Data indicate that the vast majority of people (fitness app Strava puts it at 80%) who resolve to eat more healthfully in the new year give up by the end of the second week. It seems like most chains have gotten that memo. Smoothie King is catering to the other 20% with new lineup of nutrient-dense drinks, and Peet’s Coffee has added whey protein to some drinks, but other than that there’s a whole lot of indulgence going on.
Sister chains Checkers & Rally’s have new burgers, &Pizza has new items inspired by jalapeño poppers, Hardee’s has maple biscuits, Perkins has pie-inspired doughnuts, Krispy Kreme has doughnuts inspired by Pop-Tarts, and Jimmy John’s invites guests to consume a 6-ounce portion of its Kickin’ Ranch dressing like soup.
Friendly’s has a new Conehead Sundae, but it does that pretty much every month. Ditto Bruster’s Real Ice Cream with new sundaes and Paris Baguette with a bunch of pastries and suchlike.
Applebee’s is getting ready for Valentine’s Day with romance-themed cocktails, and PJ’s Coffee has jumped right into Mardi Gras season, which to be fair started in New Orleans on Jan. 6, which is Three Kings Day aka Epiphany.
Jimmy John’s isn’t the only chain playing with sauces, Fajita Pete’s also has a new spicy ranch, and Wingstop has a new Pacific Glaze.
Cracker Barrel has its own version of Nashville Hot sauce now, Popeyes has a new Louisiana Garlic sauce, and Ziggi’s Coffee is using a pistachio syrup to flavor some new coffee options.
Sonic Drive-in has a new smashburger, Panera has new bagel sandwiches, and Taco Bell has new slushes inspired by dirty sodas.
Bojangles is putting its “Bo-Berries” on biscuits now, Jack in the Box has some new wraps, and both Jason’s Deli and Jersey Mike’s have new spicy Italian subs.
First Watch, and Another Broken Egg Café have new brunch items, The Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf is combining honey with nut flavors in some new drinks, Golden Chick is serving its tenders in a bowl of mashed potatoes, CAVA has new bowls too, Outback Steakhouse has new steak and similar items, and Velvet Taco’s Weekly Taco Feature is inspired by Eggplant Parmesan.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
