Menus are launching new limited-time offers at warp speed, reaching into the pantry for a variety of ingredients and platforms. This week, chicken, beef, seafood, beverages and pizza are all making news. Even avocados are getting some time in the LTO spotlight.
At KFC the focus is chicken, of course, but it comes in an all-new $7 Dunk It Bucket along with Mashed Potato Poppers, Secret Recipe Fries and a choice of sauces. The chicken in this case is Original Recipe Tenders and the Mashed Potato Poppers are crispy on the outside, creamy inside and ready to dunk in gravy. For more dunking, sauce options include Honey Mustard, Buffalo Ranch, Classic Ranch, Honey BBQ and more.
KFC's new Dunk It Bucket. | Photo courtesy of KFC.
The Farmstand Fresh & Affordable Menu at Farmer Boys includes seven meal boxes starting at $9.99. The Big Cheese Box features a cheeseburger, fries and small drink, while the Chicken Strips Box, available in three- or four-piece size, includes battered chicken breast strips, small fries, Texas toast and a drink. There’s also a Grilled Chicken Sandwich Box and Battered Fish Box.
Cowboy Chicken is promoting Limited-Time Boneless Wings tossed in the chain’s new hot honey flavor. Several sizes are available, up to a 24-pack. Also new on the permanent menu is the Tinga Bowl ($13) and Black Beans as a side ($4). For dessert, Creamy Banana Puddin’ is ready to satisfy sweet cravings.
Tempura Avocado Wedges made their debut at The Habit Burger & Grill, timed for the start of peak avocado season. The fresh avocado wedges are coated with a light, crunchy batter infused with serrano and cilantro and served with Habit’s signature house-made ranch. They can sub for french fries as a side or be enjoyed as a starter or snack.
Tempura Avocado Wedges at The Habit Burger & Grill. | Photo courtesy of Habit Burger & Grill.
Spring highlights on Friendly’s menu include a Strawberry & Walnut Salad with mixed greens, fresh berries, walnuts, feta and balsamic vinaigrette. There’s also a New England Fisherman’s Quesadilla with fried cod, melted cheese, grilled onions and tomatoes, served with salsa and sour cream. Rounding out the LTOs is the Ultimate Friendly’s Cheeseburger topped with fried mozzarella sticks and on the beverage side, Bursting Boba Lemonade.
Through April 11, North Italia is running its annual 12 new pizzas inspired by regions in Italy and created by the chain’s chefs in markets around the U.S. Highlights include the nationally available Lasagna Verde inspired by Bologna’s classic lasagna Bolognese, as well as California’s seafood-forward Costa Brava a la the Amalfi Coast, and Florida’s Rebel Ragu, North Italia’s first rectangular-shaped pizza inspired by Sicily’s Pasta 'ncasciata.
Seafood stars at Perkins with the FRY-Days promotion, available every day for a limited-time. Seven entrees are on offer, including a Crispy Cod Sandwich, Blackened Roasted Salmon, Grilled Fish & Shrimp, a Hibachi Grilled Shrimp Skillet and Fish & Chips. From the Perkins bakery, there are three new puff pastry hand pies in Blueberry, Kielbasa and Breakfast varieties.
It’s Pastrami season at City Barbeque, where a Smoked Pastrami LTO made its debut. The chain’s pastrami is hand-seasoned, smoked low and slow and carved to order. It shows up in a Texas-style Reuben, a stacked pastrami sandwich, pastrami fries and an entree plate. Customers can also purchase pastrami by the pound.
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar has a roster of new items, with highlights including Pollo con Mole and Mahi Tacos. The former combines grilled chicken breast with mole negro and is served with Mexican rice, while the latter includes three tacos filled with mahi mahi and topped with tropical pico de gallo and a chipotle mayo drizzle. Seasonal margaritas include Ghost Mango Margarita and Smoky Flowers Mezcalita with elderflower and hibiscus.
For the first time, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is going the LTO route. Available for a limited time, the Buffalo Burger is made with Certified Angus Beef layered with blue cheese, hot sauce, ranch and fresh watercress. It’s accompanied by the Dulce de Leche Milkshake crafted with a custard base mixed with dulce de leche and topped with whipped cream.
Bobby's Burgers' Dulce de Leche Shake. | Photo courtesy of Bobby's Burgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is making several menu additions. Cold Brew Caramel Crunch is vanilla custard blended with cold brew coffee, a chopped Heath bar and caramel sauce, while the Strawberry Dreamcake has a base of vanilla custard with diced strawberries, cinnamon streusel, and New York-style cheesecake, topped with whipped cream and garnished with additional crunchy streusel. Returning to the menu are the Grilled Cheese Steakburger featuring two beef patties, American and Swiss cheese, Texas toast, bacon and a savory tomato spread. Crispy Tots are also making a comeback.
Pizza Shop Sandwiches have arrived at Your Pie. Crafted with the brand’s signature pizza dough, the sandwiches provide a handheld, portable option to a traditional pizza. Three variations are on hand: The Italian, filled with pepperoni, bacon, ham, melted mozzarella, feta, veggies and feta ranch sauce; Chicken Bacon Ranch, with grilled chicken, mozzarella, bacon, chopped romaine, Roma tomatoes, red onions and jalapeño ranch; and Chicken Caprese with chicken, shredded and fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, seasonings and pesto ranch.
A limited-time Snow White menu is available at Alamo Draft House to coincide with the movie premier. The dine-in movie theater concept created a Princess Pesto Pizza with spinach, arugula, pesto, bacon, apple and goat cheese; a Gemstone Salad with romaine, apple, grapes, celery, blue cheese and vinaigrette; an Apple Pie Shake; and Red Apple Punch.
Tacos filled with Tofurizo at Panchero's. | Photo courtesy of Panchero's
Tofurizo is a new plant-based protein at Panchero's that gives guests a vegan option for burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads and tacos. Tofurizo features the chain’s signature blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion and dark chili powder for a meatless alternative similar in taste and texture to chorizo.
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