As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, several major fast-food chains are launching limited-time patriotic-themed menu items and promotions to mark the occasion. The offerings range from revamped classics to new creations reflecting American culinary traditions.
Chicago-based Portillo’s is introducing the Char’diniera Dog starting Tuesday, a hot dog infused with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable relish popular in the Chicago area, and topped with provolone cheese. The char-grilled beef hot dog can be ordered “dragged through the garden” with traditional toppings or prepared “Maxwell-style” with mustard and grilled onions. Denise Lauer, chief marketing officer at Portillo’s, said the new item celebrates both America’s 250th anniversary and the company’s roots as a hot dog trailer since 1963. The Char’diniera Dog is produced in partnership with Vienna Beef, the Chicago-based sausage maker credited with popularizing the city’s signature hot dog style. According to Tom McGlade, senior vice president of marketing at Vienna Beef, the new dog represents an innovative addition to Chicago’s hot dog tradition.
McDonald’s has brought back its original fried apple pie, a dessert that was replaced by a baked version in the 1980s amid health concerns. The revival launched last week at a Tennessee location and is available nationwide for a limited time. To commemorate the treat’s return, McDonald’s erected a 35-foot-tall model of the fried apple pie at Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois, located near the historic Mother Road’s starting point. The installation is expected to remain through the Fourth of July.
Other national chains have also joined the festivities. Burger King introduced a Firecracker Cookie Pie adorned with red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles. Sonic Drive-In brought back its Red, White and Blue Slush Float, a seasonal beverage offering. Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating with a Patriotic Decorated Cake and mini Bundt cakes topped with July Fourth-themed flags. Krispy Kreme launched a patriotic donut collection featuring red icing with star decorations and a firework-themed treat, and is offering a free glazed donut on July Fourth to customers dressed in red, white, and blue.
Portillo’s is also embracing the semiquincentennial through limited-edition packaging featuring stars and stripes. Lauer noted the inclusion of blue packaging is a departure from the company’s typical color scheme designed to emphasize the milestone.
While the fast-food industry largely marks the nation’s 250th with celebratory items, Pizza Hut’s recent developments present a more somber contrast. The pizza chain, once the largest in the country, closed 250 locations in the first half of this year. Furthermore, parent company Yum Brands recently agreed to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion to a private equity firm and a Chinese company, signaling challenges within the brand even as the country marks its historic anniversary.