Restaurants put coffee, tacos and plants in the spotlight
By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 29, 2020There seems to be a national day to celebrate every food, and right now, it’s time for coffee, with tacos, pasta and vegetarian fare coming on its heels. Chains are quick to jump on these events with specials, LTOs and promotions. Here’s what’s in store for fans of these items and other deal seekers.
Dunkin'
Today is National Coffee Day and Dunkin’ is taking charge of the occasion by renaming it National Dunkin’ Day. The chain is treating customers to a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on Sept. 29. Fans who can’t make it in can participate in a sweepstakes to win a Dunkin’ care package or purchase limited-run branded merchandise at ShopDunkin.com.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee is offering customers a 50% discount on a prepacked bag of coffee beans with a purchase of a large beverage. Many blends are on hand, including Caribou’s single-origin and limited-release coffees such as La Minita Peaberry from Costa Rica. The deal is available only on Sept. 29, both for in-store and online orders.
Chuy's
National Taco Day arrives on Sunday, but Chuy’s has already started revving up customers. In the week leading up to Oct. 4, the Tex-Mex chain is encouraging fans to “dress as a taco” and compete for prizes by posting photos on social media with the hashtag #chuystacoday. All contestants have a chance to win a taco meal kit and other Chuy’s gear. There also are deals for dine-in customers. Guests can purchase a crispy beef taco for $1 extra with any entree order and $5 tequila shots are flowing from Chuy’s bar.
BurgerFi
In honor of World Vegetarian Day Thursday, BurgerFi is offering the Hippie Burger for one day only. The “secret menu” item features a Beyond Burger stacked on top of the fast-casual’s signature VegeFi Burger. The combo is topped with white cheddar and American cheese, lettuce, tomato and Fi sauce on a potato bun and goes for $10.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette debuted a fall menu with a selection of pastries, cakes and nine sandwiches. In the latter category is a completely plant-based Vegan Mulitgrain Baguette filled with hummus, roasted carrots, arugula, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Vegetarians can also opt for the Caprese Baguette, layered with mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula and mixed greens, topped with pesto and balsamic glaze.
Hardee's
In case eaters missed celebrating National Sausage Month in September, Hardee’s is giving away a free Made From Scratch Sausage Biscuit to those in-the-know on the last day of the month. To get the freebie Wednesday, customers have to use the password “made from scratch” at checkout. Throughout the month, the QSR has released a series of limited-edition Southern-style biscuit recipes and fans can vote on their favorite before September ends.
Hardee’s is offering even more for its meat-loving customers. The chain’s new prime rib menu features three items: a Prime Rib and Cheddar Angus Thickburger topped with sliced prime rib, cheddar sauce and caramelized onions on a toasted bun; a Prime Rib and Fried Egg Biscuit; and a Prime Rib Burrito with sliced prime rib, eggs and shredded cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
Nekter Juice Bar
A new menu category, Superfood Oats, launched at Nekter Juice Bar. The four oatmeals in the line use slow-cooked steel-cut oats, making them high in fiber and protein, and often include immunity-boosting ingredients. There’s Super Berry Superfood Oats topped with strawberries, blueberries and bee pollen; Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter with apples and almonds; Almond Butter with cacao nibs and bananas; and Pumpkin Oats with apples, pepitas and pumpkin spice. Each bowl sells for $3.95.
Fazoli's
Chicken wings have been a strong seller during the pandemic and Fazoli’s wants to get some of the action. After a successful test, the fast casual is offering chicken wings on its core menu starting Wednesday. The wings come in a variety of flavors, including honey BBQ, hot honey BBQ, Parmesan garlic and Asian chili sauce. They’re available for dine-in, drive-thru, online ordering and delivery. And Fazoli’s is opening a ghost kitchen in Atlanta dedicated to wings under the name Wingville.
Red Lobster
Full-service restaurants are dangling moneysaving deals to lure consumers. IHOP introduced a value-priced happy hour menu this week and Red Lobster announced a new roster of daily deals—a different one for each weekday. Ultimate Endless Shrimp starts the week off on Monday $17.99), with Two for Tuesday following, a $49.99 package for two meals with a choice of lobster, shrimp or salmon. Whole Lobster Wednesday ($22.99) is next, then Throwback Thursday featuring Walt’s Favorite Shrimp with a fountain beverage for $12.99. Last up is Fish Fry Friday—hand battered cod with fries and cole slaw for $11.99.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is banking on family bundles to attract parents with kids who are juggling full school and work loads. For $34.99, customers can get a meal that feeds up to five people. Entree choices include spaghetti topped with meatballs, lasagna, chicken parmesan and wood-grilled salmon; each comes with sides of salad, bread, pasta and/or vegetables.