We have laboured long and hard to bring you this record-breaking edition of Fast Food Week. Behold: A full array of Mains, Sides, Beverages and Snacks. And no fewer than 4 exotic Novelties. The annual Fall ‘revv-up’ is already under way!
Jimmy John’s new $10 Total Package…
The roundup…
As summer reluctantly draws to a close, the Fast Food Sector is already rushing Fall with all kinds of new cool-season specials….
Mains
Jimmy John’s loads up $10 ‘Total Package’
They’re calling their value deal, “a real value meal that is just as hearty as your appetite.” You get any 6 in. Original Sandwich of your choice, a personal sized bag of any flavour Jimmy’s Chips, a choice of dessert, and a regular fountain drink. It’s a limited-time deal at participating locations across the chain.
Arby’s unveils 3 For $5 deal
The ‘Value’ war grinds on. The latest combatant is Arby’s, with a 3 For $5 package. Choose any three from: Value Chicken Wraps…
… Roast Beef, Jalapeño Beef, Chicken, or Buffalo Chicken Sliders; Small Fries; or a Small Fountain Drink. I already love Arby’s. And I’m loving this deal a lot, too…
Popeye’s brings back Big Boxes
The Louisiana Ki9tchen is loading up its popular Big and Bigger box meals again. Now through August at participating locations. The Big Box ($6.99) includes: your choice of 2 pieces of fried chicken (spicy or mild) or 3 ‘Chicken Tenders to go’, with 2 regular sides and a biscuit. The Bigger version ($20.) com-prises: 10 pieces of fried chicken or 10 Chicken Tenders plus four biscuits for $20. Prices may vary depending on where you live.
Burger King reprises Cheesy Melts
The King is bringing back his fan-fave Cheesy Breakfasts Melts for another go-round, at participating locations across the chain.
Choose from: Original Cheesy Egg; Sausage and Egg, Bacon and Egg, or Ham and Egg. All presented on BK’s signature round toast, with two slices of American (Processed) Cheese.
Blaze Pizza fires up Chili Oil and Hot Honey menu
Blaze Pizza is new on our radar. But they’ve been flying high enough for us to have detected them long before now. With hundreds of locations across 44 states. Their latest menu update features a Chili Oil and Hot Honey-anointed selection. There’s a Spicy Pepperoni Pizza, a Spicy Pepperoni Fast Fire’d Fold (which looks like a folded New York Slice), a Spicy Meatball Bowl, and Spicy Cheesy Bread…
Sides
Hormel seasons Garlic Rosemary Bacon
Like the quirky meat processor’s umpteen flavours of SPAM, this frankly interesting-bounding bacon is available for a limited time only. I usually report on ‘flavoured’ stuff with a grain of salt, and my tongue in my cheek.
But this one actually does appeal. I’d have to try it to be sure, though. I’m hoping Hormel is taking a light hand with the spices; a little garlic and rosemary go a long way!
Beverages
Small Frostie for $1 at Wendy’s
Anytime the store is open, ‘all summer long!’ But only at participating locations. Who says you can’t get anything for a buck, anymore? Wendy’s is currently featuring Chocolate and seasonal Triple Berry flavours…
7-Eleven dipping a toe in Pumpkin Spice Slurpee
Pumpkin Spice is still a thing. In fact, I’ve read in recent days that several of the best-known Fast Food brands are prepping extensive PS menus for launch anytime after mid-September.
7-Eleven, which is gearing up for a massive business model update, is already testing a PS Slurpee. And pouring its 2024 seasonal pumpkin spice coffee lineup. At 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores across the chain.
Snacks
‘Fall Fave’ Pop Tart Is Back… Already…
Yes, the now-classic Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop art is back. Albeit, for a limited time. The fall-coloured-leaf-festooned boxes are back on store shelves almost 2 months before Fall officially begins.
For the uninitiated, these seasonal delights feature Pumpkin Pie Filling and regular white frosting scattered with red, yellow and brown sprinkles.
Mini Chimi Bang Bangs explode at JITB
Disney film fans of the 70s, sing along: “Bang, bang! Mini Chimi Bang Bangs! Mini Chimi Bang Bangs, we love you!’ That’s the tongue twister of the week, and the new snack Jack In The Box is now offer-ing. It’s described as a mini chimichanga, but looks more like a mini deep-fried burrito. And it’s filled with a ‘Southwest chicken’ mixture. One reviewer described the filling as, “an unattractive yellow paste,” with, “a mild Southwest seasoning,” and, “some sparse shreds of chicken.” That’s harsh. If the idea appeals to you, get some and make up your own mind.
Novelties
KFC rolls out Fried Cookie Dough down Under
Deep fried cookie dough bites are the latest dessert ‘thing’ in the land of Aus(tralia). Now through September 2, at participating locations.
(AU)$2.95, in 6-piece orders, or as part of a Complete Treat Box. North American KFC chains take note! They’d even love this one in Mexico…
Kellogg’s flashes giant Pop Tart
Kellogg’s is offering folks in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago a rare treat: They call it the Party Pastry Pop tart. And it’s 73 times bigger than the standard toaster popper. The 3 ft. / 90 cm indulg-ence is priced at (US)$60, including delivery right to your door. The mammoth pastry is part of the Pop Tart’s 60th birthday fête. Details at ShopPopTarts.com.
Burger King Serves Luxe Croissante sandwiches…
… In Spain. Iberian Michelin-starred Chef Dabiz Munoz has created a special Angus burger and a coordinating Crispy Chicken sandwich.
Both served on round, bun-shaped croissantes. And both are topped with: pickles, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato chutney, and special tartar sauce also a brainchild of Dabiz.
Shake Shack + Tide = Problem Solved!
Shake Shack and Tide are collabbing on one of the most utilitarian partnerships in Fast Food history. The Shack is providing free dry cleaning – courtesy of Tide – to fans who upload photos of BBQ Sauce stains on clothes caused by the Shack’s Saucy BBQ Burger. They’ll respond with a $10 coupon you can redeem at Tide Cleaners. They’re calling it ‘Sauce Insurance’…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little hungrier for the cooler days of Fall over the com-ing days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next prematurely pumpkin-spicy edition of fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.