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Fall menu trends: Pumpkin's a heavy favorite, but not the season's only LTO

October is nearly here, which triggers most restaurants to roll out their fall menus. And while pumpkin is still a favorite of the season, other flavors and foods are trending as well.

Image courtesy of iStock

October 1, 2018 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October is here, which triggers most foodservice operators to roll out their fall menus. And while pumpkin is still a favorite of the season, other flavors and foods are trending as well. One brand — I Love Juice Bar— is even going out of its way to keep pumpkin off the fall menu, but more on that later.

Below is an impartial list of fall limited time offers.

Pincho Factory 
Pincho Factory has added the "Vaca Frita Grilled Cheese" as a month's Chalkboard Menu special, featuring Pincho Factory's homemade Vaca Frita (braised beef) smothered in Gouda cheese, topped with red onion mojo, tomato and smashed avocado and stuffed between slices of Challah bread.
 
"We're excited to celebrate the new month with our flavorful Vaca Frita grilled cheese," Otto Othman, co-founder and CMO at Pincho, said in a press release. "We love getting creative with our menu and spicing up classic favorites with our own Pincho flare.

Othman will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Captain D's

Captain D's has launched the Catfish Craze, available through Nov.11, according to a company press release.

"Catfish is a beloved favorite of our guests," said Dawn Foster, Captain D's vice president of brand marketing. "It's a part of our everyday menu, but it's exciting when we are able to bring new ways for catfish lovers to enjoy it at Captain D's."

This catfish line-up includes:

• Giant Catfish Sandwich: Thin strips of Captain D's flavorful Catfish in a Southern style breading with lettuce and tartar sauce served on a toasted bun.
• Catfish Dippers & Fish: Thin strips of catfish in a Southern style breading alongside a piece of its Batter Dipped Fish. Served with a choice of two sides and hush puppies.
• Nashville Hot Catfish: Catfish, hand-breaded in Captain D's Southern style breading and topped with its Nashville Hot seasoning. Served with choice of two sides and hush puppies. 
• 2 Piece Catfish: Catfish, hand-breaded in Captain D's Southern style breading and served with choice of two sides and hush puppies.
• Blackened Catfish: Three pieces of Captain D's catfish fillet, grilled and seasoned with Cajun-inspired blackened spice. Served on a bed of rice with choice of two sides and a breadstick.
• Catfish Dippers & Butterfly Shrimp: Thin strips of catfish in a Southern style breading and four butterfly shrimp.

Honeygrow

Honeygrow has added a few dishes to highlight fall ingredients, such as Bartlett pears and Golden beets, sourced from local farms in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They include:

Honeygrow's Holiday Honeybar

• Golden Beet Caesar (gluten-free): Spiralized sweet raw Golden beets mixed with chopped romaine and kale and topped with Bartlett pears, red onions, shaved parmesan and tossed in rosemary parmesan dressing.
• Philly Roast Pork: Egg white noodles tossed with organic baby spinach, broccoli, red onions and a brew-au-jus and finished with grated parmesan.

After Oct. 29, the brand will also introduce a stir-fry and a honeybar offering, inspired by the holiday season, including:

• Sausage & Peppers: Egg white noodles tossed with local sweet Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, red onions, organic baby spinach, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, chili flakes, tomato-basil sauce and finished with shaved parmesan.
• Holiday Honeybar: Plain yogurt is topped with diced apples, dried cranberries and crumbled gingersnap cookies, garnished with a cinnamon-whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup.

The stir-fry comes in Honeygrow's original containers, featuring custom artwork from Emmy Star Brown. The second artist to be featured in the series, Brown's box conveys how important the simple act of kindness can be.

Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs has added a steak sub to its fall menu. Topped with sharp cheddar and American cheeses flavored with White Belgian style wheat ale and crispy fried onions, the burger comes on top of a toasted sub roll, according to a company press release. Firehouse Subs Director of Product Development Jay Miller developed the custom beer cheese sauce recipe.

