The 10 most alluring LTOs in September

With changing leaves came fall-themed and Oktoberfest-inspired LTOs. But beef-centric products like smothered roast beef and chopped steak were what particularly piqued consumers’ interest in September (as they did in August). Tater tots also popped up in numerous LTOs. Click ahead to see the 10 most appealing limited-time chain items from August and September, ranked from 10th to first, as indicated by Technomic’s MenuSurf survey, powered by Ignite. 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.

Score: 52.5%

More than 52% of consumers show intent to fork over $14.29 for this limited-time burger, which is topped with shaved American Kobe steak, Gruyere cheese, crispy onion straws, arugula and steakhouse aioli sauce, and is served with Parmesan truffle fries.

Score: 52.8%

Almost 53% of consumers say they’d be likely to purchase this mountain of fried chicken that’s paired with KFC's new Smoky Mountain BBQ sauce. The limited-time offer was available in select stores across Indianapolis, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Score: 53.2%

Over 53% of consumers show intent to spend $8.99 for this LTO, which Logan’s Roadhouse introduced as part of eight new American Roadhouse Meals offered daily from 3-6 p.m. The Smothered Roast Beef entree features Angus beef covered with brown gravy, brewski onions and sauteed mushrooms, and served with Texas toast and a choice of two sides. But this isn’t the sole Logan’s Roadhouse entree making the top 10 this month; read on to see which other item made the list.

Score: 54.2%

More than 54% of consumers say they would order this limited-time burger, which is topped with brisket that’s slow-cooked for nine hours, in addition to onion rings, American cheese, aioli and red wine glaze. The burger—along with another from Jack in the Box that made this month’s top 10 list—gives a nod to the meat-on-meat trend.

Score: 55.7%

Well over half of consumers say they would order this quick-service chain’s first breakfast egg bowl. Chick-fil-A’s Hash Brown Scramble Breakfast Bowl features tot-style hash browns, scrambled eggs, a Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, jalapeno salsa and a choice of sliced chicken nuggets or sausage. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in popularity for breakfast bowls, and the Hash Brown Scramble combines two fan favorites,” said Amanda Norris, senior director of menu development for Chick-fil-A. The bowl is priced at $3.49 and is also available as a burrito.

Score: 55.8%

Almost 56% of consumers say they would order this steak entree, a half-pound of chopped steak smothered with brown gravy, brewski onions and sauteed mushrooms, and served with a choice of two sides. Not only is it the second item from the traditional casual-dining chain on this month’s top 10 list, but it's also another beef product topped with brown gravy.

Score: 56.1%

Chick-fil-A’s burrito version of the Hash Brown Scramble Breakfast line entices slightly more consumers than the breakfast bowl. Like the bowl, the burrito is stuffed with tot-style hash browns, scrambled eggs, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, jalapeno salsa and a choice of sliced chicken nuggets or sausage. Prices start at $3.49.

Score: 57.6%

Tots are also trending at Burger King, where 57.6% of consumers say they’d purchase the Cheesy Tots. The returning item features deep-fried outer shells stuffed with potato and melted cheese. An eight-piece order is sold for $1.99. Burger King discontinued Cheesy Tots in 2009, but has since brought them back for limited runs in 2013 and 2016.

Score: 60.0%

The second Jack in the Box item and third burger on September’s top 10 list, the Smoky Jack Burger features a quarter-pound beef patty topped with hickory-smoked bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and hickory sauce on an artisan poppyseed bun. It’s priced at $4.99 as part of a combo with small fries and a drink. In some markets, a crispy chicken version is available.

Score: 61.0%

Coming in as the most alluring LTO for September is Papa Gino’s Garlic Seasoned Fries. More than three in five consumers say they would be likely to purchase this side, which features fries tossed with garlic-infused oil, parsley, Romano cheese and a pinch of salt.