It’s all about market tests of possible new menu items and limited time comebacks on the Fast Food scene this week. We get the latest from KFC, White Castle, Subway – and Burger King, which appears to be prepping new Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Nuggets for a formal test…
KFC Chicken & Donuts is back – for a limited time…
KFC to roll out Chicken & Doughnuts U.S.-wide
KFC tested its quirky Chicken & Doughnuts Sandwich (see photo, above) at just a few select stores in Virginia and Pennsylvania last year. But the mashup must have been popular. It’s rolling out across America this coming Monday for a limited time at participating locations. Hey, I know it’s nuts (pun intended), but you can’t beat the combination of Fat, Salt and Sugar for crave appeal!
White Castle adds Fish Slider to the menu…
WC is adding a new Panko Breaded Fish Slider (see photo, top of page) to its menu as an additional option for those who don’t want to eat Meat. They’re also bringing back Shrimp Nibblers. But both the Sammy and the Nibblers will be available for a limited time only. One nice hook: WC is also currently offering its occasional ‘3 For $3’ Sliders deal, which lets you mix and match the Fish Sammy with the Chicken Ring Slider; the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Slider; and the Bacon Cheese Slider.
…Preparing to test Dairy-free Cheese
The Burger chain best known for its Sliders-by-the-bag will début vegan Cheddar ‘Cheese’ to compliment its plant-based Impossible Slider in a market test starting March 1. The new vegan ‘Cheese’ is made by GoodPlanet Foods. WC already offers a range of plant-based Sliders including The Veggie (with a Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Patty) and the Black Bean.
Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Nuggets at Burger King?
There’s been no official word from the Burger monster about an official market test, but food vidblogger The Endorsement says he stumbled on them at his local BK and just had to try them:
They look like regular Nuggets, but there’s a gooey, Cheesy surprise inside!
The Endorsement says the cheese inclusion isn’t all that uniform; more like Cheese pockets created by injection. But when you hit the Cheese, you know it. I’m surprised that BK went with Cheddar Cheese. I would have counseled them to use something like Jack or Havarti, which would complement the flavour of the Chicken better.
Subway to test Cauliflower Fritters
Though I’ve trashed Subway many times before in this space, for their cheap policies, slicing their Meats and Cheeses so thin you can literally read through them, the chain seems to have turned over a new leaf – in this case. a Cauliflower leaf. The Sub chain is testing new Cauliflower ‘Fritters’ at select locations in Baltimore and Seattle starting February 28. They’ll be available standalone (‘Dippers’) or in Wraps. Check out the Cauliflower Curry Signature Wrap (a Spinach tortilla with Cauliflower Fritters, Lettuce, Red Onions, Green Peppers, Banana Peppers, and Curry Sauce), and the Cauliflower Ranch Signature Wrap (a Tomato Basil Tortilla filled with Cauliflower Fritters, Spinach, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Jalapeños and Ranch Sauce).
Dominos Streamlines Mobile ordering with Pie Pass
The Pizza giant is instituting a new way for folks who order and pay via the smartphone app to skip the line and just breeze out with their pie. Pie Pass lets you order and pay from your phone, check the status of your order on your phone using Dominos Tracker while driving to the restaurant. You’ll be welcomed by a digital message board and advised when your order is ready. It’s the same idea as similar programs being instituted by Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s threatening to make us all a little fatter over the coming days and weeks. Sere you back her in 7 for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.