Spring has sprung, at least according to one definition of the season. March 1 marked the start of meteorological spring, which is based on annual temperature cycles (it ends on May 31). Astronomical spring, computed according to the relative position of Earth to the sun, starts late at night on March 19 this year.
However you consider it, winter is over or very nearly so, at least in much of the country (sorry, North Dakota and its vicinity). Chefs in many places are eagerly anticipating the appearance of spring vegetables, as well as seafood specialties like soft shell crab and shad roe.
That is apparently not the case, however, for the corporate chefs at America’s top fast-food chains. While these enterprises continually roll out new menu items, often keyed to specific holidays or easily definable seasons (see the annual autumn appearance of pumpkin spice latte), a number of their new offerings as spring begins this year could just as easily show up in August or December.
To compile a list of new fast food menu items for early spring, 24/7 Tempo reviewed recent Menu Tracker columns in the leading food-service trade publication Nation’s Restaurant News. In these columns, Bret Thorn, NRN’s senior food and beverage editor, surveys menu additions at chains across the country. What follows is a selection of some of his findings.
Scroll down to read about new fast-food items for early spring.
Instead of asparagus, peas, and fresh seasonal crustaceans, the items listed here mostly cover three of our favorite food groups — beef, chicken, and shrimp. Of the 13 menu additions below, four involve beef (either sliced or in burger form), three are made with chicken, and three use (frozen) shrimp. And all 13, despite their lack of seasonal connection, will doubtless please fans. (For more fast-food articles, read this lineup of the most popular fast-food chains in every state.)
Arby’s
- New menu item: Roast beef and Brown Sugar Bacon Sandwich
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $6.69 and up
Carl’s Jr.
- New menu item: Spicy Western Bacon Cheeseburger
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $6.99 and up
Checkers and Rally’s
- New menu item: Bacon Sourdough Buford Melt (two beef patties, Swiss and cheddar, grilled onions)
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $5.99
Del Taco
- New menu item: Beer-battered crisp fish tacos made with Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): 2 for $5
Dunkin’ Donuts
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 26: People walk past a Dunkin' store on October 26, 2020 in New York City. The Dunkin’ Brands, the parent company of the Dunkin’ and Baskin Robbins chains, is in negotiations to sell itself to Inspire Brand, a private equity-backed company. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
- New menu item: Sausage, egg & cheese breakfast empanada
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $4.49
El Pollo Loco
- New menu item: Double Baja Shrimp Tostada
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $14.99
Jack in the Box
- New menu item: Spicy Crispy Jack Wrap (chicken)
- When available: Permanently
- Price (may vary): $3.29 and up
KFC
- New menu item: Chizza (two extra crispy chicken breast filets topped pizza-style with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni)
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price: Varies by location
Krispy Kreme
- New menu item: Hershey’s Black & White Chocolate Chip Dream
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $2.59
Panda Express
- New menu item: Firecracker shrimp
- When available: Through June 4 while supplies last
- Price (may vary): $1.50 upcharge with any bowl or plate
Quiznos
- New menu item: Queso Philly Sub
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $12 and up
Sonic Drive-In
- New menu item: Hickory BBQ Crispy [chicken] Tender Wrap
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $1.99
White Castle
- New menu item: Shrimp Nibblers
- When available: Unspecified limited time
- Price (may vary): $4.59-$9.99
(Curious about healthier options? Check out The Healthiest Option at Every Fast Food Restaurant.)