The 10 most alluring LTOs in November
By Lizzy Freier on Nov. 30, 2017The November LTOs with the greatest consumer purchase intent skewed more toward breakfast items than the LTOs of months past. Five of the month's top 10 items were breakfast or brunch foods, and most of those were nontraditional offerings such as pockets and bowls. Click ahead to see the 10 most appealing limited-time chain items from October to November, ranked from 10th to first, as indicated by Technomic’s MenuSurf survey. The canvass of 500 consumers on purchase intent for 100 or more LTOs shows which are the most likely to be ordered on the basis of the item’s name and description.
10. Big Boy’s Maple Bacon Pancake Stacks
Score: 50%
Half of consumers say they’d order this family-style chain’s pancakes. Launched in October, the Maple Bacon Pancake Stacks features four pancakes with bacon, whipped butter and powdered sugar. Prices start at $5.99. Big Boy’s other pancake stacks that launched concurrently did not score as high with consumers: 41.92% said they’d purchase Big Boy’s Banana Pecan Pancake Stacks, and 43.35% would order its Apple Bacon Pancake Stacks.
9. P.J. Whelihan’s The Big Cheese Short Rib Melt
Score: 50.24%
P.J. Whelihan’s The Big Cheese Short Rib Melt returned for a limited time this fall after a stint on its June menu. The sandwich features slow-braised short ribs topped with creamy horseradish sauce, caramelized onions and melted mozzarella, provolone and white cheddar cheeses, served on toasted sourdough bread with fried onion tanglers. P.J. Whelihan’s other seasonal items did not score as high on purchase intent with consumers; only 38.94% of consumers said they’d order the Pilgrim Pub Bowl (roasted turkey breast, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce on mashed potatoes), and 32.61% said they’d purchase the Pumpkin Cookie Skillet.
8. Captain D’s Southern-Style Fish Tenders
7. Bravo Cucina Italiana’s French Toast Sticks
Score: 52.57%
Some 52% of consumers say they’d be likely to order Bravo’s French Toast Sticks. Available on the casual-dining chain’s weekend brunch menu, the French Toast Sticks feature creme anglaise, candied pecans, caramel sauce and mascarpone cream. They’re priced at $9.49. The chain’s other seasonal brunch items scored slightly lower with consumers: 39.04% said they’d purchase the chain’s Sausage Crepes, and 40.12% would order its Yogurt Crepes.
6. Papa John’s Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Score: 56.12%
About 56% of consumers say they’d purchase Papa John’s regularly returning Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, which the QSR chain brought back in October. It’s topped with creamy garlic sauce, steak, onions, green peppers, provolone and mozzarella, and a large is priced at a discounted $11 for a limited time.
5. Jack in the Box’s Sausage & Egg Breakfast Pocket
Score: 58.56%
Almost three-fifths of consumers say they’d purchase Jack in the Box’s Sausage & Egg Breakfast Pocket. The item features sausage, egg and two slices of cheese wrapped up and grilled in a flour tortilla. It’s priced at $2.
4. Krystal’s Loaded Hash Brown Scrambler Breakfast Bowl
Score: 59.64%
Returning in November, Krystal’s Loaded Hash Brown Scrambler Breakfast Bowl features two scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage and the brand’s signature crispy Kryspers (hash brown strips). It’s offered as a breakfast combo with a hot coffee and an order of Kryspers for $4.99.
3. Jack in the Box’s Ham & Egg Breakfast Pocket
2. Wendy’s Chicken Tenders
Score: 64.66%
Almost two in three consumers say they’d purchase Wendy’s Chicken Tenders. Launched in October, the QSR’s tenders are made with seasoned and breaded chicken breast. The item is available in a $5 Chicken Tenders Combo, which includes three tenders, a small fry, a drink and dipping sauce.
1. McDonald’s Buttermilk Crispy Tenders
Score: 65.71%
Coming in as the most alluring LTO for November is McDonald’s Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. Launched in late September, the white-meat chicken strips feature a light batter and are served with sauce. The tenders were so popular that demand exceeded supply, so the chain has temporarily discontinued them. “Because demand far surpassed our expectations, we will soon take a brief break from serving them at our restaurants,” a McDonald’s representative told Today Food. The chain says the item will return in late December.