The lead story on this edition of Fast Food Restaurant News is Arby’s plan to phase out potato cakes and replace them with crinkle-cut fries. This is a total slap in the face to the potato cake, which has had a good run.
Now, during its last few days, they bring in its replacement. It’s the fast-food equivalent of Buzz replacing Woody in Toy Story.
In short, this is what else is going on…Arthur Treacher’s is returning, Checkers debuts some new tenders, Dairy Queen‘s summer Blizzard flavors are here, Popeyes is testing a blackened chicken sandwich, and Wendy’s dares to partner with Pringles after their last collab.
Wawa‘s Burger has finally gone national, and you can read my thoughts about it HERE.
Technically, I’m posting this on the last day of May and not the first of June, so I hope you’ll find it in your comfort food heart to forgive me.
Fast Food News June 2021
Arby’s Brings Back the Potato Cakes
Well, it took three years, but Arby’s has brought back the potato cakes. However, they’re only available for a limited time. Starting July 1st, you can get three potato cakes for $2.39, three for $2.99, or four for $3.39.
And if you’re a devoted Arby’s Potato Cakes fan, they have hired Kyle Mclachlan (Twin Peaks) to promote the potato cakes and upcoming exclusive merch drop via this bizarre (in a good way) YouTube video which seems straight out of the show LOST.
Also, on July 9, you can find Arby’s Potato Cakes-inspired tees, hoodies, enamel pins, necklaces, and even candles at ShopArbys.com.
Arby’s Ixnays the Potato Cakes
May 2001 – A few weeks back, when I ordered some Arby’s grub, I noticed the addition of crinkle-cut fries to their potato game. So now we know they are replacing my favorite side on the menu, the potato cakes.
Thrillist confirmed that the potato cakes days are numbered, and the folks on the Burger Beast Instagram page are unhappy about it; check it out.
Arthur Treacher’s Returns…Kinda
QSR Magazine recently announced that Nathan’s was bringing back Arthur Treacher’s. Initially, Arthur Treacher’s will be available via ghost kitchens for delivery with a long-term plan to eventually open brick & mortar locations.
Checkers & Rally’s Fry-Seasoned Chicken Tenders
I was excited to see the poster touting Checkers‘ new Fry Seasoned Chicken Tenders on my way out of their drive-thru a few nights back. So the following day, I went explicitly to order some of the newbies.
I was highly disappointed by these fries. First, they didn’t look anything like the ad picture, but worse, nothing in the breading’s taste reminded me of their famous fries.
Currently, the Fry Seasoned Chicken Tenders are being tested in select markets. If you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Dairy Queen Summer Blizzard Menu
Do you know how I know that summertime is here? Dairy Queen has unleashed its menu of Blizzard flavors for Summer 2021.
- Brownie Batter – World-famous DQ soft serve blended with rich brownie batter and brownie dough pieces.
- Cotton Candy – Takes cotton candy and mixes it with signature DQ soft serve and cotton candy sprinkles.
- DRUMSTICK with Peanuts – DRUMSTICK® sundae cone pieces (chocolatey-coated waffle pieces) and chopped peanuts blended with classic DQ soft serve.
- Frosted Animal Cookie – Blends world-famous DQ soft serve with frosted animal cookies and pink confetti frosting.
- Girl Scout Thin Mints – Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies and cool mint blended with DQ’s world-famous vanilla soft serve.
- Raspberry Fudge Bliss – Made with real, tart raspberries, soft fudge pieces, crunchy choco chunks, and signature DQ soft serve.
Popeyes is Testing a Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes is testing a new Blackened Chicken Sandwich, and it’s looking divine. It comes with pickles and mayo on a brioche bun.
I haven’t found any Popeyes restaurants in the South Florida market selling them yet. However, the blackened tenders are one of the best-kept secrets on their menu. They’re great.
Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Pringles?
Wendy’s and Pringles are partnering for a new limited-time flavor, Wendy’s Spicy Chicken. Their previous collaboration left a lot to be desired, but the word on the street is these new chips are excellent.
They should be available everywhere you usually grab Pringles for sale during June.