We’re already living in a topsy-turvy time, so to add April Fools’ Day into the mix is a bit over the top.
Like adding French fries to your mashed potatoes.
Or, as one meme making the social media rounds this week so eloquently put it: “April Fools’ Day is canceled this year because no made-up prank could match the unbelievable shit show going on in the world right now.”
But that’s not stopping some restaurant brands from trying.
Though, we will note, as unscientific chroniclers of these restaurant stunts for quite a few years now, it does seem like fewer companies are jumping on the trickery bandwagon this April 1.
But here’s a look at the pranks that have crossed our desk in the days leading up to April Fools’ Day:
Dunkin’, for its part, said it is skipping the tricks this year. Instead, Dunkin’ Rewards members can score free hot or iced coffees or cold brews of any size all day. The chain said it will give away a million free drinks to customers who enter the single-use promo code “ThisIsNotAJoke” in the Dunkin’ app.
“Trust issues are real, especially on April 1 with most brands busy pranking their customers—but Dunkin’ is here to help,” the chain said.
Last year, casual-dining chain BJ’s Restaurants graced the world with a pickle-topped version of its signature Pizookie dessert, the Pizicle.
This year, BJ’s is introducing a giant cookie that is “bigger, crispier and even more briny.” The Fryckle Pizookie (which honestly might be more at home on 4-20 than on 4-1) is a warm, chocolate chunk Pizookie topped with fried pickles that the chain bills as “surprisingly addictive.”
Three-unit cupcake bakery The Cup has taken inspiration from the classic diner sandwich, the Patty Melt, for its April Fools’ dessert. The trompe l’oeil treat features toasted marble cake, crispy chocolate rice cereal, dark chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream for the patty, vanilla buttercream for the Swiss cheese, marshmallow fluff and vanilla buttercream for the cheddar cheese, and fruit gummies to mimic caramelized onions and sliced pickles.
In past years, The Cup has crafted sweet dupes of savory dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy, taco salad, toasted ravioli, orange chicken and more.
Convenience stores, already fierce fast-food competitors, are getting in on the April Fools’ action. C-store giant 7-Eleven is out with the return of its limited-edition April Fools’ Month Mystery Donut. The white-frosted, Bismark-style doughnut is available at all participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores all month. “What’s inside remains a closely guarded secret,” 7-Eleven noted. “One bit could reveal a sweet treat or an unexpected flavor twist.” (Here’s hoping it’s not a patty melt …)
Ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins is teaming up with Tarte Cosmetics for a Self Care Sundaes Collection that debuts April 1. The collection features new Melt Lock Setting Spray and the Maracuja Mixed Berries Sundae, inspired by Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lips balm-gloss-hydrating treatment. On April 1, customers can score a BOGO 50% deal on sundaes.
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