Chick-fil-A is testing a Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich for a limited time at participating restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina. The sandwich includes a boneless breast of chicken served on a toasted, cross-cut pretzel bun with lettuce, sliced tomato, seasoned cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon and a Dijon mustard sauce on the side. According to the company, guest feedback will determine a broader rollout in the future.
To maintain its operational efficiency, Chick-fil-A rarely iterates its signature sandwich. That said, the pace of experimentation seems to have picked up in the past year or so. Early last year, for instance, the chain tested a Cauliflower Sandwich. In June, the chain began testing a new maple pepper bacon sandwich. And, in August, Chick-fil-A launched a Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich nationwide, marking the first time the chain provided a seasonal twist on its signature offering.
Prior to last year, such innovations came at a much slower pace. In 1989, the company introduced its grilled chicken sandwich, while its grilled chicken club sandwich was launched in 1993. In 2001, the chain added a Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap, while its spicy chicken sandwich came about in 2010. In 2015, the Chilled Grilled Chicken Sub Sandwich was introduced, followed by the Seasonal Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich in 2017.
With its latest test, Chick-fil-A is tapping into the popularity of non-traditional buns. While pretzel buns gained traction throughout the 2010s, with chains from Blimpie to Wendy’s mainstreaming the offering, more recent data from Datassential shows that 59% of millennials find a pretzel bun to be “extremely” or “very” appealing, while 55% said the same about brioche buns.
New beverage lineup
Also, starting April 8, Chick-fil-A will roll out a seasonal line of Cherry Berry-flavored beverages for a limited time, while supplies last. The lineup includes Cherry Berry Sunjoy, Cherry Berry Lemonade, Cherry Berry Iced Tea, and Cherry Berry Frosted Lemonade.
“Our guests have always enjoyed both cherry and berry flavors, especially during the spring season. We wanted to explore how to deliver that burst of fruit flavor they love in a way that is unique to Chick-fil-A and that pairs so well with our menu items,” Chick-fil-A Chef Christy Cook said in a statement.
The Cherry Berry offerings mark Chick-fil-A’s fifth seasonal flavor launch since 2017, following Watermelon Mint, Cloudberry, White Peach, and Mango Passion.
“Since introducing seasonal beverages in 2017, our guests have shown continued enthusiasm for new flavors and variety, especially bright, sweet beverages that sit so well alongside our classic menu items,” Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to unveil Cherry Berry as our fifth Sunjoy variation – the perfect accompaniment to our Chick-fil-A Strips and ideal for enjoying during a sunny spring picnic or as a mid-afternoon carline snack.”
The Cherry Berry lineup will be available for Chick-fil-A One Red and Signature members in select markets via the app on April 5 and 6.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]