Well, we’ve got a ton of news from Arby’s this week, plus news of ‘many happy returns’ from a number of fast food and snack vendors. Not to mention new super-spicy offerings from Doritos, Wendy’s and Mountain Dew. And let’s not overlook Starbuck’s new Apple Crisp Macchiato…
The Hut’s Detroit Style Pizza…
Pizza Hut brings back Detroit Style
The Hut is bringing back its Detroit-style Pizzas, for a limited time, at outlets across the U.S. And this time, you can custom-dress your deep-crust, rectangular Detroit Style pie with up to 5 ingredients. However, it will also be offered in three ‘standard’ versions: Double Pepperoni, Meaty Deluxe, and Supremo.
Chipotle testing Plant-Based Chorizo
Chipotle is testing Plant-Based Chorizo, based on pea protein and bolstered with ancho and chipotle peppers, tomato paste, garlic and smoked paprika. Sounds like all the right flavours, and pea protein is already being used in many new Plant-Based meat substitutes. If you want to see for yourself how the combo works, you can try it at selected Denver and Indianapolis locations through August 29.
Arby’s reboots Prime Rib Cheesesteak…
First offered at summer’s end last year, Arby’s is reprising its premium Prime Rib Cheesesteak, for a limited time now into early September.
The sammy features: prime rib, melted provolone cheese, onions, and red and yellow peppers. Ask for the spicy version and they’ll add BBQ Sauce.
… Tests Hushpuppy Breaded Fish…
The guys who love to boast that they’ve ‘Got The Meats’ now also have the Fish. At least, they’re test-marketing a new Hushpuppy Breaded Fish Basket at selected locations in Ohio. The basket contains three Fish strips on a bed of crinkle-cut fries with a side of Tartar sauce for dipping. You can also order three strips of Fish à la carte and put together your own meal. Sounds good. Hope Arby’s decides to test the menu item on a wider basis.
… Employs Kid’s Meal for charity
Arby’s is partnering with No Kid Hungry to provide a million free meals to children who might otherwise go hungry.
Now until September 26 Arby’s will make a donation through the charity for every Kid’s Meal sold. The relatively new Arby’s Kid’s Meal includes: 4-Piece Chicken Nuggets, Crinkle Fries, and a drink.
Wendy’s lights up Ghost Pepper Ranch
It seems a bit of a paradox: Creating a supremely hot Ghost Pepper dipping sauce and then tempering it with the cooling salve of Ranch. Ah, well. Ours is not to reason why. Ours is apparently but to buy and try. I don’t think I’ll try this one. But that’s just me. One anonymous reviewer shared: “Ghost Pepper Ranch didn’t light my mouth on fire but was enough to make my nose run a bit. It’s less a synergistic rise in heat and more of an incremental thing.” Over to you…
Doritos blasts out new Dinamita Flamin’ Hot version
Doritos – the snack that churns out new flavours faster than you can try them – has now put a new version of its trademark ‘rolled’ chips back on shelves across the U.S.
It’s assumed this will be a limited-time offering, but Doritos hasn’t explicitly said so. Nevertheless, get ’em while they’re there, in case they suddenly aren’t anymore.
Cinnabon welcomes back BonBites Cookies
The mall-based sticky bun guys are bringing back their popular BonBites Cookies for a limited time (see photo top of page). The oversized snack is actually a big chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie with a mini Cinnamon Roll inside. They’ll be available through early November.
MTN Dew ‘Dewing’ it again
The Dew is rolling out a new – potentially contentious – flavour: Flamin’ Hot. Not specifically identified a collab with Doritos or Cheetos, but who could help but think of the mouth-searing salty snacks? The union of sweet and hot in a single dish is an ancient and noble enterprise. But I really wonder how it can work in a soft drink? If you want to find out, visit the Dew Store as early in the day as you can manage to get up on August 31, and grab some. Flamin’ Hot MTN Dew is only available there, while supplies last.
Starbuck’s pumps Apple Crisp Macchiato
Here we are, still suffering higher-than-normal summer temperatures, and the major chains are already hyping – and in some cases serving – fall special menu items.
Starbuck’s is no exception, unveiling a new Apple Crisp Macchiato. It’s available either hot or iced, at Starbuck’s locations across North America, for a limited time only.
Krispy Kreme gifts the vaccinated
Krispy Kreme will give away free doughnuts to patrons who can prove they’ve received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. From August 30 through September 5, the vaxed will get a free original glazed ring doughnut plus a special heart-shaped glazed dunker as thanks from the doughnut giant for doing the right thing. And KK will continue to offer a free original glazed doughnut to anyone whose been been vaxed through the end of the year.
And that’s the skinny…
… On everything that’s likely to be making some of us fatter – and searing many mouths – over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next mouthwatering edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.