This week on Nation's Restaurant News the top story was New items from Burger King, KFC, Subway, and Popeyes. Is it a happy coincidence, or is it orchestrated that just as Halloween approaches, the ghost pepper is trending like crazy? Reportedly so-named because its heat can sneak up on you like a phantom, ghost peppers at restaurant chains tend to be considerably more muted than they are raw, and they are all over the place.
In other news, KFC is declaring the chicken sandwich wars “old news,” and shifting its attention to the chicken tenders battle with the launch of its Original Recipe Tenders. The double hand-breaded tenders include KFC’s signature 11 herbs and spices.
Also, The TikTok generation demands more from restaurant brands — or else. By now, most people understand on some level that social media empowers its users in their relationships with the brands they support. But for the restaurant industry, this isn’t just an observation, it’s a warning. The wrong misstep on social can literally make or break any brand. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Michelin star winner or just a fast-casual lunch spot — the urgency is the same.
See what else was trending on NRN.com this week.