"Guests know and love us for our hot specialty subs, and we're excited to continue to have the opportunity to create and serve unique new recipes," said Miller. "The Firehouse Pub Steak Sub flavor profile satisfies our mission to offer a premium sandwich that's delicious and craveable."

For an added twist just in time for Oktoberfest, Rold Gold Original Tiny Twists Pretzels will also join the menu for a limited time.
 

Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes

Mooyah's Octoberfest

In 2017, as part of its Taste to Try program, Mooyah released The Oktoberfest, a seasonal burger featuring Swiss cheese, grilled onions, kraut, mustard and Applewood smoked bacon on a baked in-house potato bun.

The limited-time burger became one of the top-selling Taste to Try offerings, which is why the nearly 100-unit brand is bringing it back this year through Nov. 4, according to a company press release. Guests this year may also try the recipe on the brand's all-beef hot dogs, according to a company press release.
 
"The Oktoberfest is full of seasonal flavor and was one of the top-selling additions to our popular Taste to Try program in 2017 — so much so that we decided to give our guests another taste this year as both a burger and a hot dog creation," Natalie Anderson-Liu, vice president of brand, said in the release. "The Oktoberfest is great for guests who want to come in and share a fall flavor with their family and friends as school is getting back into full swing, and it's also perfect to bring to a football tailgate or pick up to enjoy at home."

Michael Mabry, president of Mooyah, will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Smoothie King
Pumpkin is back at Smoothie King in the form of four limited-time smoothies available through Dec. 26.

Made according to Smoothie King's proprietary Cleaner Blending recipes, all four smoothies contain no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors and are intended for a specific purpose, according to a company press release. They include:

• Slim-N-Trim Pumpkin: Clocking in at 240 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, the smoothie has 15 grams of protein, plus iron and calcium.  
• Coffee High Protein Pumpkin: Perfect for a post-workout breakfast, this smoothie offers 31 grams of protein, plus iron and calcium.
• Vegan Pumpkin: Vegans and non-vegans may like this better-for-you seasonal treat.
• Pumpkin D-Lite: This smoothie is made with fro-yo and no sugar added. 

"We know that everyone loves to enjoy pumpkin flavored everything this time of year, and at Smoothie King, they can indulge their seasonal cravings while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle," said Smoothie King Vice President of Product Development Rocky Gettys. "Unlike a lot of pumpkin flavored items, Smoothie King's pumpkin smoothies get their taste from real, organic pumpkin, and with our Cleaner Blending Initiative, guests can feel good about drinking them as part of their health and fitness journeys."
 
Smoothie King Franchises is a privately held, Dallas-based franchise company with 1,000 units worldwide.

Kevin King, chief development officer, will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Gloria Jean's Coffees 
Gloria Jean's Coffees has launched fall flavors that will run until Nov. 4, according to a press release. Cinnamon Bun and Pumpkin Spice Chillers and lattes are now available.

Gloria Jean's Coffees Fall Seasonal Cinnamon Bun and Pumpkin Spice Chiller and Lattes

And, due to popular demand, the brand is bringing back its fan favorite White Russian roasted whole beans as this season's Gloria's "Vault" offering.

"We're introducing our new fall flavors a bit early this year for our many guests who are ready for the familiar smells, tastes and comforts that come with the return of the fall season," Sam Ferreira, president of  U.S. business for Retail Food Group, Gloria Jean's parent company, said in the release. "As the weather and seasonal fashion begins to change, we're confident our new Cinnamon Bun and Pumpkin Spice hot and cold beverages will unleash the fall spirit and create excitement for the seasonal festivities that lie ahead."

Ferreira will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Robeks 
Robeks has announced its line of Superfood bowls for a limited time only, featuring three Superfood Bowls that blend together Superfood ingredients like spirulina, acai and dragon fruit with Robeks signature fruits and juices, according to a press release. 

