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Ranch-flavored popping candy? Cheeseburger wonton tacos? The Never-Ending Pasta Pass is back?
Those are just some of the latest food announcements from national restaurant chains.
From returning fan favorites to unusual new menu items and limited-time deals, several chains have rolled out new offerings in recent days. Here's a look at the latest announcements from major restaurant chains.
Buffalo Wild Wings debuts ranch-flavored popping candy
Buffalo Wild Wings is introducing what it says is a first-of-its-kind menu item with the launch of Poppin' Ranch on July 20.
Available for 99 cents per packet at participating Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars and Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations nationwide, Poppin' Ranch is a savory ranch-flavored popping candy that can be sprinkled directly onto wings, mixed into ranch dressing or added to other menu items.
"B-Dubs has done something that's never been done before with Poppin' Ranch," Buffalo Wild Wings Brand President Tristan Meline said in a news release. "It takes that classic popping candy you remember and pairs it with our signature ranch flavor. It's an unexpected sensory experience that sounds wild, tastes delicious, and has to be experienced to be believed."
The company said the limited-time item will be available while supplies last.
Olive Garden brings back the Never-Ending Pasta Pass
After a six-year hiatus, Olive Garden is bringing back one of its most sought-after promotions.
The chain released 10,000 Never-Ending Pasta Passes for $100 on July 16. Each pass includes unlimited Never-Ending Pasta Bowl meals, homemade sauces, protein toppings, soup or salad and breadsticks from Aug. 24 through Nov. 22.
The passes were last offered in 2019 and have historically sold out within minutes.
Guests who don't snag a pass can still take advantage of the annual Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion beginning Aug. 31. This year's promotion introduces Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta as a new protein option.
Applebee's combines cheeseburgers and tacos
Applebee's is giving two menu favorites a mashup with the introduction of new Bacon Cheeseburger Wonton Tacos.
Available through Aug. 16, the appetizer features seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon, pickles and spicy honey mustard tucked inside crispy wonton shells. Guests can order the appetizer on its own or as part of the chain's 2 for $25 menu.
Applebee's also introduced several limited-time drinks, including two $10 Mucho Margaritas made with Don Julio tequila and the $6 Bacardi Blushing Dragon cocktail made with Bacardí Superior Rum, dragon fruit and lemonade.
McDonald's adds Caesar-inspired chicken items
McDonald's is adding Caesar Sauce to its menu for a limited time beginning July 21.
The new creamy Parmesan, garlic and lemon sauce will be featured on a Caesar Snack Wrap and a Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich. The chain is also updating its McCrispy Strips with a new panko breading and will offer the Caesar Sauce as a dipping sauce.
KFC brings back Popcorn Chicken
After more than three years off the menu, KFC has brought back Popcorn Chicken nationwide.
The returning favorite features bite-sized pieces of the chain's fried chicken and is available for a limited time in three options: a $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket served with four dipping sauces, an $8.49 combo with fries, a drink and dipping sauce, or a $10.99 Big Box meal that also includes two Original Recipe Tenders, fries, a cookie and dipping sauces.
KFC said the menu item returned after years of requests from fans following its removal in 2023.
Pizza Hut launches Throwback Value Menu
Pizza Hut is leaning into nostalgia with a new Throwback Value Menu featuring returning favorites and two new menu items.
The limited-time lineup includes a $3 one-topping Personal Pan Pizza, $4 Breadsticks, $4 Cinnamon Sticks and a $10 one-topping Medium Stuffed Crust Pizza. It also introduces new Triple Cheese Mac for $6 and S'mores Sticks for $5.
The promotion is available for carryout, delivery and dine-in at participating locations.
Papa Johns brings back stuffed crust favorite
Papa Johns has brought back its Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust Pizza for a limited time.
The pizza features pepperoni and cheese baked inside the crust before being finished with the chain's signature garlic seasoning. It starts at $14.99 for a large one-topping pizza, with additional toppings available for an extra charge.
Burger King expands Original Chicken Sandwich lineup
Burger King has added two limited-time versions of its Original Chicken Sandwich.
The Loaded Jalapeño Original Chicken Sandwich includes creamy jalapeño sauce, crispy and pickled jalapeños, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato and American cheese. The Club Original Chicken Sandwich is topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
Both sandwiches are available now at participating restaurants nationwide.
Wendy's rolls out $1 Frosty promotion
Wendy's is offering small Classic Chocolate and Vanilla Frostys for $1 from July 20 through Aug. 23 at participating locations nationwide.
Wendy's Rewards members can access the promotion one day early through the Wendy's app on July 19 in celebration of National Ice Cream Day.
Panera puts limits on Unlimited Sip Club
Panera Bread is making a significant change to its Unlimited Sip Club subscription beginning in August.
The program will be renamed MyPanera + Sip Club, and members will be limited to 30 self-service beverages each month. The subscription price will remain $14.99 per month or $119.99 annually.
The change comes ahead of a broader revamp of Panera's loyalty program.
Chick-fil-A expands Kids' Meal lineup and updates playgrounds
Chick-fil-A is making several changes aimed at families this summer.
The chain has permanently added Mac & Cheese as a Kids' Meal entrée option. It is also rolling out new Kids' Meal toys, expanding the Chick-fil-A Play app with new games and animated content, and plans to renovate more than 200 restaurant playgrounds across the U.S. by the end of the year with new interactive play features.
