KANSAS CITY — The menus at quick-service locations are expanding with new introductions in the wraps and sandwiches categories.
Popeyes added more options to its chicken sandwich menu with the permanent addition of the blackened chicken sandwich, the first permanent addition to its menu since 2019. Along with the permanent addition, consumers can now add bacon and cheese to any chicken sandwich option.
“As we expand our iconic chicken sandwich line-up, the blackened chicken sandwich will provide guests with a lighter option that is perfect for every day,” said Sami Siddiqui, president of Popeyes. “And, with the addition of bacon and cheese, our loyal fans will now have six chicken sandwich options to choose from, all with the irresistible Cajun flavors and boldness they crave.”
Taco Bell is adding its first fully vegan entree: the vegan crunchwrap. The vegan crunchwrap features vegan seasoned beef, topped in a vegan blanco sauce, vegan nacho cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and a tostada shell.
“Such a large part of our fandom is vegan or vegetarian, and we're as committed to them as they are to us and our menu,” said Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell. “That's why we took so long, months and years, to release something this special; we wanted and needed to get it exactly right, to get it mouth-watering. Because let's admit it, we've all eaten plenty of products on today's market that don't taste great and certainly aren't craveable.”
Back on the sandwich side of things, Panera Bread added a toasted baguette sandwich: the Black Forest ham and gouda melt. The sandwich features Black Forest ham, country mustard, arugula and smoked gouda on a toasted baguette.
“We’re so excited to bring ham back onto the Panera menu, and our focus was on enhancing these sandwiches with amazing, unforgettable flavor that we knew our guests would love,” said Claes Petersson, head chef, Panera Bread. “Our chefs created our new delicious country mustard, finding the perfect blend of three mustards to complement the flavors and create two irresistible new menu items we can't wait for guests to try.”
