Chipotle's Carne Asada is Back on the Menu

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is bringing back Carne Asada to restaurants across the U.S. for a limited time. The premium steak option will also return to the menu in Canada and make its debut in France, where it will become Chipotle's first new protein introduced in the European market.

Chipotle's Carne Asada is grilled fresh in small batches, seasoned with a blend of signature spices, hand cut into tender slices, and is finished with fresh squeezed lime and hand-chopped cilantro. The protein is officially approved for the Whole30® program and is compliant with Keto and Paleo diets...

Sweet Earth Foods Launches Plant-Based Bacon Cheeseburger in Foodservice 

Sweet Earth Foods, a Nestlé brand and award-winning plant-based food innovator, announced the launch of their Plant-Based Triple Play, a fully plant-based bac'n cheezeburger to debut in foodservice.

The launch will debut at The University of Massachusetts Dining Program, which is the largest collegiate dining program in America and a recognized leader in campus food quality, nutrition, and innovation.

To celebrate National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th), they'll feature the Sweet Earth Plant-Based Triple Play in their Amherst location's dining halls, take-away, through...

Burger King Launches Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets in Germany 

Burger King has added plant-based chicken nuggets to the menu at locations in Germany. The nuggets were created by The Vegetarian Butcher, a Holland-based brand that was acquired by Unilever in 2018. Burger King stated that the launch was in reaction to the trend of a growing number of consumers looking for plant-based options when dining out.

Hugo Verkuil, CEO of The Vegetarian Butcher, said, "The nuggets are soft and meat-like on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside and offer a delicious vegetable-based alternative for...

Wendy's Adds Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger to Menu 

Wendy's is introducing the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger. After a few years out of the pretzel-bun game and some self-reflection, the new and improved Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger is back. In between the soft pretzel bun lies a quarter pound of fresh, never frozen beef topped with Muenster cheese, three strips of Applewood smoked bacon, smoky honey mustard, warm beer cheese sauce, crispy fried onions, and pickles.

"We love working with our Culinary Innovation team to deliver on emerging food trends and flavors that customers can't get enough of," said Carl Loredo Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "Like we did with Spicy Nuggets, we've been watching and listening as customers have been...

Church's Chicken Introduces New "Go Box"

Originally established as Church's Fried Chicken To Go, Church's Chicken was built on the idea of convenience and accessibility for quality, value, and Texas-inspired flavor – which has become an even more pronounced focus for the brand today.

With COVID-19 significantly shifting consumer habits and increasing demand for off-premise dining, Church's is reconnecting with its to-go roots by offering a signature carrier option for guests to grab and go. Church's new "Go Box" provides...

QDOBA Tests Mexican Cauliflower Mash

QDOBA announced that it is testing Mexican Cauliflower Mash in 23 restaurants in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. QDOBA's Mexican Cauliflower Mash is a low-carb alternative to rice, made with cauliflower oven-roasted in-house and blended with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo and sour cream. This flavorful and keto-friendly option has 6 grams of carbs per 4 oz. serving.

"More than ever, guests are seeking low-carb options—whether cooking at home or ordering from...

Carl's Jr. Launches New Angus Beef Burger 

In celebration of its newest craveable menu innovation, the Steakhouse Angus Thickburger, Carl's Jr. is offering an ultimate steakhouse dinner experience from the comfort of consumers' homes.

As many customers continue to look for new ways to elevate their nights in, Carl’s Jr. will partner with Nocking Point Wines to introduce a limited-edition “Carl’s Jr. x Nocking Point Wines Steakhouse Burger Box.” The box features a collection of...

Papa John's Introduces New Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia 

Papa John’s is offering a new Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia for $6 until October 25.

The Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia is crafted from Papa John’s dough and comes loaded with grilled chicken and onions, held together by melty signature cheese, plus a three-cheese blend, all drenched in the saucey goodness of buttermilk-ranch and a tangy, fiery buffalo sauce.

For guests really looking to turn up the heat, Jalapeño Popper Rolls can be...

Wendy's Adds Spicy Chicken Sandwich to 4 for $4 Meal Deal

Wendy's is introducing its Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich to Wendy's 4 for $4. The latest addition brings the heat with a spicy all-white meat crispy patty, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise, and a warm bakery bun.

The restaurant will also be offering a Postmates code offering free 4 for $4 Meal Deals with any $10 minimum purchase for a limited time. The sandwich will be available nationwide at participating Wendy's restaurants.

