The last few weeks have brought the return of some popular LTOs, the introduction of fresh team-ups and a few sports-based partnerships at convenience stores across the industry.
Here are some of the notable foodservice refreshes from c-stores across the country.
Casey’s welcomes back fan-favorite pizza, introduces crispy fries
Casey’s General Stores brought back its bacon cheeseburger pizza, the retailer’s most-requested LTO, according to a company announcement.
The pizza includes a Thousand Island sauce base and is topped with cheese, beef, bacon, pickles and onions, according to the release. The sauce is new for the revived version of this pizza, which will be available through Sept. 8.
Additionally, the company added crispy fries to its full-time menu.
Wawa and UDF reveal sports partnerships
Both Wawa and United Dairy Farmers revealed ice cream-based LTOs in partnership with popular sports teams.
UDF partnered with Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz on a new ice cream flavor. The partnership resulted in Dulce De La Cruz, a caramel ice cream with swirls of caramel sauce, according to a LinkedIn announcement.
The new ice cream will also be used in the #44 milkshake, which blends Dulce De La Cruz, caramel sauce and toasted coconut.
Wawa has added the Gritty smoothie, which it crafted in partnership with the Philadelphia Flyers NHL team. The beverage, which includes mango, cherry and pineapple flavors and is topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, was introduced in a video featuring Flyers mascot Gritty and Wawa mascot Wally.
7-Eleven develops World Cup tie-ins
7-Eleven has developed unique food offerings at its QSRs as the World Cup gets set to kick off in North America.
Laredo Taco introduced the El Goal-Azo taco, which includes spicy chorizo, eggs, fried potatoes, queso and habañero salsa.
At Raise the Roost, the G.O.A.T. Hot Chicken Sandwich features crispy chicken tenders tossed in Nashville hot sauce and topped with dill pickles on a brioche bun.
Love’s stacks 2 new sandwiches
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores added two new limited-time sandwiches, available through June.
The Honey Gold BBQ pulled pork sandwich includes smoked pork, Honey Gold BBQ sauce and pickles, while the smokehouse turkey club layers turkey, bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, and is topped with honey mustard BBQ sauce.
Both sandwiches are served on a pretzel bun.
Stewart’s adds fresh take on chicken
Stewart’s Shops is bringing its new Southern style chicken biscuit sandwich to its Northeastern footprint.
The sandwich includes a breaded, Southern-style chicken breast topped with American cheese on a biscuit.
Sheetz expands Mexican food menu
Sheetz’s crunchy taco LTO is returning for the summer, along with two other Mexican-inspired menu additions, the Western burrito and jalapeño fries, or as Sheetz calls them, “fryz.”
The crunchy taco can be customized with toppings like taco sauce, jalapeños, sour cream, shredded cheese and lettuce, as well as a variety of dipping sauces, including barbecue, Buffalo and Buffalo Garlic Blitz.
The Western burrito is a breakfast burrito featuring eggs, cheese and ham wrapped in a tortilla.
The jalepeño fryz are pickled slices of jalepeño peppers, coated in seasoned panko breading and fried.
The tacos will be available until August, a company spokesperson said. The other items are not on a specific timeline.
Dandy grows summer brisket menu
Dandy has brought its brisket LTO back for the summer.
The meat features in a returning brisket pizza and loaded brisket fries and tots, as well as the new brisket cheesesteak and Glen Burger.
Brisket pizza uses a golden barbecue base, brisket and mozzarella, and is topped with a ranch drizzle, while the loaded fries and tots are topped with brisket, choice of barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, bacon bits and crispy fried onions.
The chain’s brisket cheesesteak is served on a half sub roll with the customer’s choice of cheese and toppings.
The Glen Burger, named for the New York race track Dandy partners with, includes a brisket cheeseburger with blackberry bourbon barbecue sauce and fried onions on a roll.
Rutters introduces latest private label beer
Rutter’s, in partnership with Rusty Rail Brewing Company, revealed Fairway Finer, its latest private label beer.
Fairway Finder is a crisp blonde ail with a subtle citrus taste, according to an announcement from Rutter’s. The limited-edition collaboration is the fourth time the two Pennsylvania companies have worked together on a limited-edition beverage.
RaceTrac and Jamba team up
RaceTrac’s Swirl World frozen yogurt added two new flavors for the summer in combination with fellow Atlanta-based company Jamba.
The flavors are mango sorbet and coconut milk. This is the second time the two companies have worked together on a frozen yogurt LTO.
Circle K bakes Butterfinger exclusives
Circle K partnered with Ferrero Group on a line of new Butterfinger-flavored, limited-edition baked goods. The items include a Butterfinger brownie, Butterfinger cookie and Butterfinger Rice Crispy.
Customers who prefer a beverage can also find a Butterfinger-flavored hot cappuccino in the coffee lineup.
The Butterfinger collab will be available through Sept. 1 while supplies last.
