Fan-favorites return to menus for summer.
Marco’s Pizza added boneless wings to its menu, which are breaded, oven-baked and tossed in sauce. The sauce options include Buffalo, garlic Parmesan and traditional barbecue.
“We know our customers crave variety in their eating occasions, and our new boneless wings are sure to satisfy that craving — especially when served with our delicious pizzas, subs, salads and sides,” said Denise Lauer, chief marketing officer, Marco's Pizza. “With flavor trends in mind, we developed our new boneless wings and sauces to complement our classic wings, making Marco's the perfect destination for next-level pizza, wings and more.”
Taco Bell is bringing back its 2000s fan-favorite Volcano Menu in partnership with Paris Hilton. Offerings that are included as part of the Volcano Menu include the volcano taco, the double beef volcano burrito and a spicy volcano sauce.
Carl’s Jr. is bringing back its El Diablo burger for a limited time. Making its debut for the first time since 2018, the burger features a potato bun, charbroiled beef, a spicy habanero sauce, bacon, jalapeño popper bites, pepperjack cheese and jalapeños.
Denny’s is bringing back its Baconalia menu this summer, after a 10-year hiatus. The Baconalia menu was first introduced in 2011 and features items like the premium bacon loaded pancakes, the triple bacon sampler, the bacon obsession burger and the sweet maple bacon sundae.
Cold Stone Creamery released two new offerings in celebration of the anticipated Barbie movie from director Greta Gerwig. The first movie-inspired offering, “All that Glitters is Pink,” combines pink cotton candy ice cream, graham cracker pie crust, dance party sprinkles and whipped topping. The other offering, the “Best Cake Ever!” features layers of yellow cake, pink cotton candy ice cream, with dance party sprinkles and white icing.
“We are excited Warner Bros. chose to collaborate with Cold Stone Creamery for this playful and empowering new Barbie movie-themed flavor profile,” said Sara Schmillen, vice president of marketing at Kahala Brands, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery. “Two brands that inspire creativity make for a powerful activation, and we know our customers will love our new Barbie movie-inspired Creation and cake. The perfectly pink hues capture this beloved iconic character's big, bold personality. Add in the Dance Party Sprinkles, and it's like Barbie herself showed up to join in the fun.”
Chicken chain Zaxby’s is bringing back its Southwest “zalad” for a limited time this summer for the first time since 2021.
The salad features fire-roasted corn, tortilla strips, Roma tomatoes, cheddar jack cheese and mixed greens, topped with a choice between Zaxby’s grilled or breaded chicken.
Smashburger introduced its limited-edition Caroline BBQ burnt ends burger. Inspired by the regional flavors of South Carolina’s mustard-based barbecue sauce and Kansas City-style burnt ends. The burnt ends burger features burnt ends, topped with a tangy and mustard-y sauce, pickled, and aged cheddar cheese, all served on a Parker House roll.
“This new savory offering is an exciting one that I am proud to bring to Smashburger,” said Ty Goerke, head chef and culinary innovation director at Smashburger. “Comprised of 100% authentic hardwood smoked burnt ends created with a classic Texas style smoked pork and no artificial flavors, the limited-time dish emphasizes Smashburger's unconventional culinary twist on a burger that will be sure to satisfy barbecue lovers everywhere.”
KFC added an ultimate barbecue fried chicken sandwich for a limited time. The new sandwich features barbecue fried chicken, topped with hickory-smoked bacon, KFC’s signature honey barbecue sauce, fried onions, melted cheese and pickles, all served on a brioche bun.
“With the best tastes of summer and our finger lickin' good fried chicken between two buttery brioche buns, the ultimate barbecue fried chicken sandwich is an invitation to savor every last joyful 'bite' of summer,” said Nick Chavez, chief marketing officer, KFC U.S. “It's a barbecue in every bite.”
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers added several new menu options, including a pretzel bacon barbecue steakburger, a Key lime pie concrete and a very berry strawberry shake.
The pretzel bacon barbecue steakburger features two steakburger patties, American cheese, bacon, sliced onions, bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, and Fat Tire beer cheese, all served on a pretzel bun.
“The pretzel bacon barbecue steakburger is our newest mouthwatering creation that combines premium ingredients in a craveable way,” said Laura Rueckel, CMO. “The flavors of the steakburger are elevated by the sweet and smoky notes from the bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, as well as from the richness of Fat Tire Beer Cheese, all nestled within a soft pretzel bun.”
The Key lime pie concrete is made with vanilla frozen custard that has been blended with a slice of Key lime pie, topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. The very berry strawberry shake features a double portion of strawberries, which is then blended with vanilla frozen custard.
Casey’s debuted a new thin crust pizza, which features an original thin crust recipe and a touch of sea salt.
“For years, Casey’s pizza has earned an incredibly passionate fan following and our guests know that they can always get a delicious, fast and easy meal at Casey’s,” said Tom Brennan, Casey’s chief merchandising officer. “Our guests have loved our signature pizzas for years, so we’re excited to give them a new thin crust twist on their favorite pizzas. Whether you’re a thin-cruster or love our original Casey’s crust, we welcome all pizza fans to the table to enjoy a slice.”
Sonic Drive-In introduced a line of Hawaiian-inspired Aloha slushies to its menus. The line is available in Polynesian punch and tropical colada flavors. The Polynesian punch slushie is inspired by the flavors of fruit punch, while the tropical colada slushie features coconut, pineapple and banana flavors swirled together.
“We opened the first Sonic in Hawaii in February, and now we are offering guests across the country the feeling of being on a Hawaiian vacation with the tastes of tropical paradise,” said Mackenzie Gibson, vice president of culinary & menu innovation at Sonic. “Our vibrant Aloha Slushes are a burst of island flavors that will transport you to sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and sparkling ocean waves, even if it’s just for a moment.”
Nov
2023
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