Article
Fast casual LTOs hitting the sweet spot
Holidays are a time of indulgence, which is why a plethora of fast casual chains from coffee concepts to sandwich joints, have released winter menus inspired by all-things sugar-coated and chocolate-soaked.
November 22, 2019 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Holidays are a time of indulgence, which is why a plethora of fast casual chains from coffee concepts to sandwich joints have released winter menus inspired by all-things sugar-coated and chocolate-soaked.
It seems, however, that just as many chains have gone the savory route, which we'll feature Monday in Part 2 of our winter menu series. But first — the sweet stuff:
Starbucks
Starbucks started the winter holiday season off early this year with the debut of its red cups, which feature its holiday theme, "Merry Coffee." Customers may get the free limited-edition reusable red cups — while supplies last — and receive a 50 cents off their drinks when using them on future purchases through Jan. 6.
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Starbucks started the winter holiday season with the debut of its red cups, which signify this year's theme — "Merry Coffee." |
The brand's holiday beverages include the caramel brulée latte, chestnut praline latte, eggnog latte, gingerbread latte (available in Canada only), hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, pumpkin spice latte, salted caramel hot chocolate, salted caramel mocha and toasted white chocolate mocha (available in U.S. only).
PJ's Coffee
The holiday menu at PJ's Coffee is full of peppermint and butter rum. The chain, according to a company press release, has created the following LTOs:
- Peppermint Bark Velvet Ice: made with peppermint and white chocolate blended with Espresso Dolce concentrate and garnished with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and crushed peppermint pieces.
- Peppermint Bark Latte: a latte sweetened with Ghiradelli white chocolate and peppermint syrup and garnished with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and crushed peppermint pieces.
- Gingerbread Latte: made with white chocolate, gingerbread syrup, steamed milk and espresso. Topped with cinnamon for a perfect holiday treat.
- Butter Rum Latte: made by combining butter rum flavors with espresso, white chocolate sauce, steamed milk and topped with a caramel drizzle.
PJ's Coffee, founded in New Orleans, has more than 65 locations.
Voodoo Doughnut
After two years of perfecting the recipe, Voodoo Doughnut has launched The Cannolo — made from raised-yeast fried dough and filled with one of three cream cheese flavors: pumpkin, almond or raspberry.
"We are excited to offer our customers something new and unique, as part of their Voodoo Doughnut experience," CEO Chris Schultz said in a company press release. "Voodoo customers have come to expect innovative flavors and products from us, and The Cannolo Doughnut gives us the opportunity to exceed their expectations and further develop our menu."
Founded in 2003, in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut offers more than 50 flavor options.
Gloria Jean's Coffees
Gloria Jean's Coffees is celebrating its 40th anniversary with holiday beverages, including the Winter Wonderland Chiller and Latte available over ice and as a cold brew, according to a company press release.
The recipe was created by Amanda, a Gloria Jean's Coffees employee from the Valley View Mall location in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Top recipes submitted during an employee contest were tested throughout the year, and Amanda's Winter Wonderland creation beat out the competition as the most popular beverage among paying guests, according to the release.
Holiday LTOs include:
- Winter Wonderland Chiller: features Gloria Jean's Coffees Winter Wonderland whole bean toddy, flavors of sugar cookie, caramel, lightly spiced cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla, blended with milk and topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
- Winter Wonderland Over Ice: made with Winter Wonderland whole beans, Madagascar vanilla, Hawaiian salted caramel and milk poured over ice.
- Winter Wonderland Cold Brew: a cooler take on the brand's Winter Wonderland whole bean toddy, mixed with water and poured over ice.
- Winter Wonderland Latte: made with Winter Wonderland whole bean toddy, milk and flavors of Madagascar vanilla and Hawaiian salted caramel, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce
- Gingersnap Chiller: cappuccino blended with white chocolate and gingerbread flavors, gingersnap cookies and ice, topped with whipped cream and gingersnap cookies.
- Gingersnap Over Ice: a milk-based drink featuring a blend of espresso and white chocolate and gingerbread flavors served over ice.
- Gingersnap Latte: made with steamed milk, espresso and gingerbread flavors and topped with whipped cream and a gingersnap cookie
- Sleigh Ride Cookie Chiller: an icy blend of cappuccino, white chocolate, peppermints and Oreo cookies topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermints and Oreo cookie crumbles.
