Unrest persisted among Fast Food workers this week. Meanwhile, Panda Express and Little Caesar’s got on the plant-based bandwagon, while Popeye’s and Buffalo Wild Wings announced new real-chicken menu items. And Eggos introduced what may be the ultimate screen addict’s snack…
A whole Lincoln, Nebraska, BK shift team quit in protest over working conditions…
BK employees quit en masse
The whole staff of a Burger King in Lincoln, Nebraska, walked out – quit – last week, in protest over, “months being short-staffed, managerial turnover, and ‘hectic’ work conditions.” A Burger King spokesperson said: “The work experience described at this location is not in line with our brand values. Our franchisee is looking into this situation to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.” I certainly hope not!
Little Caesar’s tests ‘Planteroni’
That’s a pie featuring plant-based Pepperoni. The ‘Field Roast Plant-Based Pepperoni’ is made from pea protein flavoured with fennel, black pepper, garlic, and paprika. The new pie can be ordered at selected Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Portland (Oregon), and Detroit outlets. You can also order Plant-based Pepperoni as an added topping on any LC’s pizza at those locations.
Panda Express launches Plant-based Chicken
The panda has joined the growing number of Fast Food chains offering Plant-based alternatives to their regular fare. Not a brand to do things half-way, Panda Express has created a plant-based version of its famous Orange Chicken.
It’s a collab with Beyond Meat. This is just a test item for now, available at selected New York and Southern California locations, starting July 26, for a limited time.
Buffalo Wild Wings flys a Chicken Sandwich
BWW is joining the Chicken Sandwich Parade (for a limited time only) with a new Classic Chicken Sandwich. Like other Chick-Fil-A and Popeye’s wannbees, the BWW sammy features a hand-breaded Chicken Breast, simply dressed with pickles and mayo. Some like it hot! If you’re one of them, you can request a shot of Wild Sauce Drizzle at no extra charge.
Popeye’s to add Chicken Nuggets
Popeye’s will release new Chicken Nuggets in Canada, the U.S. and Puerto Rico on July 27. It’s a permanent menu item.
These real-chicken (not pink slime or plant-based) nuggets are prepared the same way as the breast fillets in Popeye’s cult-fave Chicken Sandwich. You’ll be able to choose from various order sizes from 4 to 36pieces, with a jumbo 48-piece to be available through Popeye’s.com. Of course, you can request any of Popeye’s dipping sauces to go with.
SONIC celebrates Shark Week
You can get Shark Week Slush at SONIC until tomorrow (Sunday, July 18) when the Discovery Channel and Discovery+ wrap up Shark Week 2021. The concoction features blue-tinted Coconut slush topped with strawberries and a pair of gummy sharks.
Hostess updates iconic Cupcakes
Hostess – which is not noted for blasting out new flavours the way OREOs and others in the snack industry are prone to do – is updating its iconic Cupcakes with three new flavours: Key Lime, Strawberry, and ‘Sundae’. They’re available at the usual sources through July 25, while supplies last.
Eggoji Waffles: Ultimate websurfing treat?
Perhaps musing on the fact that screen addicts like to snack while online, Eggos has brought out a new version designed to complement their habit: Eggojis. They’re Eggos with Emoji designs imprinted on them instead of the usual ‘waffle’ pattern.
To promiote the new product, Eggos is donating up to half a million breakfasts to the No Kid Hungry program. All you have to do is use the hashtag ##EggojiNoKidHungry on your social media posts and Egos will donate yup to 10 meals per tag, now through July 31.
What? Hallowe’en-themed stuff already?
Kellogg’s doesn’t seem to think it’s to early. They’ve announced new Addams Family 2-themed cereal and snacks in a promo collab with the opening of the new movie. The products come online at the usual outleys this month. Look for: 3 Kellogg’s Spooky Cereals (Froot Loops, Chocolate Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks); Kellogg’s Froot Loops Jumbo Snax; Pop-Tarts Frosted Spooky Chocolatey Fudge Bites; and Rice Krispies Treats Original Big Bars.
Novelty Alert: Domino’s Japan floats Fish & Chips Pizza
No kidding. There seems to be a war on, over in the land of the rising sun, to determine which fast food joint can come up with the kitchiest new menu item. We’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff offered there (on the traditional limited-time-only basis) move the past couple of years. Now, Domino’s has mashed up the Japanese love of seafood with its signature product with Fish & Chips Pizza. Few details have yet leaked out in English, but the official photo shows the pie is indeed topped with Fish & Chips, along with lemon slices. on some sort of white sauce base. Don’t know how that combo would work for me. I’ve never been a fan of the starch-on-starch (ie.- chips on pie crust) thing…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us (including vegetarians and vegans) a little fatter over the coming days and weeks. Tune in again in 7 for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.