The 4 for $4 Meal Deal was first introduced...

KFC Canada Makes Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich a Permanent Menu Item 

KFC Canada announced that Plant-Based KFC sandwiches will be available permanently coast-to-coast beginning August 10. After an incredibly successful pilot with plant-based partner Lightlife in 2019, vegetarians and flexitarians everywhere can now experience KFC.

"When we tested Plant-Based KFC by Lightlife late last year, we sold over a month's worth of sandwiches in six hours," said Samantha Redman, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Canada. "Seeing the extraordinary demand for Plant-Based KFC, we worked quickly to bring these menu items to our restaurants across Canada."

Developed in response to Canada's evolving tastes and preferences for plant-based proteins, Plant-Based KFC is made in Canada by Lightlife, a leading plant-based protein brand whose portfolio of products are available in...

Smashburger Announces Nationwide Launch of Fan-Favorite Colorado Burger

Smashburger is bringing back a fan-favorite menu item, announcing the return of its hometown burger. Launching today, the Colorado Burger is back by popular demand and available at all Smashburger locations nationwide for a limited time. In celebration of Smashburger's 13th anniversary and the restaurant's Colorado roots, Smashburger will host a single day promotion on Thursday, August 6, offering Smash fans who purchase any double or single Colorado Burger a second one for only 13 cents at participating restaurants.

As one of Smashburger's most beloved premium burger offerings, the Colorado Burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, and is topped with...

Wawa Launches New Plant-Based Protein Breakfast Options

Wawa announced the addition of a new plant-based Sizzli Breakfast Sandwich made with Beyond Breakfast Sausage from Beyond Meat. The new Sizzli sandwich featuring Beyond Breakfast Sausage is now available in all 650 stores in its Mid-Atlantic Operating area of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA and Washington, D.C., and will be available in all 220 stores in Florida starting on Monday, August 10.

Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, like peas and brown rice, without GMOs, soy, gluten or artificially produced ingredients, Beyond Breakfast Sausage is available as part of a Sizzli breakfast sandwich served with egg and cheese on a bagel. Beyond Breakfast Sausage is also available to...

Lightlife Launches Plant-Based Burger at All Harvey’s Restaurants Across Canada

Lightlife, owned by Greenleaf Foods, launched its reinvented Lightlife Burger at more than 250 Harvey’s locations across Canada. The new Plant-Based Burger recipe includes only simple ingredients like pea protein, coconut oil and garlic powder, and has 17 grams of protein and only five grams of saturated fat.

“Our partnership with Harvey’s reflects our shared food philosophy that embraces balance and eating fresh ingredients. We’re excited for new and loyal plant-based consumers alike to taste the difference in our reinvented Plant-Based Burger that’s made-to-order and...

Chipotle to Test New Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice in Select Markets

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it will test Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice at 55 restaurants in Denver and throughout Wisconsin starting July 15. Chipotle's latest plant-based option is made with real, grilled cauliflower, seasoned with fresh-chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt, prepared fresh in-restaurant every day. As many brands look to limit menu offerings amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chipotle is continuing to explore menu innovations that align with its Food with Integrity standards.

"To date, one out of three new menu item requests from Chipotle customers is for Cauliflower Rice," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "We've answered the call from fans and created a better-for-you option that puts a delicious twist on our classic white rice recipe by using the same fresh cilantro and lime ingredients and...

Taco Bell Unveils Grilled Cheese Burrito

Taco Bell is now introducing grilled cheese, thanks to the all-new Grilled Cheese Burrito. The burrito draws inspiration from the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It features fan favorite fillings like seasoned beef, seasoned rice, a three-cheese blend, crunchy red strips, chipotle sauce and reduced fat sour cream, all wrapped with a warm flour tortilla hugged by a warm layer of grilled cheese. Guests can also enjoy a vegetarian version by simply asking to swap beans for meat.

Available for a limited time and while supplies last, the Grilled Cheese Burrito is served at participating U.S locations a la carte for $2.99, or part of a $5 Box and comes with a Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists and a medium soda drink. It was first tested in...

Papa John’s and Shaquille O’Neal Launch New Shaq-a-Roni Pizza

Papa John’s announced today the launch of the new Shaq-a-Roni pizza in collaboration with board member and restaurant owner Shaquille O’Neal. Designed to deliver a bigger pizza experience, Papa John’s will donate one dollar from every Shaq-a-Roni sold through August 23, 2020 to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, which supports communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all.

