Panera has announced what it has called its “biggest menu transformation in history,” which it is launching in April while also removing some items and backing away from some of its promises in terms of sourcing and other factors.
Will the measures apparently intended to improve efficiency help the chain or alienate its customers? That’s for the customers to decide.
It’s March, which, among other things, means that St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and that means the introduction of many green items, often mint flavored.
Fun fact: Although green is often associated with Ireland, aka “the Emerald Isle,” azure blue is what appears on many of the country’s symbols and is also the official color of the Anglo-Irish Order of St. Patrick.
Coincidentally, probably, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is using its blue vanilla ice cream in a monthly special.
Not coincidentally at all, there are seasonal green menu items from Duck Donuts, Handel’s Homemade Ice cream, Next Level Grill, and Yogurtland.
Bar Louie and Black Rock Coffee Bar have Irish themed specials that are not green.
Tim Hortons is jumping right into Easter, which is on March 31.
Two chains, Burger King and Kung Fu Tea, are doing cross-promotions with the film Kung Fu Panda 4, and zero are doing anything with Dune, even though spice worms are such an obvious option.
Speaking of films, sort of, Sprinkles has a new cupcake celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Barbie doll.
Starbucks has rolled out its first lavender drinks and Dutch Bros has several beverages with popping boba.
Hardee’s has new breakfast wraps, Naf Naf Grill has rolled out kids meals, and Mellow Mushroom has a pizza and sandwich based on the classic Cubano.
PJ’s Coffee has some new drinks with honey, and Wings and Rings has a new hot honey sauce made in-house rather than purchased from you-know-who.
Jamba has a fruity new smoothie, Playa Bowls has a new mango base, and Chicken Salad Chick has launched gluten-free wraps as a limited-time offer.
Andy’s Frozen Custard has a collab with championship race car driver Cole Custer, Voodoo Doughnut has four weekly specials this month, and Wayback Burgers has some cheese-and-bacon specials.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has a new spring lineup, The Halal Guys have some barbecue specials Nothing Bundt Cakes has a chocolate turtle dessert (no actual turtles are involved, of course), and Velvet Taco’s Weekly Taco Feature has crab cakes, but no tortilla.