Our fast Food Week lineup this time includes Easter Treat unveilings by Horton’s and Dunkin’s, and mains announcements from DQ, Arby’s and Taco Bell. There’s Doughnut news from Taco Bell, as well. And let’s not forget the half-price Shakes from Sonic or the new PB Lovers Cups from Reese’s…
McDonald’s Norway Vegetarnuggets: All-Vegetable cousins of the
iconic Chicken McNugget. The Golden Arches’ latest
foray into Vegetarian fare…
Next-gen food ordering on-the-go
Remember what Doc says to Marty at the end of Back to the Future? I will paraphrase him by saying, “Where we’re going, they don’t need phones”. Domino’s Pizza is getting ready to launch a system b y which you’ll be able to order from its take-out menu via an app built into your car’s on-board computer system. It’s by Xevo, creators of Xevo Market, a technology to facilitate ordering and paying on the go. Xevo says it’s also working with Applebee’s, Starbucks and IHOP, among others. Look for Xevo to premiere in late-2019 model cars.
Tim Horton’s celebrates Easter with Cadbury Egg Donuts
Horton’s has revealed its lead Easter promotion treat for 2019: A Creme-filled lovely topped with White Fondant Icing and green sprinkles, to simulate the green excelsior in classic Easter Baskets. The whole thing is topped off with a trio of Cadbury’s Mini Eggs. Get ’em now through April 21, while supplies last. Meanwhile, Dunkin’s is bring back its popular Peeps Donut for Easter. Eerie, how similar it looks to the Horton’s offering…
Chicken and Waffles coming to Dairy Queen
DQ is preparing to launch baskets of Chicken and Waffles. You’ll get several Fried Chicken Strips and Belgian-style Waffles along with an order of fries. Maple Syrup dipping Sauce comes with. Meanwhile, Papa John’s says it’s prepping a Chicken and Waffle Pizza for release later this year. If there’s a bigger food fad/trend than Doughnut Fries/Sticks/Churros this year, it’s Chicken and Waffles…
Arby’s goes Polynesian with King’s Hawaiian Sandwiches
Arby’s offers three different sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian buns: The Big Kahuna (a Crispy Chicken Filet, Pit-smoked Ham, Smoked Brisket, Swiss Cheese, Tomato, Lettuce, and a Pineapple Habañero Mustard Sauce); The Sweet and Spicy Luau Chicken (just like the Kahuna, but without the Brisket); and The Smoked Brisket (Smoked Gouda, Crispy Onions, Mayo, and Smoky Q Sauce). The only new ingredient in these lists is the Pineapple Habañero Mustard Sounds like a winner…
Taco Bell blasts out a new $1-Menu Taco…
The Loaded Nacho Taco is just that – loaded: A Flour Tortilla filled with Seasoned Beef, Nacho Cheese Sauce, Lettuce, shredded Cheddar Cheese, new Southwest Seasoned Chips and dusting of Southwest seasoning, which Flavoured with Lime, Tomato and Garlic. Want it spicy? They’ll Gladly add Jalapeños for you. Coming April 4, for a limited time only.
…Jumps on the Doughnut Bandwagon
The Bell has joined Dunkin’s and McDonald’s offering a Doughnut-like dessert treat. The Churro Donut looks like a classic Churro and is dusted with Cinnamon Sugar. For me, it’s an altogether more pleasing presentation than Dunkin’s Donut Sticks or McD’s Donut Fries. But I haven’t had the chance to taste them, yet. That’s because they’re only available, in a test marketing run, at selected Kansas City area Taco Bell locations. Who will be next, among the QSRs, to board the Doughnut bandwagon?
McD’s breaks new ground in Norway with Veggie Nuggets
McDonald’s Norway is test marketing new Nuggets filled with Vegetable items rather than the well-known Chicken version. The first thing one notices about the Veggie Nuggets is that their shape is different from Chicken cousins. The appearance and texture of the Breading is also markedly different. But that’s probably because the coating is made with a blend of Veggie ingredients including Rice and Semolina. Inside you’ll find a medley of Chickpeas, Carrots, Potatoes, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Corn, and Onions. We’ll see what the Norwegians have to say about that…
Sonic gets serious about half-price shakes
Such deals usually come with the caveat that they’re available for a limited time only, or on one special day. But Sonic is offering half-price Shakes through the spring and Summer of 2019. The Sonic Nights promo offers any Sonic Classic Shake at half price now through September 2. The only trick is, you have to order after 8 p.m.
Reese’s caters to Peanut Butter Lovers
The new Peanut Butter Lovers Cup start out the same as regular Reese’s PB Cups, but the Chocolate shell stops a few millimetres below the rim of the paper jacket. Inside there’s the Peanut Butter filling we all know and love. But on top, there’s a shell of Sweet Peanut-Buttery icing. Those who’ve had one say the Peanut Butter almost overwhelms the Chocolate, but PB Lovers will love that.
And that’s the skinny…
…on that’s going to be making some of us fatter in the near future. See yu back here in seven for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.