Some classic icons are simply too good to be changed.
A good pair of blue jeans looks best without holes or other modifications. A pristine beach looks best without high rises and boardwalks. A lobster roll is best without mayo. Ferraris look best in the classic red Rosso Corsa color. And a pizza is definitely best without pineapple.
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You see, iconic favorites are reputed as classics for a reason. They aren't meant to be messed with, replicated, or modified. Doing so only obfuscates the original classic, thereby making it seem cheaper or less special.
Such is the case with Chick Fil A, which heavily guards its menu and rarely strays beyond what works. Visit any Chick Fil A and you'll find approximately eight main items, four of which are original (fried) meals, and four of which are grilled. There are a handful of salads, desserts, and kids' offerings. But for the most part, Chick Fil A knows what works and it sticks very stringently to it.
Other restaurants have similar models. Chipotle (CMG) -), for example, also only offers the basics: salads, bowls, burritos, tacos, quesadillas. And you're limited to several protein and other modification options as you order. Doing this doesn't limit choice, it cuts down on order time, customer confusion, and frees up the bottom line. It's a smart and scalable food service solution.
It's also successful because it practically guarantees attention if and when a restaurant actually does release a new menu item. Recall the hype that surrounded Chipotle when it released a new chicken, or Coca Cola (KO) -) when it releases a new Coke flavor.
Chick Fil A has a new menu item
This is why Chick Fil A, which already has a massive cult following, introducing a new item to its menu is such a momentous occasion.
After reportedly trying almost 30 different options, the fast food chicken chain is bringing one brand new item to its menus: the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich.
"The new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is a twist on the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. It features an original Chick-fil-A filet drizzled with honey, topped with pimento cheese and served on a warm, toasted bun with mild pickled jalapeños," Chipotle's website touting the new sandwich reads.
The item will have 520 calories, 28 grams of fat and 33 grams of protein. It will be available in Chick Fil A restaurants starting August 28.
Also available on August 28 will be Chick Fil A's fall item, which is a Caramel Crumble Milkshake.
Starting August 28, Chick-fil-A will introduce fall flavors with its first ever twist on the Original Chicken Sandwich, the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, accompanied by the Caramel Crumble Milkshake. Both items will be available nationwide. https://t.co/Z40IVRZjTI pic.twitter.com/GyjOPiSgPf
— Chick-fil-A News (@ChickfilANews) August 15, 2023
"Combining cozy Fall flavors in a cool, sweet treat, the Caramel Crumble Milkshake is the perfect addition to the seasonal menu (and a Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich order). Made with creamy butterscotch caramel flavors, hand-spun Chick-fil-A Icedream, blondie crumbles and topped with whipped cream and a cherry," Chick Fil A says.
Both items are a part of Chick Fil A's fall menu and will be available as long as supplies last.