"We are very excited to be expanding our lineup of Superfood products" Vice President of Marketing Matt Furman, said in the release. "We saw a lot of success with our line of Superfood Smoothies and are excited to now bring those types of ingredients to our bowls."

Customers can enjoy the new products at almost all 85 Robeks locations across the U.S.

It's a Grind Coffee House
It's A Grind Coffee House is launching its fall lineup of seasonal beverages available through Nov. 4 which features Cinnamon Spice Cake and the fan favorite Pumpkin Spice lattes, according to a press release. 

Also, back by popular demand is the brand's Pumpkin Spice flavored whole beans featuring a creamy pumpkin pie flavor with cinnamon and nutmeg.
 
"As fall approaches, we're shifting gears to create excitement for all the comforts the season has to offer; from cooler weather to the welcome scents, colors and flavors, we're thrilled to be brewing seasonal flavors helping guests embrace the fall spirit!" Sam Ferreira, president of  U.S. business for Retail Food Group, It's A Grind Coffee House's parent company, said in the release. "We love rolling out festive flavors that our regulars look forward to every year, and our new Cinnamon Spice Cake beverages along with our tried and true Pumpkin Spice truly deliver on the comforting tastes of autumn."
 
TCBY
TCBY is welcoming the fall season by featuring three limited-time seasonal flavors, including apple pie, pumpkin and graham cracker, according to a press release. 
 
Guests can enjoy the delectable hand scooped apple pie, made with real apples, ground cinnamon and crumbled crust. TCBY's creamy, low fat pumpkin pie soft-serve, made with real pumpkin, can be paired with the low fat graham cracker soft-serve, made with real graham crackers. 
 
"We start with natural ingredients and add fall flavor staples like pumpkin, apple and graham cracker, making our autumn frozen yogurt selections some of our biggest fan favorites," TCBY CEO Dustin Lyman said in the release. "The flavors are delicious and guests can pair them for unique taste combinations or to simply enjoy on their own."
 
El Pollo Loco 
El Pollo Loco has launched four combos, each served with chips and a drink, available for a limited time only, according to a press release.

El Pollo Loco's $5 Craveable Combos available for a limited time only

The  $5 Craveable Combos include:

• Handmade Chicken Taquitos: three taquitos with shredded ranchero chicken topped with handmade guacamole, a drizzle of creamy cilantro dressing, cilantro and pico de gallo salsa.
• Loco Burrito: fire-grilled chicken, beans, cabbage, cheese, creamy cilantro dressing and pico de gallo salsa.
• Grilled Chicken Loco Salad: fire-grilled chicken, cotija, lettuce, tortilla strips, creamy cilantro dressing and pico de gallo salsa.
• Chicken Tacos al Carbon: three tacos with fire-grilled chicken, diced onions and cilantro.

"With four new craveable combo options at just $5, our customers are sure to find a meal they love," Executive Chef Heather Gardea said in the release.

Zoup
Fall means the return of Zoup's Brewhouse Cheddar soup and seasoned bread bowls called "boules," according to a press release.

"The Brewhouse Cheddar and seasoned bread boules were huge hits when we rolled them out last year," founder and CEO Eric Ersher said in the release. "This year, we've added two new bread boule varieties, giving our guests a reason to come back and try them all."
 
The returning garlic parmesan, olive oil and sea salt bread boules join two other varieties: Rosemary provolone and chipotle pepper jack. Each sourdough boule is brushed with extra-virgin olive oil, topped with a selection of special seasonings designed to enhance the flavor of Zoup's soups.
 
The Brewhouse Cheddar is a creamy mixture of mellow cheddar, English pale ale, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, sea salt and black pepper, garnished with shredded cheddar and scallions. The Zoup team recommends pairing it with the Olive Oil & Sea Salt Boule for a distinctive fall flavor. 

The Brewhouse Cheddar and bread bowls are available through Oct. 21. 

