Article
Pre-winter means a perfect storm for LTOs
From sandwiches to lattes, FastCasual.com takes a look at some of the season's newest menu items.
December 18, 2013 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The months leading up to winter are usually packed full of limited-time offers, and this season was no exception. Below are some of the newest menu items to hit in November and December. (To see a slideshow of LTOs, click here.)
Celebrating the holidays
Holiday flavors took center stage on menus this season: Smashburgerbrought back its Salted Caramel Shake, while Menchie's boasted a holiday cookie-flavored fro-yo. Not to be outdone, Cariboucreated a peppermint latte, and Au bon Pain is celebrating the season with a variety of holiday treats, including a Peppermint Chocolate Shortbread and gingerbread cookies. Dallas-based Paciugo Gelato Caffè, best known for Italian gelato, also incorporated peppermint with its Peppermint Chocolate Chip Gelato, Candy Cane Hot Chocolate and a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Gelatte, a gelato-infused latte, according to a company press release.
Getting on board with breakfast
Fast casuals specializing in breakfast now have a couple of unlikely competitors. For example, Uncle Maddio's Pizza began testing breakfast pizzas and Panini this month, while Tulsa, Okla.-based Camille's Sidewalk Café launched a breakfast parfait wrap this week.
Although Au Bon Pain is no stranger to the breakfast daypart, it didn't let the season go by without adding a newbie to its morning line up — the Egg White and Mushroom Frittata Breakfast Sandwich.
Warming up with hot sandwiches
Creative sandwiches — served warm — have also been appearing on menus this season. Take, for example, the Asiago Chicken Caser Club from Charleys Philly Steaks, Garbanzo's gluten-free pita, Au Bon Pain's Chicken, Mushroom and Swiss Sandwich and Penn Station's chicken artichoke sandwich.
Schlotzky's also announced this month that it was warming up the winter chill with a trio of what it's calling "Winter-rific sandwiches." They include:
- Hickory Ham & Gouda: Shaved hickory ham, Gouda cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion with tangy barbecue sauce.
- Turkey & Cranberry: Smoked turkey breast, lettuce and tomato with light mayonnaise and cranberry sauce, served on a toasted Sourdough bun.
- Turkey, Bacon & Swiss: Smoked turkey breast, crispy bacon strips, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion with light mayonnaise on a toasted Sourdough bun.
Cosialso began testing three new sandwiches last months. They include:
- Salmon Mexicali: Red peppers, corn & black bean relish, cilantro, field greens and chipotle ranch dressing.
- Farmhouse Beef: Caramelized onions, field greens and Worcestershire mayo with Cosi light balsamic vinaigrette.
- And the Adobo: Spicy chicken topped with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, shredded lettuce and a touch of lime.
On the contrary, one sandwich chain decided this month to push past its sandwich barrier. Earl of Sandwich, launched a new dinner menu with pastas, pizza bread and stuffed baked potatoes.
Read more about LTOs.
Cover photo: Courtesy of Caribou Coffee
About Cherryh Cansler
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