You’d think there would be little or no action on the fast Food News beat in the break between Christmas and New Year’s. But we were able to find the regulation 6 stories to bring you today. Yes, gimmicks and promo stunts predominate, and one new product is available only in Japan…
The KK Japan Year of the Rat Douhnuts…
Chipotle’s adds Walk-Up windows
The restaurant chain calls the walk-throughs ‘Chipolanes’, and they’re testing them now at locations in Chicago, Cincinnati and Phoenix.
“While we are staying true to Chipotle’s heritage, we are also excited to integrate new, innovative physical features into the restaurant that complement our growing digital business,” Chipotle Chief Development Officer Tabassum Zalotrawala said in a statement. Chipotle’s says it expects to have more than 60 ‘Chipotlanes’ open by the end of next year.
McDonald’s tests ‘Basket of Fries’
Many McD’s fans suffer the embarrassment of hand-traffic-jams in their Fries sleeves if they dine with friends whop don’t buy their own. Now, the Burger Giant is ezper4imenting with Baskets of Fries which not only allow plenty of room for purloining pinkies to get in, but contain twice the fries of a Medium sleeve. No more pouring out multiple sleeves onto napkins or tearing down the takeout bag to use as a ‘tray’.
Krispy Kreme drops Chinese-themed Doughnuts
In honour of the coming Year of the Rat, in the Chinese Zodiac, a Japanese Krispy Kreme outlet is offering ‘rat-shaped’ Doughnuts for a limited time. According to the promotional photo, the same Doughnut shapes also double as ‘snowmen’. Just one question: Why is a Japanese Doughnut store celebrating the Chinese New Year?
White Cheddar ‘Snowflake’ Cheetos
Cheetos is celebrati9ng Winter with new White Cheddar ‘Snowflake’ Cheetos. They come in four different ‘snowflake’ shapes and those who’ve tried them say they’re something special. Get ’em at Walmart of on Amazon, or at selected regular street-level outlets.
Wendy’s selling ‘free Frosty’ key tags
For just $2, you can buy a special key chain tag that will get you a free Wendy’s Junior Frostie at any participating location all through next year – with a regular menu purchase. The tags are on sale now through January 31 at participating Wendy’s outlets, vcia the Web app and through Wendy’s delivery partner, Door Dash.
Charlie the Tuna figurine Joins Funka Pop! family
The guys who specialize in squishy Vinyl-covered figurines of iconic Food mascots have added Starkist’s Charlie the Tuna to their line. Other members of the Funka Pop! family include Green Giant, the Coca-Cola polar bears, and Count Chocula. I have a limited edition Pillsbury Dough Boy!
And that’s the skinny..
… On what’s making a few of us (some in Japan) fatter this holiday season. Se you in seven for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.