Article
What's new on the (fall) menu?
Fall limited-time offers are here. Not only do they include the typical pumpkin and caramel-flavored treats but also comfort foods reimagined in healthier ways with lots of veggie- and fruit-based options, and a variety of other choices, too.
September 5, 2019 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Fall limited-time offers are here. Not only do they include pumpkin and caramel-flavored treats but also plenty of plant- and fruit-based options, comfort foods reimagined in healthier ways and a variety of other choices, including hot drinks, to help customers ease into the colder months.
Below is partial roundup of some of the industry's LTOs.
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| True Food Kitchen rolled out a beet burger for fall. |
True Food Kitchen
The stand out in True Food Kitchen's fall menu is its "Unbeetable Burger," a beet-based burger made from a beet and kuzu patty topped with teriyaki sauce, jicama slaw, butter lettuce, avocado and vegan mayonnaise on a flaxseed bun.
"The inspiration behind the Unbeetable Burger came from our dedication to culinary creativity, as well as our long-standing commitment to following the principles of the anti-inflammatory food pyramid created by our founder, Dr. Andrew Weil," Chef Robert McCormick said in a news release. "We wanted to focus on using only clean and unprocessed ingredients to create a dish that is traditionally thought of as indulgent. Our plant-based burger boasts an impressive nutritional profile and is perfectly balanced and full of flavor."
The brand's fall menu includes several other LTOs, such as a roasted beet & goat cheese flatbread, butternut squash pizza, the Squash Pie and 11 new beverages. Drink additions include Beets by Jon, a cocktail in honor of True Food Kitchen Beverage Director Jon Augustin, and Dr. Weil's Wellness Shot, made with sea buckthorn juice and fresh ginger.
True Food Kitchen has 28 locations in 12 states.
Bellagreen
Houston's Bellagreen will launch its fall seasonal menu Sept. 24.
Options include the following:
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Bellagreen's autumn paleo salmon tacos |
- Autumn harvest salad, which has roasted butternut squash, red beets and carrots tossed with mixed greens, arugula and house-made maple vinaigrette, plated over maple-infused ricotta cheese, topped with crushed pistachios and crumbled goat cheese.
- Butternut squash & pesto soup, made with butternut squash, potatoes and a little zing of orange, finished with pesto, roasted pumpkin seeds and microgreens.
- Seared salmon & harvest hash, which is pan-seared honey chipotle salmon served over a harvest hash made with roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts and organic quinoa garnished with microgreens and a lemon wedge.
- Autumn paleo salmon tacos, featuring pan-seared, sustainably sourced salmon topped with a hearty combination of butternut squash, cabbage, radish and cilantro, all on top of a house-made paprika and parsley seasoned almond flour tortilla, served with house-made avocado tomatillo sauce.
- Caramel pumpkin cheesecake, topped with vanilla ice-cream and a chocolate trellis.
Junzi Kitchen
Specializing in "next-generation Chinese food," Junzi Kitchen is releasing a grain-inspired fall menu Sept. 23. Chef and Culinary Director Lucas Sin described the menu as a celebration of the autumn harvest in ode to ancient Chinese grains — the first cultivated crops representing immense nutritional, economic, and spiritual importance for early Chinese civilization.
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| Junzi's fall LTOs are inspired by grains. |
The brand's fall LTOs include:
- Squash and grain salad with black sesame roasted squash, Arcadian harvest lettuce mix, rice vinegar pickled cabbage and ginger scallion chicken. The flavors are complemented by a Chinese red date dressing served on the side with a foxtail millet crisp and toasted buckwheat garnish.
- Chilled noodles with beef or squash. As the brand's first-ever cold noodle dish, this grab-and-go item is a spin on Junzi's famed noodle offerings, boasting a cornucopia of fresh vegetables, pickles and textures, including sliced braised beef shank or sesame roasted squash, corn, carrots, cucumbers, pickled cabbage and cilantro. This dish also features an umami combination of two sauces: a rich savory black-sesame soy dressing and a fragrant sauce of slow-caramelized shallots.
- Barley tea made by toasting barley over a fire until caramelized. The hot beverage helps with digestion, according to the company.
In addition to its grain-themed items, Junzi has added a "Blossom and Spice" house tea to its menu. Signaling the warming flavors of autumn, the tea features lightly sweet notes of orange blossom, cardamom and apple cider vinegar.
First opened in 2015, in New Haven near Yale University, Junzi has locations in New Haven and New York City.
Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies
To meet customer demand for nutritious and delicious combinations as meal replacements or snacks, Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies is introducing two new bowls this season.
