There’s lots and lots of ‘take-out and delivery’ oriented news in the Fast Food and Snacks sphere this week. We present dispatches from Arby’s, Sonic, Panda Express, Subway, Chipotle, Dunkin’s, McDonald’s and more. There’s no shortage of COVID-19 lock down menu brighteners available!
The new Arby’s Chicken Cheddar Ranch Sandwich is available as part
of the ongoing 2 for $6 deal. For drive-thru service only…
Arby’s offers new Chicken Cheddar Ranch Sandwich
It’s a mouthful, whether you’re talking about the name or the Sammy itself. What gets me is, Cheddar Cheese and Poultry don’t exactly complement one another that well. I guess Arby’s test kitchen staff are going a little gaga under the COVID-19 stay tome order. At any rate, the Sandwich starts with a toasted Sesame Seed Bun, adds two Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders, and tops them with Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Parmesan Peppercorn Ranch Sauce. Told you it was a mouthful!
Panda Express is bringing back its Family Meal Deal for pick-up through May 17.
Panda Express brings back Family Meal deal
The Asian Bowl people are once again offering their Family Meal package to ease your COVID-19 lock-down menu boredom. The deal includes two Large Sides and three Large Entrees, and is intended to feed 4 people. ‘Premium’ entrées are available at an additional charge. Order via the Panda Express mobile app, now through May 17.
Sonic unveils new Queso Burger
The Queso Burger features Queso Sauce and includes Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Onions and Mayo on a quarter-pound Beef Patty, all stacked inside a Toasted ‘Bakery’ Bun. This new spicy delight is around for a limited time only.
Subway rolls out BOGO Footlongs
The chain whose Deli Meats were once sliced so thin you could literally read the newspaper through them is offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal on Footlong Sandwiches. The deal is available only at participating locations for a limited time, of course. Find out if your local Subway is participating by ordering through the mobile app and adding two Footlongs to your shopping basket. The discount will automatically show up is it’s being offered there.
Chipotle débuts new Lifestyle Bowls
The Tex-Mex chain that battle back from a chain of food poisoning scandals a couple of years ago is offering 5 new Lifestyle Bowls in its continuing effort to update its menu and offer more healthful choices. Names after the health and wellness gurus whose advice their ingredients reflect, they include: the Chris Brickley Bowl , the Cody Rigsby Salad, the Dr. Mark Hyman Salad, the Tia-Clair Toomey Bowl, and the Mat Fraser Bowl. Check them out (and order them for pick-up) at Chipotle.com, or use the mobile app.
Dunkin’s launches new Croissante ‘Stuffers’…
The Doughnut monster is expanding its sandwich line with two new Croissante Stuffers (see photo, top of page): The Three Cheese Croissant Stuffer incorporates Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses with a Swiss Cheese topping. The Chicken, Bacon & Cheese Croissant Stuffer packs Chicken, Bacon, and Colby Jack Cheese topped with Everything Seasoning.
… Reprises Butter Pecan Shots
Butter Pecan flavour shots are back at Dunkin’s for a limited time. Get ’em in Hot and Iced Coffees, Espresso Drinks, Frozen Coffee, and Frozen Chocolate. Butter Pecan is one of the chain’s best sellers and fans will probably line up for it this spring. We hope they observe safe distancing rules.
Hidden Valley brings ‘Secret’ Sauces home
The folks who became famous for their Ranch Dressing have launched a new line of ‘Secret Sauces’, designed to give you the restaurant Sauce experience in the comfort of your own locked-down home. While these sauces don’t claim to exactly replicate any particular resto’s signature spreads, they do cover the popular range, with Original (cool and tangy), Smokehouse (BBQ Ranch), and Spicy (Sriracha Mayo). All three come in convenient squeeze bottles.
McDonald’s announces summer Slushie flavour
It’s Minute Maid Pink Lemonade, and I’m predicting it will be a sell-out favourite!
And just because… The Izzler!
Ever wonder what Candy designers do when they’re locked down at home under COVID-19 isolation rules and bored out of their skulls? One decided to de-construct a Strawberry Twizzler. Thus was born the Izzler: a Twizzler without the Twist. Fans of the ancient and venerable licorice treat can get ’em for a limited time at Walmart.
Meanwhile…
Check out the websites for all your fave local restos to see what kind of lock down deals they’re offering right now. Those that are still open would love to hear from you!
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be helping us all gain a little more weight during the pandemic lock down over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.