Prospecting: Key Moves from National Restaurant Brands This Week.
Shake Shack is giving away Avocado Bacon Burgers to customers who make purchases of at least $10 via the chain’s app, website or in-restaurant kiosks through April 7 as part of a March Madness college basketball championship promotion. The burger won over the chain’s Chicken Shack sandwich in a competition in which customers at eight select Shake Shack locations could shoot baskets to vote for their choice of sandwich. They also could vote via the chain’s app or its Instagram account.
Wendy’s, which is the official hamburger sponsor of March Madness, is offering deals through April 13 that include a $1 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and a $1 Double Stack with any purchase on the smartphone app, the company said. The Dublin, Ohio-based company continues its partnership with the NCAA for deals that are being offered throughout the tournament. On the DoorDash app, DashPass subscribers can get a Son of Baconator sandwich for free on orders of $20 or more. Uber Eats users can get a buy-one-get-one-free Double Stack Biggie Bag. Grubhub users can get a free Baconator sandwich.
McDonald’s may have announced a new category team to focus on beverages and desserts, but it certainly isn’t the only major chain jockeying for the snack crowd. Chick-fil-A is testing a new Icedream Spin and Icedream Float for a limited time in the San Diego, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Tampa, FL markets. The Icedream Spin features the brand’s signature Icedream frozen dessert, hand-spun with the choice of fountain beverage. The Icedream Float is a classic float with the choice of fountain beverage, made special with a swirl of Icedream. Both start at $4.35, but prices may vary by location.
Yum Brands has partnered with Nvidia to accelerate the use of AI in its restaurants around the world, including for order-taking and computer vision. The collaboration marks Nvidia’s first with a restaurant chain and represents a strategic shift for Yum, which has previously relied on acquisitions for tech development. The parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC plans a broader rollout across more than 500 locations in the next quarter.
KFC has launched the “Dunk It Bucket,” its first new bucket in nearly a decade. It includes new Mashed Potato Poppers, available nationwide and while supplies last. The Poppers are fried mashed potatoes and are available à la carte (in a five-count with a side of warm gravy) or as part of the Dunk It Bucket. The Dunk It Bucket also includes KFC’s Original Recipe Tenders and Secret Recipe Fries, as well as the choice of seven sauces for dunking.
Habit Burger & Grill has introduced Tempura Avocado Wedges — tempura-fried avocado with a crunchy batter infused with serrano peppers and cilantro and served with the chain’s house-made ranch dressing. The new limited-time offering is available for the suggested price of $4.99 and comes as the demand for avocado dishes rises. According to Technomic data, entrées featuring avocados on menus increased by more than 7% year-over-year. Side dishes with the fruit grew by 11%.