KANSAS CITY — Backyard barbecues and tropical fruits are trending themes in seasonal menu innovation.
Red Lobster is offering a barbecue bacon grilled shrimp dish, featuring two fire-grilled shrimp skewers glazed with barbecue sauce, topped with bacon and green onions and served over orzo rice. Convenience retailer Casey’s is introducing a new pizza, barbecue brisket, for a limited time. The pizza is topped with barbecue sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, brisket pieces, jalapeños and red onion, drizzled with creamy ranch sauce.
“The BBQ Brisket pizza is everything you love about a backyard barbecue with your friends and family delivered in the best way possible, on a Casey’s pizza,” said Tom Brennan, chief merchandising officer at Casey’s.
Long John Silver’s is launching coconut popcorn shrimp, which are crispy with a “touch of sweetness,” according to the company. New summertime offerings at Starbucks include a pair of tropical beverages. Joining the Starbucks Refreshers lineup are a pineapple passionfruit beverage shaken with diced pineapple pieces and ice, and the paradise drink, which adds coconut milk to the mix.
“The Paradise Drink Starbucks Refreshers beverage is like sunshine in a cup — the bright tropical flavors are radiant, happy and joyful,” said Raegan Powell, a senior product developer at Starbucks. “It’s the perfect summer sip for a little moment of escape wherever you are.”
View a slideshow of new menu items.