We’re back to a more balanced ‘menu’ at Fast Food Week this time around… Competitors are beginning to respond to McDonald’s new Value Menu 2.0. There’s a cross-sector focus on fan faves as new limited-time specials. And March Madness lurks in the background…
The new Rolled Quesadilla from Taco Bell… Bigger, but better value?
The rundown…
Check out Chipotle’s unique new Cilantro Lime sauce! And follow the protein fad’s progress – with New Kraft PowerMac Mac & Cheese…
MAINS
Taco Bell rolls out new Rolled Quesadilla
It’s really just a burrito rolled in a two-later, cheese filled Quesadilla shell. But it has more going for it than that. Rather than cutting the size to save money, the Bell went with a bigger roll and upped the price a little. The idea is, you get greater value overall… There’s also a new $2.49 Crispy Chicken Slider, which directly addresses the new small is bigger concept intro’d by McDonald’s in its McValue Menu.
Shake Shack offers free Chicken Shacks!
… With any regular order totalling $10 or more, until April 1. And that’s no joke! You must order through the Shake Shack website, app, or in-restaurant kiosk using the code ‘SPRINGCHICKEN’. The Chicken Shack crispy-fried chicken breast sandwich usually sells for around $8 to $10… Looks like the Shack is really trying to push it’s new sammy!
Wendy’s unveils a new March Madness menu
The burger babe with the braids has something really special for fans, to celebrate the annual NCAA Basketball final. It’s a whole menu of special game-day treats. The roster is built on the chain’s Dunks Menu: headlined by Fries and Frosties.
Now, Wendy is adding a six-piece chicken nugget entrée in either original or spicy, as well as a three-piece chicken tenders entrée, which you can order with any of Wendy’s of sauces. …
Popeye’s Classic Chicken Sandwich now a ‘$5 Fave’
The old sailor has moved his famous Chicken Sandwich to the $5 Faves menu for a limited time. It’s 2019 launch triggered customer chaos, with round-the-block lineups. Now, there may be a repeat performance by fans. It’s no blink-and-you-miss-it promo, either. The deal is good now through May 3…
Carl’s Jr. stacks new Western Bacon Chicken
The sandwich is described as a poultry version of the chain’s famous Western Bacon Cheeseburger. It’s available now through May 12. Starting April 8, you can order Carl’s new updated dipping sauce lineup for its Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders. There’s Western BBQ, Garlic Ranch, Santa Fe Sauce, Cool Ranch and Diablo Habanero Ranch… Check them out on their new namesake burgers!
Kraft PowerMac Packs Protein
Another famously unhealthy UPF is packing protein into its latest version to entice fans with a ‘healthier’ image. Kraft Mac & Cheese (Kraft Dinner in Canada) is releasing new PowerMac, which delivers 17 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre per serving.
“We developed PowerMac for consumers who want more from their everyday meals without compromising on great taste,” said Ashleigh Edmonds, Senior Director of Marketing for Kraft Mac & Cheese.
SIDES
Chipotle launches new Cilantro Lime Sauce
After a highly successful test last year, Chipotle has added its unique creamy Cilantro Lime sauce to the menu. CL Sauce blends starts with sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime, Mexican spices, and roasted jalapeños – resulting in a rich yet bright flavour ‘kick’. As with all Chipotle ingredients, it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
BEVERAGES
Heineken Delivers 0 x 0 Brew
The 1974 Billy Preston hit says, “Nothing from nothing leaves nothing…” It’s talking about lost love. But Heineken is now offering Zero-Calorie, Zero-Alcohol beer. Which could use the slogan, “Nothing times nothing makes nothing’. Heineken 0.0 Ultimate ‘features light fruity notes layered over a subtle malty backbone, built to deliver the familiar snap of a cold lager.’
DESSERTS & SNACKS
Goldfish brings back Butterbeer Grahams
The iconic cheese cracker brand is reprising its popular Harry Potter-themed Butterbeer Grahams version. “After seeing the incredible fan response to last year’s launch…
… “bringing back Goldfish Butterbeer Flavored Grahams was an easy decision,” said Mike Fanelli, Senior Director, Goldfish. You get a hint of vanilla and butterscotch to complement the trademark nutty Graham flavour.
NOVELTIES
Pizza Hut and Space Jam partner for March Madness
The Hut is bringing back it’s famous Triple Treat Box to celebrate March Madness. And the theme is the 30th anniversary of Space Jam. This time around, the three-drawer pizza box contains two medium pizzas on Pizza Hut’s updated Hand Tossed crust, plus breadsticks and cinnamon sticks. Hut Rewards program members get a shot at a contest, and everyone gets access to a special March Madness game in the Treat Box. Runs through April 7…
Go in style to The Devil Wears Prada 2
The Devil Wears Prada 2 lands in theatres on April 30, and AMC is offering a stylish collector popcorn bucket to celebrate (see photo, top of page). It’s actually a red ‘knock-off’ Prada handbag that holds a major load of corn. My take: For once, a popcorn bucket promo that makes some kind of sense…
EVENTS
McDonald’s marks McDAAG 2026 with Happy Meal
McD’s created and sponsors the annual McDonald’s All American Games. It’s the apex championship for America’s best high school basketball players. This year, McD’s is celebrating with a special Happy Meal whichiclues a mini basketball jersey and a pair of McCrocs.
The tourney tips off at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on March 31, and will be aired live on ESPN. Visit: mcdonaldsallamerican.com for details.
Burger King mascot deposed – You are the new King!
BK announced, during the Oscars broadcast, that it’s retiring its ‘creepy king’, big-headed monarch mascot and taking a new approach to brand identity. “There’s A New King And It’s You” the slogan proclaims. The promo campaign is intended to ‘document the real, years long story of co-creating the future of Burger King with guests’. Think: Return of the ‘Have It Your Way’ culture, and recent fan-input projects…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little more prone to cast a bigger shadow over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next Easter Treat-ridden edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.