Dunkin’ Donuts continues to expand their oven-toasted menu, with the addition of the new Southwest Chicken Flatbread Sandwich, which features grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, red and green peppers, onions, and a maple-chipotle sauce, pressed inside a warm toasty flatbread shell. DD’s oven-toasted menu launched earlier this year as the most significant change to their product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages back in 2003.

In order to introduce the new menu, Dunkin’ Donuts shops received an entirely new cooking platform. New cooking ovens, using patented technologies, deliver the “Oven-Toasted” result. In addition to the new Southwest Chicken, three other classic flavors are available: Turkey, Cheddar and Bacon - Ham and Swiss - Grilled Cheese.

Visit DunkinDonuts.com to find a location near you.

Yet another new energy drink is hitting the market. This time it’s Venom from the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. They describe it as a drink: “For those wanting to experience thrill seeking adventures.” A simple translation: Hey kids, drink a couple of these, grab your skateboard and you’ll be bouncing off the walls. No offense intended. I just sometimes have trouble with the speed the world is moving already, so the thought of everybody around me being hyped up on super juice is somewhat concerning. I already have a friend who drinks Red Bull for breakfast, and it’s become an addiction, as strong as cigarettes for him. Anyway, sorry for the rant. The new VENOM energy drink comes in 3 flavors: Black Mamba, Regular, and Mojave Rattler. The new drink sports a sleek Aluminum bottle, with a re-sealable lid, something most canned energy drinks cannot offer.

For more information visit: DrPepperSnappleGroup.com

AUSTIN, Texas — Schlotzsky’s is serving up two new products. The Ranch Club Sandwich featuring lean shaved ham, smoked turkey, bacon strips, tomatoes and red onions nestled between two warm sourdough buns smothered with ranch dressing. The Ranch Chicken Pizza with grilled chicken strips, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and red onions with (you guessed it) ranch dressing. Both items include an extra side order of ranch dressing. To learn more, or find a store location visit Schlotzskys.com

Editor’s Note: I recently reviewed one of their sandwiches and pizzas.

Proof once again, that chipotle flavored foods and sauces are taking over the world. In 65 years, Kentucky Fried Chicken has only used 2 main recipes. Original and Extra Crispy. Today that changed. This information just in from the KFC newsroom. LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, May 28 — In 1940, Colonel Harland Sanders revolutionized fried chicken by introducing his now famous Original Recipe(R). Today, more than 65 years later, KFC is adding just its third fried chicken flavor to the menu — Smoky Chipotle Crispy. The new flavor joins Colonel Sanders’ Original Recipe, featuring a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, as well as Extra Crispy(TM), which was introduced more than two decades ago.

A Secret Slow-Smoked Recipe.

“The new recipe receives its signature flavor from a secret recipe of slow-smoked chipotle peppers and other spices,” said Doug Hasselo, Chief Food Innovation Officer at KFC. “Our new Smoky Chipotle Crispy is designed to be the perfect combination of robust flavors with just the right kick,” Hasselo added. “We’re confident Colonel Sanders would have approved this new secret recipe. It truly is finger lickin’ good.”

KFC’s new Smoky Chipotle Crispy chicken is currently available in a bucket or as a plated meal for a limited time only. Visit KFC.com for specific details about the new Smoky Chipotle Crispy chicken and additional information on Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The folks at Wendy’s are introducing a new hand-spun version of their popular Frosty frozen treat. Here’s the details — After almost 39 years, Wendy’s is shaking up the Frosty. Wendy’s announced that it’s introducing a new line of hand-spun Frosty Shakes in three flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Fudge, and Strawberry, which is a first for the company. The rich and creamy new Frosty Shakes are topped with whipped cream and a cherry, are served with a straw. The traditional Frosty is thicker so it has to be eaten with a spoon.

In 1969, when Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy’s in Columbus, Ohio, the Frosty was one of five original items on the menu. One of the most familiar and enduring items on Wendy’s menu, the Frosty only came in one flavor - Chocolate - until 2006, when Vanilla was added. Since then, the Company has introduced Frosty Floats and Twisted Frostys with candy or cookie toppings mixed in. “This is another example of how we’re actively expanding our dessert and beverage portfolio by leveraging the power of our proprietary Frosty brand” said Wendy’s Interim Chief Marketing Officer Paul Kershisnik. Beginning in early June, national advertising support will emphasize the premium quality of the Frosty shakes, using five kinds of cocoa, real vanilla beans and sauce made from real strawberries.

