What’s on the Menu? — January 6, 2023

In this column, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine looks at newly introduced menu items from top brands. 

Green January

Sweetgreen launched Green January, an opportunity for customers to jumpstart a healthy routine in the new year through real, fresh food. Offered exclusively through the sweetgreen app and website through January 18, Green January empowers users to implement more feel-good routines in the new year, by inviting them to try sweetgreen’s menu items to unlock special rewards. To launch the campaign, the company tapped Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, founder of Melissa Wood Health (MWH) and sweetgreen fan, to speak to customers about how implementing small, healthy habits each day can better fuel your mind and body. 

She worked with sweetgreen’s culinary team to create a custom bowl designed to kick off Green January with hearty and whole ingredients. Joining the digital menu for a limited time, the Melissa Wood Health Bowl features a base of arugula and kale, topped with chickpeas, carrots, cabbage, onions, broccoli, warm portobello mix, avocado, chili flakes, a drizzle of pesto dressing and a lemon squeeze. The bowl will be available to order exclusively through the brand’s website or sweetgreen app for delivery and pick-up during Green January.

Under $2 Craves

SONIC® Drive-In is introducing a new Under $2 Craves menu. Available at SONIC locations nationwide, the new menu features classic SONIC favorites including the Jr. Cheeseburger and FRITOS® Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap, along with new Sweet Minis sundae treats.

The Under $2 Craves menu is available at participating locations through March 26, while supplies last. 

Savory and Sweet

Cowboy Chicken starts off the new year with splashes of savory and sweet as it introduces new menu items available through March 12. Guests can now choose from two new varieties of enchiladas—tender brisket and zesty chicken tinga (and complete their meals with  peach tea and the return of freshly baked peach cobbler.

Ghost Pepper

Popeyes® is kicking off the new year with flavor, bringing Ghost Pepper Wings back to menus nationwide, for a limited time only. Popeyes is also bringing the Blueberry Lemon Pie and a Strawberry Cheesecake cup back for those who crave a little sweetness.

Golden Menu

Peet's Coffee’s Golden collection returns with a Golden Caffe Latte, Golden Chai Latte, and new Golden Cold Brew Oat Latte, all featuring turmeric, ginger, and honey flavors. If you've only thought of Peet's Coffee for breakfast, think again. The new menu introduces Peet's savory Toasted Caprese Sandwich with basil pesto for all day enjoyment. The golden beverages are a top selling Peet's offering each winter.

Craving Discounts

White Castle is kicking off 2023 with a flurry of specials and deals designed to keep Cravers’ stomachs and wallets, full. 

Here are the offers and deals scheduled to run in January, February and March.

Special Offers (no coupons necessary)

Special Offers (available with coupons on White Castle’s social media and/or website)

 Offers for Craver Nation Members (available through the White Castle app)

 A Whole New Frozen Yogurt

Aladdin the Musical and 16 Handles are keeping the magic alive this year by celebrating a new collaborative flavor launch this January. Introducing Aladdin's Three Berry Magical Wishes, a limited-edition artisan frozen yogurt with a purple swirl! 

Additionally, 16 Handles will be launching an Instagram giveaway on January 9 to win a date night that includes Broadway show tickets and $250 in 16 Handles’ gift cards.  

 In past years, 16 Handles has also collaborated with the Tony-Award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen to launch the Blue Raspberry Sorbet in honor of the show’s last summer on Broadway. Partnering with Aladdin the Musical this year is sure to be another hit with New York’s Broadway fans.

Pretzel Pub

The Habit Burger Grill launched their limited-time-only (LTO) Pretzel Pub Charburger. After it was successfully test-marketed in California back in July 2022, the Pretzel Pub Charburger is now available nationwide at participating restaurants. The LTO is only available through February 21.