The Fall and Hallowe’en specials are multiplying like chocolate rabbits at Easter time. And we have at least a couple of entries in every FFW category! Of special note: Jersey Mike’s and Panda Express are both bringing back fan fave MAINs…
The rundown…
On the crossover scene… Reese’s and Shake Shack are mashing up a special ‘Drinkable Dessert’. And Zaxby’s is floating a Nerds Strawberry Shake…
MAINS
Jersey Mike’s reprises its famous Hot Italian Sub
Mike’s Hot Italian features ham, salami, and pepperoni, grilled and chopped with melted provolone cheese, then topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and chopped pepper relish on your choice of bread. Its Mike’s all-time best seller! And real treat for heat fans! Viva Italia!
Car’s Jr. now cooks to order!
Recognising an expanding variety of preferences in folks’ burger orders, Carl’s Jr. is switching to the ‘cook to order’ protocol. And to showcase what it calls its ‘Burger Revolution’, it’s offering an Angus Maximus Burger for just $5.99 at participating locations. (See photo, top of page.)
The AM burger features two 1/3 lb / 150 g patties, topped with American cheese, onions, dill pickles, and special sauce, on a toasted brioche bun.
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken returns to Panda Express
It’s a multi-talented menu item, standing on its own as a ‘walking’ dish, available as a protein option for bowls, meals and Family Sized Meals.
One online commenter called it, “the best entrée they’ve made yet.” Panda tested it last year, and fans couldn’t get enough of it…
SIDES
Chipotle bringing Chili Lime chips
After noticing on social media that many fans of its bowls are adding their own Chili Lime Corn Chips to the meal, Chipotle is offing them itself. We’re told that some devotées use the triangular seasoned chips as scoops. Others crush them as a topping. And still others pour the bowl into their chips bags to create a ‘walking taco’.
Dairy Queen pours new dips
DQ has released two new dips designed to enhance your chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, or what-ever… Strip Dip and the Ghost Pepper Dip are available separately for $0.99 each.
Or you can get them included in 2 new meal deals. The new dips join Hidden Valley Ranch in DQ’s MVP condiment line…
BEVERAGES
Reese’s and Shake Shack do ‘Drinkable Dessert’
You could have guessed it would be based on Reese’s PB cups. “The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Shake blends vanilla frozen custard with Reese’s Creamy Peanut Butter and fudge sauce,” says Fast Food reviewer Reach Guinto, “then pours the whole thing into a cup lined with a crackable dark chocolate shell. It’s finished with whipped cream, Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups and chopped Reese’s Pieces.” It’s $10 in LA, where Reach lives. Prices may vary depending on where you live…
Zaxby’s offers Nerds Strawberry Shake
That’s an interesting combo… It’s described as: “A strawberry milkshake mixed with Rainbow Nerds, topped with whipped cream, more Rainbow Nerds, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and a cherry.” Available in small size only. For a limited time…
SNACKS
SALTY
Annie’s adds new Instant Mac & Cheeses
Annie’s has a rep for being a vendor of ‘premium grassroots foods’. Thus it is that the company has released 2 new ‘upgraded’ M&Cs: Macaroni & Grilled Cheese and Super! Mac Dill Pickle.
The former received mixed reviews from some early tasters. The latter, however, won raves! And not just because it features Orecchiette pasta rather than the usual tubes or elbows…
SWEET
Cold Stone going bananas for Jello Pudding
The premium creamery is spotlighting two new ‘Creations’: The Going Bananas for Jell-O Pudding Creation features Jello-O Banana Cream Pudding Ice Cream folded with Nilla Wafers, banana, and whipped topping. The Crumb and Get It Creation combines Honey Maid Graham Cracker Ice Cream, cookie dough, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, and cookie butter.
Krispy Kreme showcases a solo new flavour for Fall…
It’s Apple Cider Original Glazed! And what better flavour for fall? Apple Cider boots the chain’s sig-nature Pumpkin specialty doughnut from the Autumn limelight for the first time in years.
The ACOG, “features a doughnut made with apple cider, spiced with cinnamon, and finished with the brand’s iconic glaze.” I love the idea of Apple Cider flavour infused through-and-through this sinker!
Hershey’s goes cream-filled…
The two new Hershey’s bars feature thin chocolate pockets filled with Salted Caramel and Affogato flavoured creams. It’s a great way for Hershey’s to save money on chocolate, compared to solid chocolate bars. And gets them into the growing snack segment populated by younger folks looking for more variety.
Earlier this year, Hershey’s was guilted into returning to 100 percent chocolate in all its candy con-fections, after it was revealed they had started stealthily substituting ‘chocolate alternatives’ in products such as PB Cups and Kit Kat bars…
NOVELTIES
It’s the season for kids’ meal toys!
… And almost every major Fast Food player has its own squad of Hallowe’en or monster or simply menu-item themed ‘collectables’ If your kids love the toys, they be unbearably whiny until you visit ALL the fast food joints in your neighbourhood at least 5 times each, to get ALL the toys available!
EVENTS
Panera Bread’s Fall Menu is out…
… And it’s bursting with new mains, snacks, desserts and beverages. Check out, especially, the French Ciabatta Dipper; the Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper; the Autumn Squash Soup; and the Rustic Baked Potato Soup.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some us a little more ‘insulated’ in the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next sweater-weather edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.