After the December rush of holiday-themed menu items, several chains seem to be taking a breather this month on new product launches. Instead, they’re bringing back proven winners from the culinary archives. But that’s not to say that menu innovation is at a standstill. New beverages, sandwiches and entrees are popping out of the pipeline to welcome 2025.
The comeback kids
White Castle is bringing back the French Toast Slider, a favorite that made its debut in 2023. This breakfasty slider sandwiches an egg, American cheese and bacon or sausage between two slices of cinnamon swirl French toast. It’s available on the all-day menu, so breakfast fans can order it up anytime.
French Toast Sliders at White Castle | Photo courtesy of White Castle
Also making a comeback is Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, first introduced in 2021. The build features a grilled boneless chicken breast marinated in a blend of peppers and layered with Colby-Jack cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted multi-grain bun, served with a side of Cilantro Lime Sauce. On the beverage side, Key Lime Lemonade and Key Lime Frosted Lemonade return to the lineup.
To get the new year off to a healthy start, El Pollo Loco returns a couple of Double Pollo Fit Bowls to the menu. The Classic is a combo of super greens, a double portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, avocado, shredded red cabbage and carrots, queso fresco, pepitas and salsa fresca with creamy cilantro dressing. The Street Corn Double Pollo Fit Bowl swaps in roasted corn and red peppers for the red cabbage and carrots, and adds chili lime seasoning to the mix. Both are on the menu through Feb. 19.
Innovation in the cup
Starbucks announced a new espresso lineup Friday, but Dunkin’ chose New Year’s Eve for its espresso launch. Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, a frothy, blend of iced espresso, oatmilk and brown sugar flavor notes, is being promoted by none other than singer Sabrina Carpenter whose song “Espresso” went viral over the summer. Also new to sip at Dunkin’ is the hot or iced Lava Cake Signature Latte and Lava Cake Signature Coffee. On the food side, the Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut made its debut, with the returning Hash Brown Brisket Scramble, Almond Croissant and Iced Lemon Cake rounding out winter LTOs.
Two cereal milk-inspired coffee drinks are making news at Dutch Bros. The Cinnamon Swirl starts with cinnamon sugar cereal-flavored milk and comes with a dusting of crunchy cinnamon sugar cereal; it can be ordered as a latte, protein latte, freeze or chai latte. The Marshmallow Dream incorporates marshmallow cereal-flavored milk and is topped with marshmallow charms. Customers can try it as a latte, protein latte or freeze.
Marshmallows are also in the beverage spotlight at Pinkbox Doughnuts, where the Campfire Marshmallow Latte is on offer throughout January. It’s a blend of espresso, milk, toasted marshmallow syrup and dark chocolate syrup, topped with cream and a drizzle of chocolate. Customers can order the January doughnut of the month along with their latte. Called “She’s Hot Honey,” it’s a maple frosted doughnut topped with bacon, hot honey whip and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.
Del Taco's colorful drinks with boba pearls and dragon fruit | Photo courtesy of Del Taco
Del Taco brightens up the beverage scene with a colorful collection of Dragon Fruit Blueberry Poppers. Each limited-time drink features popping boba pearls and pieces of real dragon fruit. There’s Dragon Fruit Blueberry Sprite Poppers, Dragon Fruit Blueberry Lemonade Poppers and Dragon Fruit Blueberry Shake Poppers with a vanilla shake base. Two new burritos are also making their debut as part of Del’s value menu. The Bean, Rice and Cheese Burrito boasts a zesty red sauce, while the Chipotle Chicken Burrito is wrapped in an oversized flour tortilla and grilled.
Winter warmers
Four comforting brunch entrees launch Monday at Another Broken Egg. The personal size Louisiana Quiche is baked with shrimp, andouille sausage and crawfish étouffée, then topped with green onions. There’s also a savory Deep South Biscuit Sandwich flavored with bacon jam, Blackberry Stuffed French Toast with mango whipped cream and Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes. Guests can sip the new Spiked Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew or Golden Thyme Mocktail along with the entrees.
Another Broken Egg's Louisiana Quiche | Photo courtesy of Another Broken Egg
Sticking to breakfast-and-brunch food, the January Pancake of the Month at IHOP is the Snickerdoodle Stack. It’s composed of four buttermilk pancakes topped with cinnamon sugar, cream cheese icing and whipped topping.
On to lunch and dinner, Dog Haus collaborated with Instagram influencer and chef Josh Elkin to create the Hot-N-Ranchy Corn Dog. The crispy root beer-battered beef hot dog is fired up with Nashville hot spices, butterflied, then topped with miso ranch, chipotle aioli and sweet pickle relish. The mashup of umami-rich flavors and ingredients is an Elkin’s signature.
Hot 'N Ranchy Corn Dog at Dog Haus | Photo courtesy of Dog Haus
Build-your-own-bowl concept Bibibop Asian Grill offers new proteins, bases and toppings to take customization up a notch. Miso Glazed Salmon and oven-fried Gluten-Free Korean Crispy Chicken are the proteins, with Lemon Turmeric Rice, Honey Citrus Kale and Crispy Romaine the three additional bases. New toppings include Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Curry Chickpeas, Sunny Side Up Egg and Pickled Red Onion.
Bowls ring in the new year at Cowboy Chicken, too. The Chicken Tinga Bowl is the latest addition to the chain’s Bolero Bowls category. This limited-time item combines spicy chicken tinga, corn relish, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla chips, crema, avocado, jalapeños and signature Cowboy Dust. Making a comeback is the Campfire Bowl, a mix of rotisserie chicken, charred corn, roasted tomatoes and onions, cotija cheese and a creamy avocado sauce. Both are served over cilantro lime rice, a new side.
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