Ersher will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Woody's Bar-B-Q

Woody's Bar-B-Q has added two sandwiches to its fall menu. The Big Cheese and The Big Shot are available through Oct. 15, according to a press release.

The Big Cheese is melted cheddar cheese over a bed of macaroni and cheese between a golden panini with a hint of garlic butter. 

The Big Shot features two slices of toasted golden panini with a hearty hint of garlic butter and 4 ounces of Woody's Texas Beef Brisket topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Cousins Subs 
Cousins Subs has teamed up with Johnsonville Sausage to bring back its Wisconsin Steak & Brat and Wisconsin Brat & Bacon sub sandwiches through Nov. 26, according to a press release. 

The Wisconsin Brat & Bacon is available at Cousins Subs for alimited-timeonly

The Wisconsin Steak & Brat features steak, Johnsonville brat slices, lettuce, sauteed onions, pickles and tomatoes on freshly baked Italian bread. 

The Wisconsin Brat & Bacon is served on pretzel bread with Johnsonville brat slices, bacon, sautéed onions and pickles. Both subs feature Wisconsin cheddar cheese and spicy brown mustard.
 
"For a limited time, we're offering a savory combination that is sure to make our guests crave Wisconsin," Vice President of Marketing Justin McCoy said in the release. "By teaming up with a local favorite, we're paying tribute to Wisconsin's iconic food culture and bringing it straight to our guests."
 
Nekter Juice Bar 

Nekter is introducing its Cold-Brew Protein Smoothie, Pumpkin Almond Bowl and Charcoal Vanilla Skoop ice cream, according to a press release. The limited-time offers will run until Nov. 4.

"With a variety of great-tasting and nutritious, plant-based dining options, Nékter Juice Bar has become a healthy dining destination for every part of your day," co-founder and CEO Steve Schulze said in a release. "Our new Cold-Brew Protein Smoothie and Pumpkin Almond Bowl are two new healthy offerings that will help you maintain steady and balanced energy and feel energized throughout the entire day."

Schulze will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

Corner Bakery 
Corner Bakery's fall breakfast items feature caramelized apples, toasted walnuts and fall spices, according to a press release. 

"We are excited to introduce our guests to Corner Bakery's new harvest creations," Corner Bakery Chief Marketing Officer Donna Josephson said in the release. "Our freshly prepared dishes are full of flavor — perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner."

Corner Bakery's new kitchen crafted fall menu items include:

• Apple Walnut Pancakes — Four fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with caramelized apples, cinnamon crunch streusel and toasted walnuts served with vanilla maple syrup and Applewood smoked bacon.
• Apple Walnut Oatmeal — Whole grain steel-cut oatmeal topped with caramelized apples, cinnamon crunch streusel and toasted walnuts.
• Chicken Apple Arugula Sandwich — Sliced chicken, diced tart apples and fresh arugula with pesto mayo served on toasted pesto Parmesan focaccia.
• Power Greens & Grains Salad — Sliced chicken, toasted seasoned chickpeas, whole grain farro, diced cucumbers, oven-roasted tomatoes and sliced hard-boiled egg on a "power greens" blend of baby kale, arugula and spinach with honey balsamic vinaigrette.
• Glorious Morning Muffin — A fresh muffin packed with fresh carrots, walnuts, plump raisins, coconut, diced apple and a hint of warm fall spice.

Corner Bakery CEO Frank Paci will speak at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 7-9 in Seattle. Register here.

B. Good

B. Good is rolling out fresh handmade wraps for the first time to its menu at all U.S. locations, according to a press release.

"The addition of wraps to our already diverse menu is an exciting development for B. Good," CEO Chris Fuqua said in the release. "We are proud to offer a menu that caters to a broad audience through our variety of great tasting food, including burgers, bowls, salads and smoothies. Wraps are a natural fit and based on testing at select locations, we already know our customers are going to love them." 

