Between LTO's and Menu Updates, BBQ Reigns

Summer is in full swing and according to menus nationwide, BBQ is king!Aside all the frozen cocktails, fruit-focused summer salads, and swimsuit friendly bites, you'll find smoky barbecue options hitting the mark. This trend isn't simply relegated to full-service restaurants, it's occurring across all market segments. Just check the menus...

BBQ is King on Summer Menus

Fast Food

It looks like the fast food segment is all for the push to savory BBQ flavors. Chick-fil-A recently launched their Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich, while KFC has re-released their Smoky Mountain BBQ and Georgia Gold options. Across the board, burger staples like McDonald's, Burger King, Carl's Jr., and Jack in the Box are all featuring a seasonal BBQ option. Even Arby's is on board with their Bourbon BBQ Sandwich selection.

Quick Service

QSR businesses are known for their trend forward ways and menu flexibility. It's part of what makes them special. So, it's no surprise to see BBQ options on these menus as well. Starbucks is taking their chance on a Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Sandwich, while Boston Market is going with a re-release of the Bourbon Bacon Rotisserie Chicken. MOD Pizza is blending pineapple with BBQ on their limited edition "Fred Pizza," featuring Canadian bacon, roasted pineapple, red onion, and a sweet BBQ sauce swirl.

Full Service

Ruby Tuesdays, known for their epic salad bar, is upping their game with a Hickory Bourbon Bacon Sirloin. Chili's has gone even further, pushing their BBQ options onto a new Smokehouse Combo menu, where you can mix and match choices of smoked brisket, cheesy bacon BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, and smoked sausages. Outback Steakhouse has found legs in the BBQ trend with options like the Aussie Twisted Ribs and the BBQ Pork Porterhouse.

Where there's smoke there's fire!

And these flavor trends are hot! It's no coincidence that BBQ is King on national menus. We saw massive growth with BBQ flavors last year, and 2019 doesn't show any signs of slowing down. So, don't fall behind, give the people what they want with unique new BBQ flavors and pairings.Cheers!