The new Almond Delight and Superfood Bliss bowls, available through the end of the year, take inspiration from two of the chain's top sellers — Nuts About Protein and Queen of All Greens, according to a company press release.
"Fall is almost here and we're offering our guests a super-tasty and healthy way to enjoy the season refreshed and energized," Mitch Baker, VP of marketing, said in the release. "Our mission has always been the same: to provide our customers with flavorful and healthy options. Superfoods are taking the nation by storm, and our new bowls are a delicious way to make the body function better and boost overall health."
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| Robeks' LTOs include two new fruit bowls. |
The Almond Delight Bowl features coffee, non-fat frozen yogurt, cinnamon, almond butter, banana and whey protein topped with banana, strawberry, cacao nibs, almonds and granola.
The Superfood Bliss Bowl includes papaya juice, kale, spinach, pineapple and banana topped with banana, strawberry, blueberries, granola and goji berries.
Robeks has more than 100 locations in operation and development.
My Favorite Muffin
Founded 30 years ago in Illinois, My Favorite Muffin has named its deep dish apple pie muffin as its muffin of the month for September. The October flavor is pumpkin spice, according to a company press release.
The brand's coffee of the month is pumpkin pie spice for both September and October.
California Tortilla
Starting Sept. 30 , California Tortilla is offering a chorizo bowl with chorizo sausage, beans and caramelized onions on a bed of rice topped with salsa, guacamole, queso, chipotle sour cream and romaine lettuce, according to a company press release. The bowl is available through the end of the year.
The chain is based in Potomac, Maryland.
Slim Chickens
Fayetteville's Slim Chickens is offering a strawberry version of its jar dessert through Oct. 28.
COO Sam Rothschild created the jar desserts a few years ago, and strawberry is the latest addition, according to the company's website. As a bonus, customers get to keep the jars.
Bruegger's Bagels
Setting its sights on cooler temps and classic fall flavors, Bruegger's Bagels is introducing a bevy of hearty sandwiches and welcoming the return of pumpkin spice, according to a company press release.
Making an appearance on the brand's breakfast menu is the farmhouse egg sandwich, made with two eggs, peppered bacon, ham, cheddar cheese and country pepper cream cheese on a cheesy hash brown bagel.
As a lunchtime offering, Bruegger's is featuring its take on two deli favorites — a hot pastrami sandwich made with Swiss cheese, red onion, diced pickle and spicy brown mustard served hot on an everything bagel; and a hot tuna sandwich made with Bruegger's tuna salad (featuring albacore tuna, mayo, red onion and a bit of garden veggie cream cheese for added flavor) topped with Swiss cheese, tomato and honey mustard and served on ciabatta, according to a release.
Bruegger's is also, of course, bringing back its pumpkin bagel, pumpkin cream cheese and pumpkin spiced coffee.
Founded in 1993, Bruegger's has more than 220 Bruegger's Bagels bakeries in North America.
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Bruxie is adding the Holy Sauce to its lineup of house-made sauces. |
Bruxie
In celebration of "Septender," Bruxie is adding the Holy Sauce to its lineup of house-made sauces.
Developed by Bruxie Founder and Chef Kelly Mullarney, the sauce borrows from the flavors of the restaurant's most-popular waffle sandwich — the Holy Chicken. Made with real maple syrup, sriracha hot sauce and smoked bacon, the Holy Sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and smoky, Mullarney said in a statement.
Holy Sauce is available at all Bruxie locations throughout September.
PJ's Coffee
Embracing all things pumpkin this fall, PJ's Coffee of New Orleans is even adding a hint of banana to its menu. LTOs include:
- Pumpkin praline velvet ice,
- Pumpkin latte,
- Bananas foster cold brew iced latte,
- And pumpkin swirl bread.
Dog Haus
With a fall focus on grilled cheeses, Dog Haus has teamed up with Chef Eric Greenspan — owner of Bubu's Birds and Burgers, TV personality, and founder of his virtual concept Alt Grub Faction — to create Bubu's Hot Chicken Grilled Cheese. The sandwich features a fried chicken breast dunked and coated in Bubu's chili oil and sprinkled with Angry Dust, American cheese, cheese sauce, chipotle aioli, Haus slaw and pickles, served on a grilled King's Hawaiian bun.
Dog Haus will donate $1 for each sandwich sold to No Kid Hungry, a charity aimed at ending childhood hunger in America.
"Chef Eric Greenspan is known for his out-of-the-box take on grilled cheese sandwiches, he even wrote a book about them," Dog Haus Co-founder and Partner Hagop Giragossian said in a news statement. "He really came through with this innovative and seriously delicious twist on the quintessential sandwich. We are excited to start crafting this next limited-time offer for guests to enjoy nationwide and thrilled to continue our support of No Kid Hungry."
