Every time I turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper – or even visit the Yahoo! News pages – someone is saying or writing how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing our lives. I don’t dispute that assertion. But I can’t help wondering what the new normal will be once the crisis is over…
Krispy Kreme is giving away a dozen Original Glazed Donuts to
every Health Care Worker who asks for them on Mondays…
In the Fast Food sphere, I think we’ll see ongoing consumer reliance on online and phone app ordering and payment, and the consolidation of delivery and drive-through pick-up as the way we interact with quick service restos (QSRs). I’ve read one opinion piece that predicts people will shun resto dining rooms long after the pandemic has passed, just out of lingering habit and lingering suspicion that they might catch ‘something’ from the person sitting too close to them at the next table.
I’m also curious to see how the collective pandemic experience affects our choice of foods… But that’s all for later. For now, the COVID-19 crisis is threatening to kill millions of small Mom and Pop eateries and put millions of restaurant employees out of work.
Nevertheless…
The major Fast Food chains have developed strategies designed to keep you ordering. And limited time specials are in the forefront of their battle, as are new menu items and menu revamps, to keep you interested.
Krispy Kreme feeding healthcare workers
Every Monday between now and May 12, Krispy Kreme will be giving out free dozen boxes of their Original Glazed Donuts to healthcare workers.
The news release says, “just go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru, tell us what you need and show us your employer badge.” There appears to be no limit on how many dozen legit healthcare workers can get.
On Saturdays now through the middle of May anyone can get a free dozen Original Glazed Donuts with the purchase of 12 or more Donuts.Each dozen will be bagged and sealed for your peace of mind.
McDonalds to restrict its menu
An internal document leaked from McDonalds and received by Business Insider this week says the Burger Giant is planning to temporarily reduce the number of menu items it offers.
“To simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew, and ensure the best possible experience for our customers, we are working with our franchisees and local restaurants to focus on serving our most popular choices and will begin temporarily removing some items from the menu over the next few weeks,” Bill Garrett, McDonald’s Senior VP of Operations, confirmed to Business Insider.
Menu items on the chopping block include Salads, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, and Chicken Tenders.
Popeye’s gives customers free Netflix
Stuck at home under a ‘Say At Home’ order? Order up some Popeye’s Chicken and kick back with a free Netflix movie. The Chicken chain will gift Netflix creds to the first 1,000 fans who Tweet pix of themselves chowing down on Popeye’s Chicken, using the hash tag #ThatPasswordFromPopeyes.
Taco Bell offers 1-day Free Taco Deal
Just drive thru the Taco Bell Drive Thru on Monday March 31 and get a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco. No purchase necessary!
Arby’s offers 2 for $6 Drive Thru deal
The dining room is closed, but you can still pick up Arbys by Drive Thru – and take advantage of a 2 for $6 Sandwich deal. Mix and match between Crispy Chicken, Crispy Fish, and Beef ‘N Cheddar sandwiches. It’s a limited time deal, but the company says it will last until “everything can go back to normal.” Just mention ‘Drive Thru Deals’ when ordering.
Sub fans rejoice
Buy two Subway Footlong Sandwiches and get a third free, for takeout or Drive Thru (where available). It’s a limited time deal, at participating locations,but the chain has not specified when it will expire.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to me making some drive through the Drive Thru more often this coming week. Back in 7 with another special COVID-19 edition of fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.