It’s a parade of Mains and Snacks this week. Call it a mid-summer refresh of ‘America’s Fast Food Menu’. Over a dozen hallmark brands are represented. And there’s also a heroic corps of Novelties bringing up the rear…
Panera’s new Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich, Kickin’ Grilled Cheese…
The rundown…
The Dog Days of Summer are upon us. And it’s fitting that, again this week, there are so many summer-themed treats on the menu…
Mains
Panera spills new summer menu items
Make way for The Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich, Kickin’ Grilled Cheese, and a new take on Avocado Toast. But that’s not all. And… Much loved Blueberry and Sesame Bagels are coming back. In an unprecedented move, Panera also lets you, “order any whole-sized sandwich and customize the bread to the bagel of your choice — and you’ve got yourself two bagel sandwiches.”
Taco Bell launches Cheesy Street Chalupas
The Bell says the new treat, “fuses inspiration from street tacos with Taco Bell flavors and Quesalupa-inspired cheesy chalupa shells.”
Choose from Cantina Chicken or Grilled Steak, filled with, “traditional street taco ingredients,” including, “fresh onions and cilantro, remixed with premium proteins […] melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses.” They’re billed as ‘street-sized’ snacks, and come 2 to an order.
El Pollo Loco rolls 3 new burritos
The crazy chicken is updating its burrito menu again. This time, adding 3 new Fire-Grilled Chicken Burritos: Guacamole Chicken, Chipotle Guacamole Chicken, and Queso Guacamole Chicken. The Guac is home-made, at each store. They’re billed as, “more portable, flavorful, filling, and convenient” than their predecessors.
Arby’s tests new Pulled Pork sammy
The guys who ‘Have The Meats’ are testing something new: A Pulled Pork Sandwich. It comes with pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun…
… With and a choice of BBQ sauce on the side. I’d love to try it just the way Arby’s pictures it: With a side of Curly Fries and a Diet Coke…
Jack In The Box unveils Chicken and Waffle Sticks…
It’s another Deadpool & Wolverine movie tie-in… Featuring two crispy-fried chicken strips and three waffle sticks, with a side of syrup for dipping. One reviewer astutely labels the menu item ‘a portable take on chicken on waffles’. There’s also a snack-sized option, comprised of three waffle sticks and syrup.
… And reprises Chicken Strips à la carte
Chicken Strips are also back, as a solo act, now through August 5. And they’re backed up by two new ‘sidekick’ dipping sauces: Honey Sriracha and Bacon Ranch. In 3- and 5- piece orders or a 2-piece snack box.
Del Taco updates its $2 And Up Real Deals
DTs is ‘refreshing it’s popular ‘Del’s Dollar Deals’ value menu with a slate of of 15 items priced at $2 or less.
The new menu includes Buritos, Tacos, Nachos, Quesadillas, ‘Rollers’ and a Tostada. Tacos can be ordered in regular dinner size or snack size.
Little Caesar’s slides out $7.99 Pizza Deal
It’s a large Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza, and it’s just $7.99 at Little Caesar’s. It’s a limited-time deal, available ‘Hot-N-Ready’ from 4 to 8 pm at participating locations. There’s also a parallel deal which offers a 2-topping Thin Crust Pizza for $8.99.
Wingstop makes Hot Honey Rub permanent
Wing Stop’s Hot Honey Rub was so popular they’re making it part of their permanent menu. Hailed by the chain as overwhelmingly popular among, “fans, celebrities, and athletes,” the flavour was first introduced in 2022, and brought back several times. It’s simply Wingstop’s best-selling limited-time flavor of all time!
Sides
Arby’s adds Jalapeño Bites to its 2 For $6 deal
The roast beef sandwich king is adding new Jalapeño Bites to its 2 For $6 ‘Everyday Value’ mix-and-match meal deal. And it’s dumping Mozzarella sticks.
