Prominent fast-food franchises, such as KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Dunkin', are strategically adopting a new approach by dropping several menu items to improve customer service.
Fast-food chains, KFC and Taco Bell Drop Favorite Menu Items
Taco Bell, known for frequently updating its menu, has recently removed the Quesarito, a digital menu exclusive. This unique item, a burrito encased in a cheese quesadilla, had garnered significant attention upon its debut.
Although it's been dropped, the possibility of its return seems likely as Taco Bell continues to stock all the necessary ingredients.
In a related move, KFC, which falls under the same parent company, Yum Brands, has made a seemingly more permanent change. The fast-food leader has replaced its well-liked popcorn chicken with a new, premium variant: chicken nuggets.
These nuggets, crafted from 100% white meat and coated with KFC's signature blend of 11 herbs and spices, are versatile for meals or snacks. The company highlighted in its announcement that these nuggets serve as a standalone meal, a quick snack, an addition to a bucket meal, or even an appetizer.
Also Read: Shop More, Spend Less: IKEA Announces New Prices on Hundreds of Items for the Holidays
Dunkin Drops a Signature Drink
Dunkin' Donuts first made the Dunkaccino before the company decided its coffee line would copy Starbucks. The drink, a mix of hot chocolate and coffee, was first sold in 2020, when the chain's coffee menu was pretty simple and only had "hot" or "iced" options.
Dunkin' said it dropped the item to run its business more efficiently.
"As we focus on innovation and finding new ways to delight guests, we continually evolve our menu to deliver a fast, frictionless experience," the company said in a press release.
So, as is often the case, it may not be goodbye for good.
"The Dunkaccino is retired for now, but there's always the chance for its return in the future," the business said.
McDonald's made a change to the McFlurry
McDonald's (MCD) - Get Free Report usually doesn't take things off its menu. The McRib is just a joke. The company has gotten rid of several chicken sandwich lines as it works to make McCrispy a "permanent" option.
It has also tried and failed with burgers like the Arch Deluxe and the McDLT. But McDonald's food stays pretty much the same.
But in 2023, the chain did something very different. It wasn't taking something off the menu. Instead, it changed the way its well-known McFlurry is made.
Why Fast Food Needs to Drop Down Menu Items
As fast-food businesses struggle to generate customer traffic, some companies have used buzzy limited-time discounts.
If a restaurant adds too many, the large menu might overwhelm consumers, impede the kitchen, and lengthen drive-thrus.
A guest faces line opposition when someone is behind them, and they must act quickly. Menu engineering consultant Gregg Rapp said the drive-thru is the same-they're blaring in your brain.
Rapp advised having seven or fewer menu items per category.
In 2020, fast-food fans were upset about several menu changes. For example, KFC changed its famous potato chips to fries, and Taco Bell dropped potatoes from its menu, which caused a lot of controversy. McD's has also caused a stir over the years by taking chicken tenders, the famous McRib, and all-day food off the menu.
Related Article: Cold Stone Creamery Unveils Two Exciting New Flavors for the Holiday Season!
