OAK BROOK, Ill. -- The first limited-time offers and marketing campaigns of 2012 seem to fall into one of two camps: practical, better-for-you choices or resolution-busting indulgences.
On the indulgence side, White Castle rolled out two new comfort items for the winter months: Angus steak chili and chili cheese french fries. Angus steak is blended with red beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, mild green chilies and Southwest seasonings to yield a slightly spicy chili, available in three sizes; small (8-ounce), medium (12-ounce) and family (32-ounce). Chili cheese fries are available in one size only. The company is also testing beer and wine at a location in Lafayette, Ind.
On the other end of the healthful-indulgent spectrum, Dunkin’ Donuts began the year with a DDSMART Twitter contest offering a chance to win a $50 Dunkin' Donuts card by sharing goals for the year ahead. DDSMART is the brand’s line of better-for-you menu items.
Customers can submit a tweet to @DunkinDonuts on Twitter, using the special hashtag #DDSMARTY, sharing one smart choice or way that will help keep themselves running in 2012. Beginning Jan. 3 and continuing through Jan. 6, Dunkin' Donuts is selecting one winner each day to receive a $50 gift card.
Meanwhile, Jack in the Box is banking on value-driven indulgence with its new $4.29 Jumbo Deal. For a limited time, participating Jack in the Box restaurants are offering the signature Jumbo Jack hamburger, two tacos, a small order of fries and small fountain beverage for $4.29, plus tax.
Taking a cue from its sister brand Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins’January Flavor of the Month is also the latest addition to its Bright Choices line. Berry Nut Honey Frozen Yogurt is a honey and vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt with a triple berry ribbon and sweet honey oat almond pieces. The company says it’s paying attention to top snack trends by highlighting almonds and berries. A 2.5-ounce scoop has 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat.
Finally, to meet in the middle of healthful and indulgent, IHOP this week debuted Hash Brown Stacks--a tower of a meal with layers of hash browns, eggs and a variety of toppings.
Available at participating IHOP restaurants through Feb. 19, Hash Brown Stacks start at a suggested retail price of $5.99 and are served with a choice of fresh fruit or two buttermilk pancakes. Varieties include spinach and mushroom with hollandaise, Provolone, tomato and green onions; bacon and Cheddar with hollandaise, tomato and onion; ham and Swiss with hollandaise, tomato and onion; and a Simple & Fit spinach and mushroom without hollandaise and a scrambled egg substitute. The Simple & Fit option has less than 600 calories.
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