The B.Good wrap options include:

• Chicken Caesar made with romaine, parmesan and whole grain croutons, tossed in lemon Caesar vinaigrette, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.
• Southwest chicken made with mixed baby greens, avocado, toasted corn, tomatoes, black bean and corn salad with chipotle puree and balsamic vinaigrette, all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.

I love Juice Bar's LTO drinks

I Love Juice Bar
While many brands embrace all things pumpkin on their fall menus, I Love Juice Bar is taking the opposite approach with its "Save the pumpkins" campaign, according to a company press release. Its LTOs include two drinks, The Autumn Spice Smoothie and Ginger Spice, available for a limited time. Both are made sans pumpkin.

"Thousands of pumpkins will be spared this fall as I Love Juice Bar encourages consumers to save the pumpkins. Drink a smoothie or juice," the release noted.

Bruegger's Bagels
Bruegger's Bagels fall menu features farm-inspired items as well as seasonal favorites, according to a press release. 
 
Pumpkin returns as Bruegger's Bagels brings back its classic Pumpkin Bagel, Pumpkin Cream Cheese and aromatic seasonal coffee, Pumpkin Spice, which are all available through Thanksgiving.

"Our seasonal menu is the perfect match for cozy sweaters and cooler days," Bruegger's Bagels President Leigh Anne Snider said in the release. "From farmhouse classics to pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon, the flavors capture the anticipation of autumn."

Braxton Brewing Co., a Cincinnati-area brewing company, will launch a seasonal pumpkin pie ale in celebration of fall, according to a press release. The brew will be available in area Kroger stores, as well as restaurants and bars.

In mimicking the nostalgic flavors found in a slice of pumpkin pie, it features notes of pumpkin pie spice, as well as hints of pie crust. Consumers will notice the ale's bold aroma, which brings about feelings of the fall season, as well as a deep brown color from the pour. 

"Fall is a great time to be in the beer business, especially this year," CEO Jake Rouse said in the release. "Our new pumpkin pie ale is not only a first for us, but we're also fortunate enough to once again be inspired by our friends at Graeter's. This is a beer that we're hoping will be another big hit with fans."

City Barbeque 
City Barbeque has added two healthy LTOs to the menu: the classic Southern barbeque dish Brunswick Stew and a fresh Southwest Slaw, according to a press release. 

City Barbecue's Brunswick Stew

"While our Brunswick Stew doesn't have rabbit or squirrel, it's still a delicious homage to a barbecue classic, and an item we're really proud of," Vice President of Marketing Brian Hipsher said in the release. "Our guests have been asking for more healthy options, and while our award winning smoked meats are already healthy, we're always excited to add new nutritious 'que' to our menu." 

City Barbeque's Brunswick Stew features beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked turkey, as well as homemade chicken stock, sweet corn, carrots, black beans and more. 

The Hummus & Pita Co. 

After receiving such an overwhelming response for its hummus shake launched in May, The Hummus & Pita Co. wanted to create something with seasonal appeal that its guests would come to expect, Dave Pesso, founder of The Hummus & Pita Co., said in a company press release. That led to the creation of the Pumpkin Spice Shake and the Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus.

"Dairy Queen has the Blizzard, Wendy's has the Frosty, and now every Hummus and Pita Co will feature The Hummus Shake," he said.

The Pumpkin Spice Shake and the Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus is all-natural, healthy and a guilt-free indulgence, blended with the base of real chickpeas, tahini, banana, dates and almond milk, Pesso said. Natural pumpkin puree is layered into The Hummus Shake and hummus recipes to give it a pumpkin flavor and then topped with The Hummus & Pita Co.'s blend of pumpkin spice. In addition to the pumpkin flavor, the shake is available in five vegan, gluten- and dairy-free flavors, which include original, chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and butter pecan. The dessert hummus is available in chocolate, cookie dough and cake batter flavors, and all three flavors are gluten-free; the cake batter and chocolate flavors are also dairy free, according to the release.
 

About Cherryh Cansler

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Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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