While El Pollo Loco operates primarily in the West, and White Castle sells sliders mostly in the East, the two chains promoted LTOs this summer that were similar in makeup and in appeal to consumers. El Pollo Loco’s Chicken Bacon Cheddar Taco Platter offered two tacos with chicken, bacon, smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, cabbage and pico de gallo, with rice and beans. White Castle topped its Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Chicken Slider with cheddar sauce and bacon crumbles.
Technomic’s MenuSurf found that about three out of five consumers say they would order each of these items. Gen Z consumers were into the tacos about as much as baby boomers, but their purchase intent varied greatly for the slider.
What can other operators learn from these LTOs? Many consumers are willing to try twists on the dishes that they already love, so limited-time offers don’t have to be something completely new. And bacon rarely hurts a menu item.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.