The headline is that Chipotle Mexican Grill has finally rolled out the quesadilla that its customers have been clamoring for. It’s certainly possible that Taco Bell’s decision to bring back its Quesalupa at exactly the same time (on the same day, in fact: March 11) is coincidental.
With Lent well underway, chains continue to roll out new seafood items. This week’s new ones come from A&W, Logan’s Roadhouse and Woody’s Bar-B-Q.
Lent is a time of abstinence for many Christians, so it is ironic that St. Patrick’s Day always falls in the 40-day prelude to Easter, and chain restaurants are marking that holiday with indulgent items such as doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and green cocktails from Chevys and Bartaco — the latter continuing its month-long Margarita celebration with a drink that has the color and flavor of green chiles. It probably is coincidental that Smoothie King and Nekter Juice Bar have both chosen this week to offer green-colored drinks — one with matcha and the other with kale — since those are permanent additions to their menus.
There are new fried chicken options this week from Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Slim Chickens and Velvet Taco, and new burgers form Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, BurgerFi, Friendly’s and Logan’s Roadhouse.
Fired Pie has a Crispy Chicken Salad, but the chicken is grilled and the crunch comes from peanuts and fried wonton skins.
There are new frozen desserts from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Van Leeuwen, a meatless breakfast sandwich from Caribou Coffee and cauliflower from Red Robin.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
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