Lots of new stuff coming out for summer… and early fall! We have new-product announcements from Arby’s, Shake Shack, SONIC, Firehouse Subs, Stouffer’s, Dairy Queen and Yoplait. Taco Bell reprises Flamin’ Hot Doritos Tacos Locos. And check out the Heineken Beer BOT!
The famous (infamous?) Taco Bell Flamin’ Hot Doritos Taco Loco: With
its distinctive cayenne-red shell and new ‘COMEBACKS’ sleeve.
Taco Bell reprises Flamin’ Hot Doritos Tacos Locos
That’s a mouthful, and so is the taco, itself. It’s part of the Bell’s ‘Steal a Game, Steal a Taco’ promotion during the NBA Finals. The deal is, anyone in the U.S. claim a free FHDTL the first time a team makes a comeback. That is, when a team is losing during halftime and comes back to win the game. Watch for the re-emergence of the fiery Tacos with the hot red shells later this month.
Arby’s Tests Wagyu Burger…
If you’ve been wondering what all those ultra-rich, fine-dining snobs have been raving about, Arby’s offers a back door into luxury this month – for a lucky few – with a test marketing exercise for a new Wagyu burger.
Real Wagyu Beef: Prized for its generous marbling, which makes it superbly
tender and juicy. North American Wagyu-style beef is raised using
the same processes and practices as the genuine Japanese
stuff… But is available for a fraction of the price!
If you live in or near Orlando or Daytona, FL; Flint, MI; or Lafayette, IN, you can try he classy new burger at selected locations. It’s described as 52 percent American-raised Wagyu-style beef and 48 percent sirloin, served with cheese, tomato, red onion, pickles, lettuce, and a secret sauce. Beef snobs take note: The term ‘Wagyu’ is simple Japanese for ‘Japanese cow’. All Japanese cows.
… Adds new Chicken Nuggets Kids Meal
Arby’s has added a new Kids Meal, with a 4- or 6-piece order of Chicken Nuggets accompanied by crinkle fries and an apple juice drink. And the juice is Organic.
Parents fret not! The nuggets are also available in a 9-piece order with your choice of dipping sauce.
SONIC unviels new Crave Cheeseburger
SONIC, the drive-in guys, are featuring a new Crave Cheeseburger for summer. It’s a classic SONIC Cheeseburger topped with tomatoes, pickles, onions and lettuce. And SONIC’s new Crave Sauce. SONIC says it’s devoted much research toward designing the, “the perfect burger bite, every time.” And it says it’s found the ideal formula of ingredients and burger assembly procedure. You be the judge! The Crave Cheeseburger is available only until August 1. But you can get one for half price when you order online through the app.
Shake Shack adds Hot Honey Chicken sammy
The Chicken sandwich is pretty standard, with a deep-fried, breaded boneless breast blessed with honey, on a standard bun with a bed of lettuce.
But the chicken is topped with a generous dollop of habañero mayo sauce. The burger, available until October 4, joins Hot Honey chicken bites, and Hot Honey Fries for summer. The Shack may be the last of the major burger joints to hop of the Chicken Sandwich bandwagon, but it’s hot version is definitely a standout!
Firehouse premieres new Chicken Gyro Sub
The no-nonsense Subs guys are adding a new Chicken Gyros Sandwich to their menu. (Sure looks good in the official ‘portrait’ photo!) It’s described as slices of grilled chicken breast, feta cheese, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a new spicy pepperoncini tzatziki sauce. Starting Monday (July 5) the new sub will be available at all Firehouse locations, while supplies last.
Stouffer’s layers up Mac & Cheese Lasagna
It’s all part of an online ‘sweepstakes’ promo for now, but Stouffer’s LasagnaMac could end up in stores as part of their regular lineup if interest is deemed strong enough.
At least that’s the word on the floor at the test kitchen. It’s basically Stouffer’s classic Lasagna with a thick layer of Mac & Cheese where the meat would normally be. Kill two cravings with one bite! Find out more at the Sweepstakes website. Entries open until July 10…
Yoplait, Skittles collab on candy yogurt
There’s little else on any menu that can count itself healthier than pure, tart-sweet yogurt. And now, Yoplait has partnered with Skittles to make one of theirs even sweeter – and tarter. New Yoplait Original Skittles yogurt is available for a limited time (like all the other really yummy, interesting stuff in the Fast Food universe) for summer.
Dairy Queen features Chocolate Chip Blizzard
DQ is featuring a Chocolate Chip Blizzard this month. But not just any Chocolate Chip. They’re partnering with Nestlé Tollhouse Chips. The Blizzard is available all month at all DQ U.S. outlets.
Novelty Alert: Heineken launches Beer BOT
It kind of looks like a self-propelled lawnmower in trademark Heineken green, with a top-loading beer cooler in the driver’s seat. The only difference is, the ‘diver’ is a computer.
And the thing appears to be going backwards, with the big drive wheels at the front. Anyway, it can carry a dozen cans of Henieken (or whatever) wherever you go. It’ll follow you like a hungry puppy. But you can’t just go and order one online. You have to enter (and win) a contest. Visit this website for details..
And that’s the skinny…
… On the absolute best of what will be making some of us a little fatter over the Dog Days of summer. See you back here in 7 for the next edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.