This week we heard from McDonald’s franchisees as they beg for the return of the popular Snack Wrap, while the brand’s corporate HQ annouced a huge new manga promotion to appeal to anime fans. Read on for those stories, plus new developments from Popeyes, Burger King, and Dunkin’.
First came the Popeyes chicken sandwich that ignited a battle among fast food chains. Next came several more riffs on that same concept. Now, America’s second largest chicken chain is seeing similar success with its newest menu item: chicken wings. Restaurant Business reports that although they’ve only been around a few months, the wings are signaling a transformation of the Popeyes brand. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
Dunkin’ has just dropped a full Spring menu of new limited-time items, along with a whole new beverage category, and it’s packed with the promise of high energy and fresh flavors. Not only does Dunkin’ appear to be taking a page from Taco Bell’s massive menu drop promotional strategy, but it also seems to be embracing Latinx cuisine, as many other restaurants are. Here’s everything new at Dunkin’ this season, and how they rank, from worst to best. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
The cries to bring back McDonald’s mythical Snack Wrap only grow stronger. This time the plea comes from a very interesting cohort: McDonald’s franchisees. Restaurant Business reports that one group of independent McDonald’s operators have been rallying for the Snack Wrap’s return to the menu, and not just because fans have long demanded it. The franchisees also believe that the Snack Wrap could ultimately be good for businesses going forward. - Dennis Lee Read More
After first expanding its promotional universe with an alien-inspired spinoff restaurant, McDonald’s is again diving into another world. The chain has announced that the McDonald’s brand will be expanding into the anime world by bringing fictional restaurant WcDonald’s to life. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
For the first time ever, Burger King is hosting a Million Dollar Whopper Contest, a build-your-own-burger competition where three finalists will have their creations sold at restaurant locations nationwide, and one winner will walk away with a $1 million prize. BK notes in its press release that there are 200,000 possible customizations for the Whopper, so everyone has an opportunity to get creative. - Julie Tremaine Read More
Dutch Bros, a beloved coffee chain of the western United States, is going through a growth spurt with the potential to make industry giants Starbucks and Dunkin’ nervous. Though it’s long been popular enough to draw crowds, it’s now quickly expanding its footprint to make a splash in other markets. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
Taco Bell has just released the first new item from its ambitious 2024 menu, the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada. Available nationwide for a limited time, the Crispanada is “a culinary masterpiece, featuring a delightful fusion of melted cheese, tender chicken simmered in vibrant Mexican spices, encased in a crispy, crunchy outer shell.” It’s served with a side of spicy ranch for dipping, and a one-piece order costs $3.49 (price varies by location). Here’s how it tastes. - Dennis Lee Read More
Lent is officially here, which means it’s also fast food fish sandwich season. It’s time to celebrate the return of Popeyes’ fried flounder and Culver’s walleye, but along with those reigning champions, someone’s got to introduce something new. In this case, it’s Burger King, which has recently released a spicy offering: the Fiery Big Fish Sandwich. - Dennis Lee Read More