For the first time this year… A lovely, balanced slate including everything from Mains to Novelties! Don’t miss the deals on sandwiches, nuggets, shakes, desserts and more! The overriding theme? ‘Opening the door to a sweltery summer!’
Arby’s ‘Free Sandwich Month’ deal: But only for Rewards members…
Now, our post-Easter rundown of Fast Food sphere news and SKUs…
Mains
Cali Fast Food joints bump prices
The minimum wage for fast food workers in California went up to $20 an hour last Monday, April 1. And that’s no joke. Especially for fast Food operators. Some menu prices were hiked as much as $2 overnight. Observers say there are more to come.
‘Free Sandwich’ Month at Arby’s…
Arby’s has declared April ‘Free Sandwich Month’. At least for Arby’s Rewards members. They can get a free sandwich with any online purchase once a week, each week this month. Sandwich choices include all sandwiches, wraps and gyros on the menu. At participating locations, when ordering in-app or through the website.
… Brings back Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries
First introduced last year as a limited-time thing, Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries are back for another run. They’re a meal in themselves!
Crinkle-cut fries topped with crispy-fried chicken morsels, bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese sauce, topped with peppercorn ranch.
Pizza Hut rolls out $12 Pizza Deal
For a limited time, get any large pizza with up to 10 toppings for $12. At select participating locations across the US. Alas, those aggravating regional differences are many on this deal. Some states may be charging more than $12 for the large Pizza. And in LA, one food blogger reports the deal is good only medium pies…
KFC launches Crispy Onion Ring Sandwich
… In Canada ONLY, for a limited time. It’s a regular KFC Chicken Breast Sandwich – but topped with Onion Rings, KFC Sauce and Mayo.
You can also get it as a Twister Wrap, featuring two crispy-fried tenders, Onion Rings, KFC sauce, and mayo, rolled in a soft flour tortilla.
… Débuts Saucy Chicken Nuggets
KFC has débuted three new flavours of Saucy Chicken Nuggets, while bringing back 2 fan favourites. Honey Sriracha; Korean BBQ; and Sweet & Sour join returning Nashville Hot and Georgia Gold. In 10-piece orders only, at participating locations.
Spicy Chicken McNuggets are back – sort of
… Sort of. That is, they’re back in ‘select local markets’. Check your local McD’s to see if you’re included. They’re like your basic McNuggets, but seasoned with Cayenne and regular chili pepper. In 6-, 10-, 20-, and 40-piece orders.
Sides
Heinz Ketchup Dispensers pop up in Chi
Picture it: Chicago, 2024. Heinz Ketchup dispensing pillars are appearing right beside famous Windy City Hot Dog stands. The catch? Chicago style dogs are traditionally served sans-ketchup.
And adding it is considered a travesty by Chi-Town Dog Purists. The ‘Smack for Heinz’ campaign is billed as, “One of the most consistent ways Heinz fans show their irrational love for our ketchup,” according to Lizzy Goodman, Brand Comms. Manager at Heinz. Just smack the bottom of the bottle for ‘service’!
Beverages
Shake Shack offers ‘PM’ Free Shake deal
Claim your free shake any afternoon now through June 26 by placing a digital order for $10 or more and selecting ‘FAVESHAKE’ in the app. There are 9 current Shake flavours to choose from. Not available on drive-thru, delivery, curbside, or third-party delivery app orders. At participating locations.
Burger King spins Cotton Candy
It’s a new Frozen Cotton Candy treat that will be perfect for summer quenching. It’s unofficially ‘sky’-themed, with a clear blue blend of blue raspberry and cotton candy flavors.
And you can add what BK calls a cold foam ‘cloud’ topping. Available starting April 11, while supplies last.
Del Taco whips up Snickerdoodle Shake
The Snickerdoodle Shake blends fancy Biscoff cookie crumbs into a regular Vanilla Shake. Available for a limited time, across the chain. And a nice nod to spring, and summer to come…
Snacks
KFC pops out Apple Pie Poppers
It’s a natural pairing. KFC Chicken and Apple Pie for dessert. That’s obviously the rationale behind new KFC Apple Pie Poppers. They’re little rolled, flaky pastries stuffed with Apple Pie filling. They come warm, in 4- and 10-piece orders.
Jack Link’s pairs with Dr. Pepper
Pepper is the name, and Pepper is the game. Jack Link’s is preparing to launch a new collab with the iconic soda maker, featuring the flavour of Dr. Pepper in a new jerky treat.
A Wild Dr. Pepper Flavoured meat stick has been been available at Circle-K stores since January. The full line is slated for general release in June.
Tim’s intros new Dream Cookies
They’re baked fresh daily (we presume, from frozen dough, as most house-baked cookies and pastries are), and come in three ‘flavours’: Reese’s Minis and Pecans; M&M’s Minis Milk Chocolate Candies; and Rocky Road with Pecans. They’d better be really big, priced at ‘$2.30 each or three for $6.99’. At participating Tim Horton’s locations across the US.
Taco Bel reprises Dragon Fruit
The Bell has had notable success with its Dragon Fruit Freeze in the past. It’s coming back for an extended run now through the summer.
It’s really a ‘Double Dragon fruit treat, with Dragon Fruit-flavoured slush and a pink Dragon Fruit swirl.
Marigolds bloom at Baskin Robbins
Marigold Dreamsicle ice cream is the flavour of the month for April at BR. The confectioner calls it, “a spoonful of springtime.” Its truly reminiscent of my childhood fave, the Creamsicle pop! BR’s classic Vanilla Bean ice cream is blended with natural flavour from real Marigold blossoms, and hit with an orange swirl.
Novelties
Papa John’s goes Indian in UK
They love their ‘Indian Takeaway’ in the UK. It’s threatening to overtake classic Fish and Chips in popularity. Butter Chicken, Vindaloo and Tandoori spices rule.
Now, Papa John’s Pizza is offering a Tandoori menu in the UK to cater to that taste. There’s an array of Tandoori-blessed pizzas, poppers, wings and tots…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little less likely to appear in public in a swim suit over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next melty edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.