Dog Haus opened in 2010 in Pasadena, California, and has more than 30 locations.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee is not only welcoming fall with pumpkin pie lattes, spiced pumpkin mochas and a maple waffle sandwich, it's also unveiling flavor-infused sparkling beverages. Caribou Bou-sted caffeinated beverages include sparkling waters and sparkling beverages with caffeine derived from coffee beans, ginseng and guarana extract, according to a company press. 
Canned options include the sparkling caffeinated waters, available in two flavors, grapefruit and mixed berry. The drinks contain sparkling water, caffeine and only five calories. The sparkling caffeinated beverages, which are crafted with flavor-infused sparkling water, fruit infusions and other natural flavors and caffeine are available in dragon fruit and passion fruit orange guava.
In their cafes, Minnesota locations will offer an assortment of flavor-infused sparkling waters, crafted sodas and crafted sparkling juices. Guests will have more unique flavors to choose from, including spicy pineapple and blue cotton candy, and will have the ability to customize their flavor and caffeine level. Certain beverages will also be available in blended versions, according to the release.
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse in the U.S. with over 300 company-owned locations nationwide.
Johnny Rockets
Pretzels are all the rage on Johnny Rockets menus this fall. The Los Angeles-based chain has rolled out the following:
- Honey mustard pretzel burger, a burger topped with melted cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard, served on a warm Bavarian pretzel bun.
- Honey mustard chicken sandwich, a grilled or crispy chicken breast topped with melted cheddar cheese, applewood smoke bacon, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard, served on a warm Bavarian pretzel bun.
- Chicken tender wedge salad, chicken tenders over iceberg wedges and topped with fresh diced tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles and crispy applewood smoked bacon and served with house-made bacon ranch dressing.
- Pretzel bites, bite-sized Bavarian-style soft pretzels served with honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Caramel pretzel shake, vanilla ice cream blended with caramel sauce and whole milk topped with whipped topping, caramel drizzle, a pretzel stick and pretzel crumbles.
- Pumpkin shake, vanilla ice cream blended with a slice of real pumpkin pie and whole milk topped with whipped topping and cinnamon sugar.
- Extreme candy explosion shake, a chocolate shake made with ice cream blended with whole milk and chocolate syrup in a glass decorated with frosting, M&M's and peanut butter cups topped with whipped topping, chocolate syrup drizzle and pretzel sticks.
"The warm and comforting flavors of honey mustard, bacon and Bavarian pretzels are the perfect complement to a cool fall day, while the sweet pumpkin, caramel and candy shakes further solidify our domination of the milkshake category," Linda Sangiacomo, SVP of marketing, said in the release.
The fall menu is available through Nov. 3.
Founded in 1986, Johnny Rockets has about 350 franchise and corporate locations in over 25 countries.
Farmer Boys
In honor of the fall season, Farmer Boys is bringing back a couple of LTOs. The Hog Heaven breakfast burrito and Xtreme Bacon Boy burger are available through Nov. 11 at the chain's 92 restaurants in California and Nevada, according to a company press release.
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| Farmer Boys' Hog Heaven burrito is on its fall menu. |
Hog Heaven has three cage-free eggs, two slices of American cheese, hash browns, salsa, hickory-smoked bacon, sausage and country ham.
Xtreme Bacon Boy features hickory-smoked two fire-grilled pure beef patties, two slices of American cheese, bacon strips, bacon bits and mayonnaise on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Daphne's
Daphne's has added hand-carved chicken shawarma to its fall menu. The sandwiches are made from Halal meat, slow-roasted on a vertical spit, and seasoned with sumac, pepper, cinnamon and other herbs, according to a company press release.
Guests can now order the chicken in their plates, salad and bowls or try it via the chain's LTO — the chicken shawarma pita melt. Available through Dec. 29, the elevated pita features warm pita bread coated with pesto sauce and melted mozzarella and feta cheeses.
Daphne's operates 21 locations throughout California
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza has released its "Flash MOD" seasonal menu items — the Jeffrey pizza and a roasted apple salad. Both are available through Nov. 4, according to a company press release.
"We're roasting the apples with olive oil, rosemary and a pinch of salt, enhancing the sweet, tangy flavor and really bringing out the flavors on the pizza and salad," Brian Figler, culinary manager at MOD, said in the release "However, the hidden ingredient behind our fall pizza is the awesome individual for which it's named — Jeffrey — a beloved and long-time member of our MOD Squad. Jeffrey was one of our first MOD Squad members with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) and over his six years with us, he's become a shining example of our culture of inclusivity and an amazing contributor to the MOD experience — bringing lots of sweetness and a little spice every day."