The Bites are apparently half-Jalapeños filled with sour cream, breaded and deep fried. The other options in the deal are: Arby’s Classic Roast Beef and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches.
Popeye’s adds new Happy Hour sides
From 5 to 9 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, digital orderers can get regular size orders of: Cajun Fries, Red Beans & Rice, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, or Cole Slaw. For $2 each. Up to a mix-and-match maximum of 3 items. That’s the equivalent of half price in most parts of the US…
Snacks
KFC + Ruffles = Zinger-flavoured Chips
Specifically, new Ruffles Double Crunch KFC Zinger-flavored potato chips. And only in Canada, for now, at least.
At the usual Ruffles convenience store and supermarket outlets as well as select KFC restaurants across my home and native land. The KFC Zinger is a spicy version of the KFC Chicken Breast sandwich offered on the regular menu in several markets.
Funyuns + Maruchan = Spicy Onion Ramen
It may have set a record for the longest snack name ever: Funyuns x Maruchan Hot & Spicy Chicken RamenOnion Flavored Rings. Available at ‘select retailers’, starting August 5, while supplies last. It’s really a ‘natural’ that nobody thought to sell until now.
GoodPop + Ore-Ida = French Fry Ice Cream
Crazy? Maybe. But remember, folks have made a minor thing out of dipping fries in shakes. Salt and sweet. Smooth and crispy. Anyway, GoodPop, the venerable ice cream bar maker, has partnered with french fry giant Ore-Ida to create a Fudge n’ Vanilla French Fry Pop. It’s vanilla ice cream on the inside, and chocolate + fry-covered on the outside. They’re calling it a ‘revolutionary’ pairing…
Krispy Kreme fêtes Olympics with Paris collection
It’s officially the ‘Passport to Paris Collection’. It’s designed to being a little bit of Paris across the pond in the form of si9nkers reminiscent of, “iconic Parisian desserts”.
The collection includes three specially-decorated flavours: Crème Brûlée, Double Chocolate Éclair, and Raspberry & Vanilla Crème. Available starting July 26, and throughout the games. Also at participating retailers.
Subway rolls out Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
…In Canada, only. For now. It’s described as a thick layer of vanilla ice cream ‘sandwiched by two soft and chewy Chocolate Chunk cookies’. I’m loving this. (Nostalgic flashback to my hyper-Caloric childhood.) At (C)$3.49 / (US)$2.55, They’d better be they’re nice and big…
Novelties
Doritos Coffee perks up Aussies!
Doritos is pumping up its Australian flavour selection with a new Coffee variety. They say Australians may be the ultimate coffee lovers – in spite of the fact that the US has long (unofficially) claimed a lock on that dubious honour.
Alas, the new chips could only be won in an online-based contest. Instagram users had to post to Doritos’ social media site, sharing, “what is making you mad right now?” If they got enough entries, they might consider a general release of the flavour…
Super Mario Mac & Cheese
For the kid in all of us! Kraft has partnered with Nintendo to bring you, “Kraft Mac & Cheese Super Mario Shapes. The pasta is inspired by the game’s iconic universe, with pasta in the shape of Fire Flower, Super Star, and Super Mushroom shapes.” (See photo, top of page.) “In today’s fast-paced world, it has become increasingly difficult for families to find time to enjoy meals together,” says Ashleigh Gibson, Senior Director of Marketing for Kraft Mac & Cheese. “We’ve always helped families reground, reset, and reconnect during mealtime.”
Trader Joe a drug dealer? (Just kidding!)
But you might be arrested as one if you land in South Korea with a jar of Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. (Or anything with poppy seeds on or in it.) That’s how strict Korean drug laws are. The US Embassy tells travellers: Possession of the product could, “result in fines, entry and exit bans, or even imprisonment.” The passenger terminal at Incheon International Airport is reportedly plastered with warning signs featuring photos of the Trader Joe’s product…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to make some of us a little less skinny – but a little more joyful – over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next bountiful edition of Fast Food Week!
Maggie J.