Have you noticed how all the major chains are now forcing you to use their mobile apps or web-site ordering pages to qualify for their deals and specials? I hate that. It’s called coercion. Some would say ‘blackmail’. Anyway, that’s the kind of thing that makes up the lion’s share of our bulletins this week…
The Taco Bell 60th Birthday Meal Deal: Enough for 2 (or 3?)…
Taco Bell Celebrates 60 years!
The Bell’s first location opened back in 1962. To celebrate its 60th birthday, the chain is offering a special veggie combo meal featuring TB’s Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, a Bean Burrito, a Spicy Potato Soft Taco, a pack of Cinnamon Twists, a large unsweetened Iced Tea and 2 packs of Diablo Sauce. None of which were on the menu back in ’62.
Panera Does Chicken Sammy double-take
That’s two new Chicken sandwiches, to you. The Signature Take teams a chicken breast filet, a new garlic aioli sauce, parmesan crisps, and mixed leafy greens on a brioche roll.
The Spicy Take subs Spicy Pickle Chips for the cheese crisps, leaves off the leafies, and adds Buffalo Sauce. Get a free drink now through April 10, when you order through the app and use the code ‘FREEDRINK’.
Little Caesar’s stuffs it…
Crazy Bread, that is. The popular treat is back across the chain, though it never left at some locations following a brief outing in 2017. Regular Crazy Bread is stuffed with melted cheese and paired with a little tub of Crazy Sauce (Marinara) for dipping. It’s Hot ‘N Ready between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and they’ll make it for you (taking slightly longer) anytime during the day. And check out the Stuffed Crazy Bread Meal Deal: 1 Classic Pizza (1 topping), Stuffed Crazy Bread and a 2-liter bottle of soda. At participating locations when ordering online.
Shrimp Tackle Box back at Popeye’s
The Shrimp Tackle Box meal deal is back, and you get a buck off when you order online or through the app.
You get 8 crispy-fried Butterfly Shrimp, 1 regular side, 1 biscuit, and a dipping sauce of your choice. $6 regular, $5 for appsters.
Carl’s and Hardee’s launch rewards program
Late to the game, but eager to compete, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have rolled out a new My Rewards loyalty program on their recently-released mobile app. You collect ‘stars’ for every purchase: 10 for every dollar spent. And you hit redemption points at 150, 300 and 500 stars. The program will also offer specials and discounts for members only, through the app. Check the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s websites for details and news of deals.
McD’s pours Szechuan Sauce again
Last seen in the wild back in 2018, McD’s almost legendary Szechuan Sauce is coming back for a special promotion.
The catch is, it’s apparently around for one day only, March 31, and you have to order Chicken McNuggets through the app to qualify.
Pop Tarts bakes up Snickerdoodles
Why it took this long to make the connection, I don’t know. Snickerdoodle-flavoured Pop Tarts seem like a natural, when you think about it. (See photo, top of page.) No indication that this is a limited-time offering, but if you’re dialed in, get ’em early, and get ’em often…
Cake Batter Shakes return to SONIC
Brownie Batter and Yellow Cake Batter shakes are back at SONIC for s limited time, while supplies last.
App users got a special pre-release taste of them starting March 21, and the chainwide general release comes March 28.
A free doughnut for a peek at your bracket
Krispy Kreme is offering a free original glazed doughnut to any fan who brings in their live or busted March Madness bracket between March 24 and 27. Really. Thaty’s all it takes. Show and tell. And eat.
Pepsi x IHOP = Maple Syrup Cola
Nothing goes with pancakes like real Maple Syrup. And IHOP says nothing goes with Maple Syrup like a Pepsi. It’s actually a Pepsi initiative, with IHOP riding along.
Pepsi will give away limited edition Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola to the first 200 fans to post a photo of their pancakes on Twitter with the hashtag #ShowUsYourStack. No word whether the super-sweet stuff will be available on the mass market for any period of time. What a shame if only 2,000 people get to taste it!
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us (who order by app or online) a little fatter over the days and weeks to come. Tune in right back here in 7 for the next edition of Fast Food Week.
~ Maggie J.