The MAINS gang up on other Fast Food categories again this week. At the same time, we found no notable SIDES. But there’s lots to celebrate this Valentine’s Day! Dive into a flood of seasonal beverages from all corners of the sector…
The rundown…
Sharing is the key theme this Valentine’s weekend. Or, join Wendy’s in its celebration of Singles Awareness Day…
MAINS
Jimmy John’s glitters with ‘diamonds’
Meal Diamond Deals, that is. The Deal features JJ’s Ham & Three Cheese Melt, chips, and a regular fountain drink, for around $12. Price varies with location. You can also get it with a regular-sized sub. Or a Giant Sub – at a significantly higher price.
Wendy’s shows Singles some love
Wendy’s is known to veer off the beaten tack when it comes to established ‘holidays’. This year, it’s showing singles some extra love with a special Singles’ Awareness Day promo the day after Valen-tine’s. Get a Dave’s Single for just a buck, with any regular purchase, on February 15 (that’s tomorrow!).
Wingstop ships new Loaded Flavour Boxes
They’re just $9, and they’re loaded with food. You get 6 bone-in or boneless wings, or tenders. If I was near a Wingstop, I’d rush right out for the Tenders!
You can have them tossed in one of four sauces, thyen drizzled with the Stop’s Housemade Ranch. All served up on a bed of Fries.
Fatburger unveils a new ‘Flatburger’
Yes… It’s a pair of smash-style patties, each topped with a slice of classic American (processed) Cheese. (See photo, top of page.) Then comes grilled onions, pickles, and signature Fatburger Sauce – all on a toasted bun. You thought it should be called the ‘Skinnyburger’? FatB already has one, that uses 2 (regular) patties as the buns…
Freezer to fingers: Red Baron débuts Korean BBQ Pizza
The Baron has finally caught up with the foodies’ fascination with Korean flavours. It’s a partnership with Korean brand Bibigo. The new pie features: Korean BBQ‑style sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, mar-inated beef, carrots, caramelized onions, and green onions. And as you might have guessed, it’s a limited time offer…
SONIC brings back Fish for Lent
The retro-themed diner is bringing its popular Fish Sandwich for Lent. The simple, classic Fish Sammy features a wild-caught Alaska pollock filet served with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce on a toasted bun.
While McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish ‘bunwich’ has a notorious ‘ick’ reputation, SONIC’s sammy is made with real, species-identified fish, is bigger, and has a dedicated fan following.
Canadiana: Mucho Burrito pushes Valentine’s sharing…
Mucho has declared February a Month of Love initiative, and is celebrating with a BOGO offer on Build-Your-Own Regular and MUCHO-sized burritos and bowls on February 14. Available in-store only, at participating locations across Canada. The promotion encourages folks to share meals ‘at a time when value and togetherness matter more than ever’.
Canadiana: Mary Brown ships out Sharing Box
Mary Brown – the gal with the best (chicken) legs in town – is offering a special Sharing Box all this month. “February is full of moments Canadians love to celebrate,” says Jackie Guo, Senior Marketing Manager, MBI Brands. “The Champion’s Box pairs bold flavours with generous portions, making it the ultimate companion for any game-day spread.”
BEVERAGES
Dunkin’s Valentine’s menu: Late bloomer?
We only found out about it on February 9. But it’s here at least through today, and maybe longer.
The specials include Refreshers, Lattés, Chais and Matchas, and 5 Valentine’s-themes doughnuts and Munchkins. Consider the 25-piece Valentine’s Day Munchkin variety tin!
Shake Shack ‘shakes up’ Valentine’s
The Shack has whipped up a special celebratory shake for your honey. The True Love Shake starts with vanilla frozen custard, blends it with strawberry purée, tops it with a coating of dark chocolate, and finishes with a swirl of chocolate whipped cream sprinkled with strawberry curls. If you buy a TLS on Valentine’s Day (today!), you’ll get a second one free. So you and your sweetie can get a little sweeter together…
SONIC intros Peanut Butter Shake
The guys who bill themselves as America’s last real diner are pouring a new limited-time Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake. It’ll remind you of an old-time soda fountain sundae. The shake starts with vanilla soft serve blended with chocolate syrup, peanut butter syrup, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Then it’s crowned with whipped topping and a maraschino cherry.
Starbuck’s adds Special Valentine’s Day quaffs
The Premium Coffee vendor is offering a pair of special, Valentine’s-themed, strawberry-flavoured bevs. Try the White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew, or the Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino.
Before their new CEO arrived preaching menu simplicity, SB’s might have floated half a dozen or more Valentine’s bevs…
DESSERTS & SNACKS
Cheez-It goes gluten-free
The popular sna-cracker brand has introduced a gluten-free version. Fans had been asking for a gluten-free alternative for years… “We took the time to get it right. Now, even more fans can finally enjoy the Cheez-It experience they’ve been waiting for,” said Cara Tragseiler, Senior Brand Director for Cheez-It.
EVENTS
NYC food delivery reg stirs up ire
This time, it’s users of UBER Eats and DoorDash who are rebelling. It’s all about a new trend, where the two services have moved their tipping prompts forward, before delivery. Average tips have de-clined from $2.17 to just $0.76. It’s apparently an outgrowth of last year’s new NYC law mandating that drivers are paid a ‘living wage’.
Canadiana: Tim Hortons Gifts Special Olympics
It’s an annual tradition, and Tim’s has done itself one better again this year. The iconic chain raised $1.3 million with its annual Olympic Doughnut campaign.
“This campaign shows what’s possible when Canadians choose to include,” says Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada. “Every Special Olympics Doughnut purchased will help open doors for athletes of all ages and abilities across the country – fuelling confidence, connection, and oppor-tunity through sport.”
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little more ‘sprung’ than ‘spring’ in the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next ultra-competitive edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.