“It was important to me for the Shaq-a-Roni to be bigger than just pizza. By giving my new pie a try, one dollar will be donated to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community to support COVID-19 relief...

Church's Chicken Rallies in Q2, Sets Sights on Continued Growth and Positive Momentum

Just six months ago, Church's Chicken turned in its best performance in ten years for comparable same-store sales, and made 2020 the launch date for the brand's five-year strategic plan. Then, like all restaurants and businesses, plans were set back due to COVID-19 and the brand enacted a refocused action plan in response. Overall, the COVID-19 sales challenges were only temporary for Church's, as it reports that domestic sales have returned to pre-pandemic positive trends the past two months.

"Without question, our ability to weather this crisis is due to our entire franchise community, corporate and restaurant team members coming together to quickly and effectively adapt to a changing market and continue to...

Smashburger Introduces Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger

In time for the unofficial kickoff to summer, Smashburger invites guests to sink their teeth into its all-new Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger. To celebrate National Burger Day, Smashburger will offer a single day promotion on Thursday, May 28, giving foodies who purchase a Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger a second one for only $1.

Starting at $8.99, as one of Smashburger's most premium burger offerings ever introduced, the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger is made with Certified Angus Beef patty and topped with brisket smoked for 10 hours, then layered with Applewood smoked bacon, smoked cheddar, pickles, and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun.

"As we head into a new season, we're excited to offer our guests another burger...

Elevation Burger Debuts Impossible Burger and Dairy-Free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices Nationwide

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Elevation Burger, known for serving 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers and fresh fries cooked in heart-healthy olive oil, is pleased to announce all domestic locations across America will now carry the plant-based Impossible™ Burger as well as dairy-free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices.

Elevation Burger’s nationwide launch of the Impossible Burger and dairy-free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices demonstrates the brand's commitment to serving customers of all dietary preferences. The Impossible™ Burger handles, cooks and tastes like ground beef — but is made entirely from plants — while each Daiya Cheddar Style Slice delivers the same incredible melt and slight sharpness as dairy-based cheese that pairs perfectly with...

Denny's to Offer Beyond Meat Burger 

For more than 65 years, Denny's has been delivering on its commitment to serve guests delicious and affordable meals, investing in menu innovation and increased quality that has put America's Diner at the forefront of the Family Dining category. In response to guests' interest in plant-based dining and flexitarian diets, Denny's has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch the Denny's Beyond Burger.

Available at all Los Angeles area Denny's locations beginning today, the new Denny's Beyond Burger features a 100% plant-based Beyond Burger patty topped with freshly sliced tomatoes and onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, American cheese and All-American sauce on a multigrain bun - offered...

Dunkin' and Beyond Meat Accelerate Nationwide Launch of Beyond Sausage Sandwich

Dunkin' today marked a major step in making plant-based menu options easily accessible to Americans everywhere, announcing plans for the nationwide rollout of its highly-anticipated Beyond Sausage Sandwich. First introduced exclusively in Manhattan in July, the Beyond Sausage Sandwich quickly became one of the top-selling sandwiches, driving Dunkin' to accelerate plans for the national launch, with participating U.S. restaurants serving the Beyond Sausage Sandwich beginning November 6.

Dunkin' is the first nationwide U.S. quick service restaurant brand to Go Beyond traditional on-the-go breakfast choices by serving Beyond Breakfast Sausage. Offering the delicious taste and texture of a juicy, savory breakfast sausage patty, Dunkin's Beyond Sausage Sandwich features Beyond Meat's breakfast sausage patty made with...

Whataburger Reveals New Breakfast Burger

Whataburger’s brand-new Breakfast Burger is officially here. The burger features a 100% beef patty, Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Creamy Pepper Sauce, two slices of savory bacon, a freshly-cracked egg, three crispy hash browns, and American cheese, all conveniently sandwiched in a 4” bun. The Creamy Pepper Sauce is also available as a dipping sauce.

“Anytime we talk about the Breakfast Burger, people get really, really excited,” said Whataburger Vice President of Marketing and Innovation Rich Scheffler. “This is a hearty creation, and some of our customers said they would drive out of their way to get this. We’re excited to be able to offer...