The Jeffrey has an olive-oil base, house-roasted apples, Canadian bacon, arugula, shredded mozzarella, crumbled gorgonzola and is finished with a swirl of sweet balsamic fig glaze.
The roasted apple salad combines mixed greens with house-roasted apples, Canadian bacon, crumbled gorgonzola, toasted pumpkin seeds, tossed together with MOD's balsamic vinaigrette.
MOD has more than 450 units in 28 states and the U.K.
Wingstop
With more than 1,300 locations around the world, Wingstop has created the Full Flavor Fix, a limited-time whole wings experience. The deal includes 15 wings in three flavors along with two dips and a large seasoned fry for $17.99, according to a company press release.
"As the wing experts, fans look to Wingstop when they're craving a unique dining experience, defined by unrivaled craft and bold variety – both in our flavor and menu offerings," Maurice Cooper, chief growth and experience officer, said in a press release. "So, why wouldn't we introduce whole wings? We're always looking to elevate the wing-eating experience and create new ways to enjoy Wingstop's signature flavor, and we're excited to bring the Full Flavor Fix to our fans."
The offering is available through Nov. 9.
Corner Bakery
Corner Bakery has created several menu items in honor of autumn. They include:
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Corner Bakery's steak & arugula sandwich is now available. |
- Bananas foster french toast, pancakes and oatmeal, all topped with banana, caramel, whipped cream and candied pecans.
- Maple pecan pumpkin baby bundt cake, a pumpkin baby bundt, with vanilla maple icing and candied pecans (available individually or in half dozen).
- Hazelnut cold brew available in hazelnut black and hazelnut cream flavors.
- Hazelnut latte, an espresso with foamed milk and a hint of hazelnut.
For something savory, customers may order the:
- Steak & arugula sandwich, featuring shaved prime rib, Swiss cheese, tomato, pickled onion, arugula and horseradish mustard on harvest toast.
- Prime rib & provolone panini, with shaved prime rib, provolone, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onion, roasted red pepper, arugula and black pepper balsamic aioli on grilled sourdough.
Corner Bakery has nearly 200 company-owned and franchised locations around the country.
Fazoli's
Available starting Sept. 30, the fall menu at Fazoli's includes:
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Fazoli's smoky chicken carbonara bake is one of two fall menu LTOs available at the chain. |
- Smoky chicken carbonara bake, a spaghetti dish topped with gouda cheese sauce, chopped bacon, blackened chicken, roasted broccoli and fire-roasted red peppers baked with mozzarella and gouda cheeses.
- S'mores breadstick bites, made from Fazoli's breadsticks tossed in brown sugar, cinnamon, graham cracker crumbs and topped with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate.
Fazoli's has more than 220 units across the U.S.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Anyone in the mood for slow-smoked chicken wings this fall should head to Dickey's Barbecue Pit. Fans can score them in a variety flavors, including sweet barbecue, Carolina barbecue, buffalo, hot buffalo, Texas hot and a new lemon pepper. The flavors are also available on pork ribs.
"We're launching new sauces this season because just like football, everyone has a favorite team and we know barbecue sauce is no different," Dickey's CEO Laura Rea Dickey said in a press release. "With our new rub and sauces, we've got something for everyone on your team to enjoy."
Dickey's has more than 550 locations in 45 states.
Gloria Jean's Coffees
In celebration of its 40th birthday, Gloria Jean's Coffees – U.S.A, is rolling out a seasonal menu packed with fall flavors. Chiller and latte drink items include Madagascar vanilla hazelnut, toasted almond crème gold brew and pumpkin spice.
Particularly instagram worthy is the gold brew poured over ice, featuring an edible luster dust that produces a gold shimmer, Sam Ferreira, Gloria Jean's president, said in a company press release.
"Along with keeping things fresh and fun, like with our new Toasted Almond Crème Gold Brew, we're always listening to our fans, ensuring that their favorite Gloria Jean's flavors throughout the past four decades get the attention they deserve," he said.
Gloria Jean's has 60 U.S. locations, and its LTOs are available through Nov. 3.
Cousins Subs
Sub enthusiasts have two new subs to try at Cousins now through Nov. 30. What's more, all Cousins subs are now also available on pretzel bread, according to a company press release.
Cousins chicken cordon bleu has ham, chicken, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo and honey mustard, while its hot ham & cheddar deluxe features ham, bacon, white cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, tomatoes and mayo.
Photos provided by each brand's corporate office or social media.
About Cherryh Cansler
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