KANSAS CITY — With Memorial Day on the other side of the weekend and summer not far behind, restaurants are ramping up their innovation to reflect seasonal flavors and celebrate summer activities.
Dunkin’ is debuting a fruity new donut — the Berry Powdered Donut — and Dunkin’ Lemonade Refreshers, which are made with a summer sipping staple. The drinks combine lemonade, flavored fruit concentrate and B vitamins and come in strawberry, peach and blueberry flavors.
“Just in time for the unofficial start of the season, Dunkin’ is delivering the celebration people are craving with a duo of delightful new choices created with warm weather and long sunny days in mind,” said Jill Nelson, vice president of marketing and culinary at Dunkin’. “Dunkin’ is helping America get a sweet summer up and running.”
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. is celebrating summer vacations with its new Island Time Collection of tropical flavored donuts, which includes the Pina Colada Doughnut, the Island Time Doughnut and the Key Lime Pie Doughnut.
“People have been dreaming about returning to summer vacations,” said Dave Skena, chief marketing officer for Krispy Kreme. “Our new Island Time doughnuts will give everyone a sweet taste of the tropics.”
At O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar, a new All Fired Up menu features summer barbecue-themed dishes. Offerings include the Tumbleweed Burger, Smokey Mountain BBQ Chicken, the Smokehouse Appetizer Combo, Campfire Potatoes and the Bone-in Cowboy Ribeye.
“The warm weather always brings lots of friends and families together, and with that a big appetite for delicious food,” said Craig Barber, chief executive officer of O’Charley’s. “With this great new menu, our guests can have all the fun of a backyard barbecue but leave the meal prep and cleanup to us — giving them more time to soak up the sun, sit by the fire, and enjoy everything that the season has to offer.”
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is preparing for barbecue season with a new pulled pork sandwich and a new side. The chain is introducing the Sweet King’s Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich with Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce and new Texas Sweet Corn.
“May is National Barbecue Month and as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re embracing the arrival of barbecue season by taking our signature Pulled Pork Sandwich up a notch with sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls and tangy Dr Pepper-infused barbecue sauce,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Paired with our Texas Sweet Corn, this new limited-time sandwich is sure to be a summer hit.”
Pinkberry is adding Island Mango Frozen Yogurt and new Cold Brew Fruit Teas, available in strawberry hibiscus and mango passionfruit flavors, to its menu for summer.
"Our light and refreshing Island Mango Frozen Yogurt and Cold Brew Fruit Teas are the perfect addition to hot summer days," said Melissa Hubbell, senior director of marketing for Kahala Brands, parent company of Pinkberry. "We know our customers are looking for delicious ways to stay cool this season and Pinkberry has something for everyone."
