Spicy chicken took top billing in c-store LTOs in recent weeks. New options from 7-Eleven, Circle K and Rutter’s are all part of the latest wave of menu updates.
Additionally, Kwik Trip partnered with a popular soda brand to expand its donut variety, Stewart’s Shops added to its candy lineup and United Dairy Farmers’ celebrity ice cream partnership took on a wider distribution.
7-Eleven joins chicken sandwich wars
7-Eleven added a new line of hot sandwiches, including a chicken sandwich and a cheesesteak, at select locations.
The line includes a “hot as fire” chicken sandwich, which is seasoned with cayenne pepper; a homestyle chicken sandwich; a limited-time Philly cheesesteak with shaved steak, provolone cheese and sauteed peppers and onions; and an angus double cheeseburger on a brioche bun.
7-Eleven’s Raise the Roost restaurants also launched a limited-time Ultimate BBQ Chicken Sandwich, featuring fried chicken tossed in barbecue sauce and topped with fried pickle chips, pepperjack cheese and bacon on a brioche bun.
The retailer also unveiled a new Slurpee variety, Mountain Dew Confetti Chill, for 7-Eleven Day on July 11. The flavor evokes the taste of a lemon birthday cake with vanilla frosting, the company said. The Slurpee will be available in select stores until Aug. 29.
Circle K teams with PepsiCo on flamin’ hot wings
Circle K has partnered with PepsiCo, parent company of snack maker Frito-Lay, on Flamin’ Hot chicken wings.
The LTO uses the Flamin’ Hot flavoring popularized by Cheetos that can also be found on other products, like Jack Link’s beef jerky and Lay’s potato chips.
Circle K launched the item because customers are “looking for bolder, spicier flavors," said Gary Brant, vice president of food in the U.S. for Circle K, in the press release. As the retailer continues to expand and refine its foodservice program, Brant said, “this partnership is a perfect example of where we’re taking the food experience at Circle K.”
Rutter’s adds line of chicken items
Rutter’s expanded its chicken menu with a new series of spicy handheld fried chicken LTOs for the summer.
New options include the Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Deluxe sandwich, with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and condiments on a kaiser roll; the Hot Pepperoni Pepper Jack Chicken sandwich, with pepper jack cheese, pepperoni, coleslaw and banana peppers on a toasted sub roll; and the Nashville Hot Honey Fried Chicken Wrap.
The retailer has also begun allowing customers to order bone-in or boneless wings tossed in their favorite sauce.
Kwik Trip brings Mountain Dew to the baked goods
Kwik Trip has collaborated with Mountain Dew on a new flavor of its popular glazers donuts based on the popular soda brand.
The limited-time flavor features a green-colored glaze to match the classic Mountain Dew color.
Stewart’s boosts candy lineup
Stewart’s Shops added a new product to its proprietary candy line.
The debut of Stewart’s peanut butter cups expands a private brand that also includes dark chocolate raspberry bars and chocolate with sea salt caramel candy, as well as a number of gummy options.
UDF expands reach of MLB tie-in ice cream
United Dairy Farmers unveiled Dulce De La Cruz ice cream earlier this year as part of its Homemade Brand line. Now the ice cream is making its way to grocery store shelves, as well.
While UDF puts some of its seasonal LTOs in grocery stores, this is the first time it’s done so with a celebrity partnership like this, a company spokesperson said. The ice cream line honors Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
The flavor, featuring caramel ice cream swirled with ribbons of caramel sauce, will be available in 48-ounce tubs and 16-ounce pints.
