Groucho Marx once said, “Time flies like an arrow – fruit flies like a banana.” The joke works better if you say it out loud rather than read it off the screen. But it’s true. Another week has flown by and it’s time once again to run down our top picks from the ‘sin food’ news file…
Burger King feels your pain, Gen Z
I say, how I’m feeling is none of their business. But that hasn’t stopped them from launching a new promo campaign – aimed at Gen Z – centred on a selection of boxed meals designed to cater to a diner’s mood of the moment. Whatever mood you choose, you get a Whopper Meal and a ‘limited edition’ mood themes box. The catch phrase is ‘Feel Your Way’, a riff on BK’s iconic ‘Have It Your Way’ slogan.
It’s an effort to partner with Mental Health America during Mental Health Week to raise awareness of various emotional disorders. The ‘Real Meals’ campaign offers five different meal boxes for five different moods: Salty, Yasss, DGAF, Blue, and Pissed. Really? Yes, really. While the promo obviously got the approval of the mental health people, it’s been derided as tone deaf by many and I have agree. In my estimation, it misses its objective by a mile. Play the video above and see what you think…
KFC tries ‘2 for $6’ deal
Participating KFC locations across the US are offering a new ‘2 for $6’ deal. For a limited time, you can get any two of the following for just $6: the Famous Mashed Potato Bowl, the Crispy Colonel Sandwich, the Pot Pie or Three Extra Crispy Tenders.
Wendy’s launches ‘Made To Crave’ Chicken Sandwiches…
There are three decadent-sounding Sammys: Avocado BLT (built on an Herb-marinated Grilled Chicken Breast and topped with Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Muenster Cheese, Buttermilk Ranch and Creamy Avocado Sauce); Barbecue Chicken (starting with a spicy, Crispy-fried Chicken Breast and topped with Crispy-fried Onions, Muenster Cheese, Pickles, and a ‘sweet and smoky’ BBQ sauce); and S’Awesome Bacon Chicken (Crispy-fried Chicken Filet, Muenster Cheese, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and a side of S’Awesome Sauce for dipping). What, I wonder, is going on with the Meunster Cheese? Sounds to me like an odd sort of ‘out in left-field’ choice…
…Drops Chicken Tenders…
Wendy’s has dropped Chicken Tenders from their menu without comment. Word from the front lines, however, cites long prep times (over 6 minutes) which nay have caused lacklustre sales. Wendy’s will not banish Chicken from it house altogether, though, citing a new emphasis on its Chicken Sandwiches (see above).
…Amps up its Frostys
One of the signature cold treats at Wendy’s is its Frosty sundae. You can get it in Vanilla or Chocolate Soft Serve with various toppings. But now, with spring in full swing and summer on the way, they’re offering a version loaded with Chocolate Chip Cookie chunks and topped with a drizzle of Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauce. (See photo, top of page.) No word whether the new Frostys are permanent menu additions or just limited time specials. But I’m betting they’ll be around at least until Labour Day.
Starbuck’s launches Dragon Drink
Starbucks is offering new Dragon Drink cold beverage – a mixture of its Mango and Dragon Fruit Refresher and Coconut Cream. It’s just in time for the Game of Thrones finale, but the company doesn’t claim any special partnership. Among other permanent menu additions announced this past week: A Crispy Grilled Cheese Sandwich, featuring a Three-Cheese Blend on Sourdough Bread. For a limited time, Vegetarians can get a Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap with Fresh Veggies and a Salsa Slaw. And the premium Coffee giant is also bringing back some of its most-loved Frappuccino flavors.
And that’s the skinny…
…On what’s making some of us fatter these days. Back in seven with another edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.