It’s largely – but not ‘all’ about new spring and summer desserts and beverages here at FFW this week. Sonic sets a record with 4 announcements covering the spring and summer through the end of September. In what must be a simple coincidence, Taco Bell, Chipotle and Wendy’s test new Spicy items…
Chipotle’s new Quesadilla: One of a whole flock of new menu
items sneaking onto their list over the past few months…
Taco Bell testing whole flock of new Menu Items
And the first is… New $1 Spicy Tacos and $1 Primo Burritos in select markets with the tacos hitting Columbus, OH, and the burritos making their way to Kansas City. TB is also testing out Stacked Bowls in Portland, OR, a Grilled Cheese Stacker in Houston, and a Chicken Enchilada Grilled Cheese Burrito in Cleveland, OH. Ohio seems to be the place to be… Drop by your local TB outlet to see if they’re getting any of the new test items!
Wendy’s introduces new Jalapeño Spicy Menu Items
As a companion Menu Item to the recently announced Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich, Wendy’s is testing a new Jalapeño Popper Spicy Salad Bowl. Arguably healthier than the Sandwich, the Salad features the same flavour profile. The Popper Salad is described as sharing the some of the same ingredients as the extant Jalapeño Popper appetizer: includes Jalapeño peppers, cheese, cream cheese, and bacon as well. It also features: Wendy’s signature lettuce blend, crispy chicken breast, diced tomatoes, shredded pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños, crispy jalapeño cheddar croutons, and a jalapeño ranch dressing.
Chipotle adds new Quesadilla to menu – for app and online fans
The Tex-Mex resto that recently streamlined its menu to get back to its roots as a burrito joint has been sneaking cancelled or all-new items back onto its menu for a few months, now. The latest is a Quesadilla featuring: Monterey Jack cheese and chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa, sofritas, or fajita veggies wrapped in a flour tortilla. You also get three salsas or sides. Order now through March 21, through the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com. They’ll also waive the delivery fee.
SONIC adds Grown-Up Seltzers…
SONIC Drive-Ins is making massive – though limited-time – upgrades in its beverage lineup through the coming year. First comes Spiked Seltzer (on May 1, 2021) which features two ‘lines’; one tropical and another Citrus, in 4 different flavours each. There is actual alcohol in these, so they won’t be sold on SONIC’s menus, but in third-party retail stores that specialize in such things.
… Also, booze-inspired Slushes…
No alcohol in these family-friendly indulgences that will feature names such as will feature flavors like Peach Bellini, Red Berry Sangria, and Strawberry Frosé Peach Bellini, Red Berry Sangria, and Strawberry Frosé. These so-called Uncorked Slushes, will arrive on August 30, and depart September 26…
… And rounds out with new Shakes!
If all that wasn’t enough, there will be a splash of new Shakes coming at intervals over the summer. A Cheesecake Blast and Strawberry Cheesecake Blast will be available may 3 until June 27. Then, a Banana Pudding Shake will make a August 2-29. A Cheesecake Blast, Strawberry Cheesecake Blast, and a Banana Pudding Shake will all be arriving later this year. The cheesecake varieties will be available May 3 to June 27, while the Banana Pudding variety will be around for most of August.
OREO specials are on SONIC menu now
OREO Cookies embarks on ‘long term’ collab with NBA
OREOs will only say its new deal with the pro Basketball league will include various promotions with various products and brands over a ‘long term’, starting with a series of ‘Dynasty OREO’ edition cookies celebrating what the league calls some of basketball’s greatest dynasties, including the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. It’s just the beginning of a partnership between OREOs and global snack brand owner Mondelez which could involve brands including OREOs, Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter, Ritz, and Sour Patch Kids, and other leagues, including the WNBA, G-League, 2K League, and USA Basketball.
Kit Kat goes green
But not necessarily for St. Paddy’s Day. Its new Key Lime Pie flavour is more a celebration of spring. The flavour sounds grand (Key Lime being one of my all-time faves). The new Kit Kat bar looks great, enrobed as it is in a fresh-looking springy bright yellow-green. And my mouth is watering just at the thought of crunching into one. But keep your eyes peeled for this very limited time release, and get some while they’re available.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to making some of us a little fatter over the next few days or weeks. See you right back here in 7 short days for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.