First, some actual news about the future of the former McDonald’s outlets in Russia. Then… The return of some classics at Taco Bell and Crispy Kreme. All-new summer coolers from McDonald’s, Shake Shack, Starbucks and Mountain DEW. And a new Chicken sandwich – finally – from Wing Stop…
Happier Times: Opening day at the first Rusian McDonald’s, in Pushkin Square, 1990.
And now, just like that – Poof! – McDonald’s ends a 32-year presence in Russia.
McDonald’s sells Russian business to oil-igarch
No sooner had McDonald’s announced (just this past Wednesday) that it would sell its Russian holdings, than it announced an actual sale (Thursday), to Siberian oil tycoon Alexander Govor. He already operates 25 former McDonald’s restos in the country. No word how much the deal is worth. But Govor has agreed to keep the chain’s 62,000 resto workers employed for at least 2 years, and ‘take responsibility’ for existing supplies, rent and utilities.
The deal still needs the approval of regulators, and Govor will operate his new 850-location empire under a new brand name and menu.
And just like that – Poof! – McDonald’s ends a 32-year presence in Russia.
Wing Stop testing new Chicken Sammy (finally)
Late to the Chicken Sammy orgy, Wing Stop is finally test marketing its entry, hoping to differentiate itself from the competition by offering the thing in all 11 of it’s signature wing sauce flavours.
It’s your basic (archetypal) Chick-Fil-A style sammy: A deep fried breaded Chicken Breast on a bun, topped with crinkle-cut pickles. But, as we said, the secret is in the sauce(s). It’s testing now at selected locations in Columbus, OH; Fresno, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and Orlando, FL. I don’t see how it can miss.
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza finally back
The Bell announced way back in December of last year, that it would bring back its late, lamented Mexican Pizza sometime this spring. And here it is. The cute little personal sized pie is built on a pair of flour tortillas stuffed with signature ground beef and refried beans, and topped with a blend of Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses (3-cheese blend), and diced tomatoes. A vegetarian version is available, stuffed with beans only. You can get the MP in a pair of combos (see details in store).
Pizza Hut Canada flings Wings & Things
The Hut is currently offering a Wings & Things appetizer sampler box which includes chicken wings, boneless bites, mozzarella sticks, fries, and one dip…
Choose from Cheddar Jalapeno, Creamy Garlic, Marinara, and Peppercorn Ranch. All that for (C)$20. / ~(US)$15.50. Snack yourself silly!
Hot Pockets goes microwave free
Or not. Depends on whether you want your new Deliwitch hot or room temp. You can have it either way, after simply defrosting the frozen product. Initial ‘flavours’ include: Cheddar & Ham; Turkey & Colby; Cheddar Melt; and Pepperoni & Mozzarella.
Krispy Kreme brings back Graduate Dozen
That’s a dozen specially-decorated original doughnuts with a 2022 theme, designed to commemorate this year’s graduating class.
As in the past, grads can claim their free dozen simply by turning up in 2022 class gear or their cap and gown on May 25. Ordinary folks can purchase a Grad Dozen on May 23-24 and May 26-29, while supplies last.
McDonald’s jumps on Pretzel bandwagon
We’ve been seeing new treats this spring celebrating the pretzel – in big ways and small. Starting May 25, McDonald’s will be spooning up a Choclately Pretzel McFlurry for the usual limited time. It’s regular soft serve with crunchy chocolate-covered pretzel bits and a rich caramel sauce swirled in. And more crunchies on top, apparently.
Shake Shack tests non-dairy milkshake
And, as it happens, a corresponding non-dairy Ice Cream. Both are made from a plant-based custard from NotCo, a new dairy-alternative developer.
You can only try it if you visit the right Southern Florida or NYC stores, though. Any way you look at it, a new shake has to be big news for a chain with ‘Shake’ in its name.
Starbuck’s adds Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
It’s the store’s standard Cold Brew coffee with Cold Brew coffee with a shot of vanilla syrup, and topped it off with chocolate cream cold-foam. Also returning to the permanent menu is the the Bacon, Sausage & Egg Wrap; a warm flour tortilla stuffed with double-smoked bacon, pork sausage, scrambled eggs, Cheddar cheese, and potatoes.
MTN DEW cracks Purple Thunder
The DEW is now pouring Purple Thunder, a new blend of blackberry and plum flavours, as a limited-time special, exclusive to Circle K convenience stores.
One reviewer describes the taste as, “unique […] light, fresh, and lingering.” And less sweet than expected. It’s a collab with the imminent Bob’s Burgers movie premiere.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what will be making so0me of a little less bikini-worthy on into the first unofficial weeks of summer. See you back here in 7 for the next jam-packed edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.