- Sleigh Ride Cookie Mocha: features steamed milk, espresso, mint and white chocolate flavors, topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermints and Oreo cookie crumbles.
Guests may order the beverages through Jan. 5.
It's A Grind Coffee House
It's A Grind Coffee House has released the Red Velvet Caramel Pecan and Blonder Gnar Gnar beverages in honor of the holiday season.
- Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Latte is a blend of It's A Grind's famous espresso, milk and white chocolate, caramel pecan and red velvet flavors. It's available iced as well.
- The Blonder Gnar Gnar Iced or Hot Latte includes an espresso blend mixed with milk, peanut butter, and white chocolate and caramel flavors.
Additionally, guests may purchase the chain's Winter Blend and Pumpkin Spice whole beans in stores, according to a company press release.
It's A Grind has more than 20 locations.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt has partnered with Ghirardelli to introduce a classic winter drink as its latest froyo flavor: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Froyo. Made with Ghirardelli chocolate, it's available through Jan. 5, according to a company press release.
Orange Leaf has 200 locations in the U.S. and Mexico.
Dog Haus
Dog Haus has has teamed up with mixologist Phil Wills, who was featured on "Bar Rescue" and is also founder of The Spirits In Motion, to debut the Mixologist Collaboration Series at Dog Haus Biergarten locations with full bars. The November series includes the Flux Capacitor — made with tequila, blackberry, mint, lime, simple syrup and jalapeño — and the Funky Town Shandy, concocted using lager, sprite, passion fruit and lemongrass.
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Dog Haus is featuring two cocktails in November: the Flux Capacitor — made with tequila, blackberry, mint, lime, simple syrup and jalapeño — and the Funky Town Shandy, concocted using lager, sprite, passion fruit and lemongrass. |
One dollar from each drink sold will be donated to No Kid Hungry, the restaurant's national charity partner, according to a press release.
"The Mixologist Collaboration Series gives celebrity bartenders an opportunity to share their individual take on libations with a wider audience," Dog Haus Partner André Vener said in the release. "Phil has a long-established relationship with Dog Haus and we couldn't be more excited to have him kick off the series with these two delicious cocktails. And while we will continue to provide these one-of-a-kind food and drink options, our focus remains on our charitable efforts to help support children in need."
Dog Haus is also bringing back the Turducken, crafted by Dog Haus Würstmacher and TV personality Adam Gertler. The brand tops a Turducken sausage with turkey gravy, Haus slaw and fried onions, served on grilled King's Hawaiian rolls. The chain will donate $1 of each Turducken sold to No Kid Hungry.
"There's no better way to enjoy all the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bite than with the Turducken, which encapsulates everyone's favorites into one delicious meal," Gertler said. "The Turducken, back by popular demand, pairs perfectly with both of November's specialty cocktails. So we are thrilled for it to make its return, while we continue to raise money for No Kid Hungry."
While Turducken will be available in November at all Dog Haus locations, the Flux Capacitor and Funky Town Shandy will only be available at Dog Haus Biergarten locations. Future libations will be crafted by celebrity mixologists Mia Mastoianni and Lisamarie Joyce, according to the release.
Founded in 2010, in Pasadena, California, Dog Haus has more than 30 units with more than 10 in development.
McAlister's Deli
McAlister's Deli has a new cheesecake offering — Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cheesecake — for a limited time only. Slices feature layers of Cinnabon Cinnamon Cheesecake and vanilla crunch cake topped with cream cheese frosting and caramel, according to a press release.
McAlister's Deli has more than 450 restaurants in 27 states.
Corner Bakery
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Corner Bakery's Caramel Pecan Chocolate Baby Bundt Cake |
Dallas-based Corner Bakery has debuted its holiday season menu, which includes the Caramel Pecan Chocolate Baby Bundt Cake, a chocolate baby bundt topped with caramel and candied pecans, according to a company press release.
A couple of other options include the:
- Rustic Italian Panini: pecan wood-smoked ham, pepperoni, provolone, oven-roasted tomato, pesto vinaigrette, and spicy Calabrian chili spread served on grilled sourdough.
- Chicken Rosa Past: grilled chicken, parmesan, spinach, oven-roasted tomato, cavatappi pasta, pesto, tomato cream sauce and toasted breadcrumbs.
Corner Bakery Cafe serves guests in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
All photos were submitted by the brands.
About Cherryh Cansler
