News

Fast casual menu additions get spicy infusion

January 16, 2011

Fast casual restaurants across all menu categories are rolling out new items focused on spicier flavors, a trend that has been growing for the last 10 years.

For example,McAlister’s Deli is offering three limited time menu items featuring buffalo chicken. The items include a buffalo chicken baked potato, a salad and a wrap. Additionally, the company is launching a new Fire Roasted Vegetable Soup. The soup is simmered in a tomato-based broth with acini di pepe pasta.

McAlister’s executive chef David Groll said the company has been experimenting with spicier-flavored menu items in the form of sauces that include BBQ, spicy garlic or aioli.

“What’s nice in our business is you can have a spicy dressing, but the different layers in a sandwich can help offset that,” Groll said. “The layers will diffuse some of the flavor, but I think guests are looking for that exciting and spicy flavor.”

Dickey’s BBQ Pit also has addedspicy cheddar sausage to its menu, based on the item’s popularity among guests. It’s the first spicy item the company has placed on its menu.

The item has been in test for several months at the company’s North Texas locations and will hit the chain’s nationwide menu Feb. 1.

On Jan. 28, Dickey’s will hold National Spicy Cheddar Sausage Sample Day, where patrons can stop by any Dickey’s for a free sample of the product from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.