If actual new menu items rather than family meals, meal kits and groceries are a sign of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, then we might be on our way.
Some chains are still adjusting to the off-premise-only realities that are in effect in most of the country, such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has made it easier for customers to be as fussy about their food when ordering via the chain’s app as they would be if they were standing in line.
Habit Burger Grill and Potbelly Sandwich Shop are offering large-format meal deals, and Quiznos is now selling groceries along with sandwiches.
But Starbucks is rolling out a summer lineup just as it would any year, Juice it Up!, for obvious reasons, is offering new and returning immunity-oriented drinks, Einstein Bros. Bagels has a new sweet-and-savory chicken sandwich and Smashburger has a new summer-oriented barbecue burger.
Golden Chick is trying to reignite last year’s chicken sandwich wars with its own entry, and Velvet Taco is continuing with its Weekly Taco Feature, which this week is a lettuce wrap.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
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