Fast Food Joints may still be operating under stringent COVID-19 re-opening rules, and many are, in fact, waiting longer to re-open for dine-in service. But the restos are wasting no time reminding us that summer is coming in a few weeks, and they’re launching new ‘Meal’ specials…
The new IHOP Sandwich Family Feast: Features a toppings ‘buffet’. Feeds 4.
IHOP launches new Family Feast Deals
IHOP has expanded its Family Feast menu adding a Steakburger Feast and a Chicken Sandwich Feast (see photo, above). For the mains, choose 4 Ultimate Steakburgers or 4 Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches – or 2 of each – plus basket of Fries and a toppings ‘buffet’ including Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickles, and IHOP Sauce on the side, to customize your Sandwiches. It’s available by ordering online or via the mobile app, just like the existing Breakfast, Pancake and Lunch/Dinner Feasts.
Popeye’s rolls out $5 Tenders deal
Popeye’s has rolled out a new limited-time deal which includes three Buffalo Ranch Crispy Tenders, a Side of your choice, a Biscuit, and Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce. it’s a limited-time special and, at just $5, it’s destined to be a sell-out hit…
New Ballpark Franks ‘fully loaded’
Ballpark Brand Frankfurters has unveiled what it calls ‘fully loaded’ Weenies (see photo, top of page). They’re special Tube Steaks, made with Chicken and Pork, and stuffed with Nacho Cheese (made with ‘Real Cheddar Cheese’). Like most Franks, they come fully cooked; just heat and eat. What more could you ask for in a Hot Dog Bun? Toppings of your choice, of course, but these Dogs will be great on their own!
COSTCO working on bringing back sampling
My dear friend Peter, a COSTCO superfan, used to say, you could go to CC anytime and get a whole free lunch just by trying all their free samples. Works great if you aren’t particular about what foods you eat alongside others. But be forewarned, the new free-samling regime won’t look much like the old familiar scene (pictured, left).
COSTCO CFO Richard Galanti told USA TODAY : “We’re going to start doing some things in mid-June on a slow rollout basis in sampling. I can’t tell you any more, but needless to say it’s not going to be where you go and just pick up an open sample with your fingers.” Look for plastic barriers, masked and gloved employees and contactless service. The news comes on the heels of an announcement that the warehouse retailer’s popular in-store restos will soon re-open, they hope by mid-June as well.
Krispy Kreme gives out free Doughnuts
All this coming week, June 1 through 5, you can get a free Doughnut of your choice from Krispy Kreme, at participating locations across the chain. It’s an expansion of KK’s annual Doughnut Day celebration – which officially falls the first Friday of June. No purchase necessary. They just want you to come out to their stores again, now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing. While supplies last.
Arby’s brings back the Mugs of Summer
Arby’s is bringing back Coke and Root Beer floats, served in its signature frosted mugs. Actually, you can request the Floats be made with any Soda of your choice – whatever is available on that store’s Bubbly Beverage dispenser. The classic Barq’s-based Floats Join Arby’s popular Orange Cream Shake – like a classic Creamsicle in a glass – on the summer Beverage menu.
Taco Bell adds new Whip Freeze
The Bell has launched a new summer treat: Pineapple Whip Freeze. The frozen confection combines Tropical Pineapple Syrup and Vanilla Cream to create a rich, fruity Beverage. The Pineapple variation joins the Bell’s two regular Freeze flavours, Baja Blast and Wild Strawberry, for a limited time. And you can request what they’re calling a Tie Dye Freeze, featuring a shot of Pineapple plus one of either of the two regular flavours.
Pringles pumps Sweet Corn
The guys who brought you ‘cloned’ Potato Chips are now offering a new flavour: Sweet Corn. Corn on the Cob – a staple of summer cook-outs for aeons – can now be experienced anytime you want it just by opening the new bright green can. Alas, the new flavour isn’t generally available. It’s only available at Walgreen’s pharmacies, for a limited time. Perhaps Pringles will make the summer treat more widely available later in the year.
Novelty Alert: BK Social Distancing Crown
Someone at Burger King Germany came up with a novel idea to assure that its customers would observe social distancing: a 6-foot-diameter BK Crown. Just get 7 regular paper BK Crowns and link them together using the supplied tabs. Then, cut a 6-ft. / 75 cm circle from out of corrugated cardboard, lightweight plastic or plywood, and glue the mega-Crown around its edge. Cut a small home in the middle a little smaller than your head. Now you and your friends can automatically practice social distancing rules – if you all wear BKSD ‘crowns’!
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us fatter over the coming days and weeks, in spite of the fact that the majority of eateries are still operating under medium to severe restrictions. See you back here in 7 with another edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.