Arby’s launches its new Big Game Burger Tuesday, tying into football season and carrying out the chain’s longtime promise of “we have the meats.”
Indeed, the Big Game Burger is made with three meats—venison, elk and ground beef—topped with crispy onions, pickles, melted Swiss cheese and a dark cherry steak sauce.
Atlanta-based Arby’s has put elk and venison sandwiches on its menu before, but it’s still unusual to see these game meats at a quick-service chain. Both were offered as very limited LTOs six or so years ago, and some locations ran out of the sandwiches in hours.
This time around, the burger is rolling out nationally in limited quantities for a limited time, but Arby’s is not saying when the $8.79 item will end its run.
Arby’s sources farmed venison and elk for its menu; the animals are not shot down by hunters out for sport.
Meanwhile, to promote the launch, the chain is hosting an immersive adventure on Sept. 12 called the Arby’s Hike-Thru on The Big Game Burger Trail. The guided hike will take participants deep into the Colorado Rockies on a scenic trail “to the most remote Arby’s in the world,” according to a statement. “As this is an adventurous burger that deserves to be experienced in the wild, at the end of the trail, participants will celebrate with a complimentary Big Game Burger.” There will also be refreshment stations and checkpoints along the trail.
Select fans will win a chance to hike on an exclusive Colorado trail, with refreshment stops and scenic views along the way and the reward of a Big Game Burger at the end.
The experience is open to select outdoor enthusiasts on a first-come, first-serve basis; more information and trail passes are available on ArbysHikeThru.com.
“Arby’s has always been known for our meat expertise, and we’re taking it to the next level— literally—with our new Big Game Burger’s one-of-a-kind blend,” said Ellen Rose, CMO of Arby’s, in a statement. “We’re dedicated to crafting unique culinary experiences for our guests, and we hope the Big Game Burger and the immersive Hike-Thru experience allow our fans to tap into their sense of wild adventure—in our restaurants and on the trail.”
Limited-edition merch is also part of the Big Game Burger promotion. Branded hiking socks, hats, anorak jackets and water bottles are on offer at ArbysHikeThru.com starting Tuesday.
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