In addition to shakes, Wendy’s is introducing a Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Twisted Frosty this month. Annually, they serve more than 350 million Frostys.

Chick-Fil-A has just announced a list of new menu additions and updates to current products, and I think fans of the chain are going to be excited. Something that caught my eye immediately was the major size increase to their Chick-n-Strips. I’ve eaten the current CFA strips many times, and I feel they are acceptably sized and there’s plenty of tender meaty goodness already, so this new BIGGER version is a terrific surprise for me personally. All I can say is get the dipping sauce ready. Speaking of sauce, they are introducing a new Smokey Mustard flavor to compliment the strips.

Press releases can be tedious to sort thru, especially the large ones, so I’ve taken the information and created an easy to follow post for FFC readers.

New Salad — Chick-fil-A is adding a new choice to its line of entrée salads, a Chargrilled Chicken and Fruit Salad served with Harvest Nut Granola Topping and a complementary Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

Salad Packaging Upgrade — All 4 entrée salads will now be served in a larger, deeper salad bowl that is easier to eat out of and easily transported. Chick-fil-A will continue to intentionally cluster salad ingredients and offer individually packaged toppings (e.g. sunflower seeds, croutons, dressings, etc.), so ingredients and toppings can be easily removed or avoided for nutritional and/or taste preferences.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Makeover — While the recipe and flavor profile of the Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad will not change, the sandwich will now be served on a premium Wheatberry bread with Green Leaf lettuce. Starting at $6.05, the chain is now offering the Chicken Salad Sandwich as a Chick-fil-A Meal for the first time. The sandwich is priced individually at $3.65, and will be packaged in a clear clamshell rather than a foil bag, resembling packaging more typical of a high-end deli than a fast-food restaurant.

Cool Wraps Upgrade — Chick-fil-A will begin serving its three Cool Wrap offerings in a new, higher-quality multigrain flatbread recipe with Green Leaf lettuce. Previously served in a foil wrapper, Chick-fil-A Cool Wraps will now be served in a new clamshell packaging, much like the Chicken Salad Sandwich.

New BIGGER Chick-n-Strips — Perhaps the most significant change to the Chick-fil-A menu will be the introduction of a new Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips product that is 50 percent larger than the chain’s current strip offering (45 gram tender versus 30 grams). The Chick-n-Strips, which are served as part of the Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strip Salad, will be added to the menu on May 19 along with Chick-fil-A’s cold entrée improvements, but the chain will not aggressively promote the new Chick-n-Strips as an entrée until August. Chick-n-Strips will be offered as a 3- or 4-count entrée for adults and in 1- and 2-counts for Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meals.

New Dipping Sauce — To complement the new Chick-n-Strips, Chick-fil-A has developed a new proprietary dipping sauce, a smokey mustard recipe inspired by a veteran Chick-fil-A restaurant franchisee in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

New Side Options — Chick-fil-A is giving customers a choice of side options as part of its Chick-fil-A Meals. Five additional side item choices will be available for customers to substitute for Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries. A small Cole Slaw or Carrot and Raisin Salad can be substituted for free, or customers can choose a small bowl of Chicken Soup, medium Fruit Cup or Side Salad for nominal upcharge.

NOTE: These new products launch nationwide Today, May 19th.

This just in from the Jack In The Box press room.

“SAN DIEGO - As the variety and popularity of premium beverages continues to grow in the U.S., Jack in the Box restaurants today debut a new beverage platform – Real Fruit Smoothies – in several of its markets, primarily in the West. The quick-serve chain plans to roll out its line of smoothies systemwide by the end of July. Jack’s Real Fruit Smoothies are made from a blend of Minute Maid fruit juice and nonfat frozen yogurt and come in three flavors – Strawberry Banana, Mango and Orange Sunrise.”

“With consumers’ busy schedules, smoothies have become very popular as snacks and even breakfast items,” said Teka O’Rourke, director of menu marketing and promotions at Jack in the Box Inc. “Our new smoothies offer the flavor and quality consumers have come to expect, with the added convenience of drive-thru service.”

“Jack’s Smoothies are available in 16 and 24 ounce servings for suggested prices, excluding tax, of $2.99 and $3.99, respectively, at all participating Jack in the Box restaurants in Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii, as well as several markets in California, including Bakersfield, Chico, El Centro, Eureka, Fresno, Monterey, Palm Springs, Redding, Sacramento, Salinas, San Diego and Santa Barbara.”