Nuggets with a deal that offers 100 Nuggets (10 regular orders) for (US)$)10, including free delivery by Postmates. You don’t have to order by app to get the same deal. Just go on in to the store and get your usual order of 10 Nuggets for a dollar. Or ten orders for $10. The price deal is available at all BK locations and will run indefinitely, but the Postmates delivery deal is only available in Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, until October 14.
Chipotle’s launching new rewards program
Chipotle’s Tex-Mex restaurant chain, recently laid low by a series of serious food poisoning events, has brought in a new CEO – formerly from Taco Bell – who’s making some big changes. The latest is the inception of a new Chipotle’s rewards program based on the ‘points’ model. Join up and you’ll get 10 points for every dollar you spend. Amass 1.250 points and you qualify for a free entrée. Other benefits under the plan include a Birthday Reward, free Guacamole and Chips with your first order under Chipotle Rewards, and unspecified rewards for ‘incremental’ orders. The program is in a limited test now, and, if all goes well there, will roll lout across the chain sometime next year.
Pizza Hut partners with Cinnabon for dessert
Pizza Hut lovers can now crown their favourite Pie experience with a dessert from food court baker Cinnabon. The Hut says it’s partnering with Cinnabon permanently (or as permanently as any Fast Food menu item lasts) offering 10 mini Makara Cinnamon Swirls topped with the baker’s signature Cream Cheese frosting for just (US)$5. They’re available for dine-in, take-out or delivery.
Snickers rolling out smooth Peanut Butter and Almond Butter flavours
In another Candyland attempt to diversify the product, the makers of the old, familiar Snickers Bar are rolling out versions that top their traditional nougat with Peanut and Almond butter, in place of the former crunchy Peanut coating. The use of Nut Butters makes for a smoother, more unified mouth feel which may appeal to an even wider audience than the traditional Snickers.The new bars will be available on January 19, 2019, in Peanut, Almond and Maple Almond flavours.
Krispy Kreme has ‘scary’ Sinkers for Hallowe’en
Didn’t get the ‘Sinkers’ reference? It’s a grand old slang term for Doughnuts – when you dip them in your Coffee. KK has unveiled a selection of specially decorated Doughnuts for Hallowe’en including: the Jack-o-lantern (a filled Doughnut dipped in Orange Icing and decorated with a pumpkin face), the Trick-or-Treat (a regular Krispy Kreem Donut dipped min CAramel and topped with Candy pieces), the Monster Batter Donut (the KK Birthday Cake Donut with ‘Slime Green’ icing and edible ‘Monster Eyes’), and a fancy Chocolate iced ring Doughnut (topped with Hallowe’en Sprinkles). They’re available now through October 31. Drop in, in costume, on the 31st and get a Doughnut of your choice free.
…And that’s the skinny on what’s making folks all across the Western Wworld fatter this week.. See you in seven for another edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.