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Menu Tracker: New items from Taco Bell, Taco John’s, and Tim Hortons

From Bret Thorn at nrn.com on January 17, 2025:

Clockwise from top left: menu items from Taco Bell, Taco John's, Tim Hortons, and Noodles & Company

Photos courtesy of the restaurant companies

During the pandemic, a number of chains took menu items that didn’t travel well, like burgers and tacos, and put them on something known for being delivered intact: Pizza. Hence a brief period of pizza topped with the fixin’s of those other popular menu items.

Well, as you know, the delivery trend that grew when dining rooms were closed continues to be a popular option, and the trend of coaxing pizza to taste like hard-to-deliver items continues, but this time a popular option is jalapeño poppers. &Pizza did that last week, and this week we’re seeing it at Your Pie

Pizza with Indian toppings is another little trend, hence the Tikka Masala Pizza now available at Via 313.

In other pizza news, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, the little chain based in New Haven, Conn., known for its clam pies, is offering a pizza with a topping that’s popular in Rome: Potatoes.

Round Table Pizza now has a pie topped with both pepperoni and chicken (and bacon), while California Pizza Kitchen now offers burritos on a secret menu in partnership with virtual brand Man Vs. Pies (speaking trends that emerged during the pandemic), and Mountain Mike’s Pizza has a couple of new salads.

Taco Bell has cheesy new miniature burritos and Taco John’s has a new quesadilla-taco hybrid.

Taco Cabana, for its part, has a new salad.

Farm Burger has two new salads

The Crack Shack has some new seasonal items, along with a breakfast sandwich that’s a permanent addition, and there are also new permanent items at Cotton Patch Cafe, Goodcents, Tropical Smoothie Café, Veggie Grill by Next Level, The Human Bean, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and, notably, Snooze A.M. Eatery, which has rolled out protein pancakes.

Noodles & Company is bringing back its Steak Stroganoff, which was a big hit last year, and Beard Papa’s has essentially renamed some of its cream puffs as a cross-promotion with manga series Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

There are new sweet drinks from Dutch Bros and not-so-sweet drinks from Fiiz Drinks.

Island Fin Poke has coho salmon now, permanently, and Freebirds World Burrito has new seasoned ground beef for a limited time.

Vegan chain Cinnaholic has new pastries, and other vegan chains Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill by Next Level have a burger and shake and a bunch of smoothies, respectively.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is not a vegan chain, but it has a vegan sandwich for January.

Juice it Up! has new smoothies and a build-your-own waffle, Oakberry has oatmeal, and Tender Greens has a new meal inspired by the Blue Zone diet.

Miguel’s Jr. has pozole, as it generally does in January,

Iron Hill has some new items just available through early February, including a tomato basil soup, which Flying Biscuit Café has too.

Protein Bar & Kitchen has some high-protein items, just as you’d expect,

Zaxby’s has a chicken sandwich inspired by the Philly Cheesesteak, Starbird has a chicken Park, and Schlotzsky’s has a tortilla soup.

Vicious Biscuit has a new omelet, and Vitality Bowls has its own version of a hangover cure. WOB Bar & Kitchen, aka World of Beer, has new wings, Wings and Rings has several items with Sam Adams beer cheese, Tim Hortons has indulgent drinks and doughnuts, and Velvet Taco’s Weekly Taco Feature is inspired by jambalaya.enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help gmentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

Vitality Bowls Builds Momentum in 2024

From QSR at qsrmagazine.com on January 6, 2025:

Vitality Bowls, the nation’s leading superfood café concept specializing in nutrient-packed açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads, grain bowls, and more, is building off of the momentum and innovation it generated in 2024 to hit the ground running in the new year.

The Northern California-based company marked more than one decade of providing allergy-friendly, health-focused menu items to communities across the country earlier this year when it celebrated its 13th year in business. This milestone was complemented by a series of significant accomplishments that reinforce Vitality Bowls’ commitment to health, innovation, and continued expansion.

“2024 was a transformative year for Vitality Bowls,” said Tara Gilad, president and co-founder of Vitality Bowls. “We experienced exciting growth with several new location openings in key markets such as Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia. We also launched innovative programs around our new cold-pressed juices and virtual brand, Harvest Kitchen, pushing the boundaries of what it means to offer clean, nutritious food that tastes good too. Our continued expansion reflects our mission to make healthy eating accessible to all, and we’re eager to carry this momentum into 2025 as we aim to grow even further and connect with more communities nationwide.”

In the past year, Vitality Bowls opened eight new locations, including its first-ever café in the state of New Jersey and its fourth location in the state of Arizona. Additionally, the brand expanded its offerings with the introduction of cold-pressed bottled juices, shots and smoothies across the Texas market, and its virtual restaurant brand, Harvest Kitchen, which introduced savory, protein-packed bowls, wraps, and other menu items to complement its impressive lineup of superfood dishes. In 2024, Vitality Bowls sold over 1.2 million açai bowls and continued its advocacy for food allergy education, partnering for the fifth year with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). In addition, Vitality Bowls earned continued recognition by securing a spot on the Franchise Times Top 400 for the sixth consecutive year, cementing its status as a leader in the restaurant and franchise sectors.

With a diverse and growing menu of nutrient-dense superfoods, Vitality Bowls remains a go-to destination for health-conscious individuals. Whether it’s the vibrant acai bowl – the Superfood Bowl – or the satisfying Chimichurri Steak Wrap, Vitality Bowls continues to offer customizable, made-to-order meals designed to support wellness without sacrificing convenience. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains unwavering in its mission to bring accessible, high-quality food to all. nibs and goji berries—to hearty crowd favorites like the Chimichurri Steak Wrap—an enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help gmentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

Veterans Day Restaurant Deals 2024: More Than 80 discounts, Including Free Meals

From Anna Quintana at Distractify.com on November 10, 2024:

Most of your favorite restaurants are on this list!

burger and fries
Source: Unsplash

For over 100 years, Americans have honored the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day.

The very first Veterans Day (formerly known as Armistice Day) took place on November 11, 1919, on the one-year anniversary of the end of WWI.

Today, the federal holiday continues to be a day to honor the men and women who served and continue to serve in the U.S. military.

Many restaurants are offering free meals to veterans on Veterans as a small token of their appreciation. Here is the complete list.

crackel barrel free meal veterans
Source: Cracker Barrel

Restaurants giving out free breakfast to veterans on Veterans Day:

To kick off your day with some breakfast freebies, visit these restaurants:

  • Starbucks (free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee)
  • Another Broken Egg Cafe
  • Bakers Square
  • Black Rifle Coffee
  • Broken Yolk Cafe
  • Casey’s (free coffee)
  • Cracker Barrel (free Sunrise Pancake Special)
  • Dunkin (free donut)
  • Huddle House
  • IHOP (free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo)
  • Krystal (free breakfast sandwich)
  • Kum & Go (free coffee)
  • Maverick (free coffee)
  • Scooter’s Cafe
  • Tim Horton’s
  • Village Inn
  • Vitality Bowls (free smoothie)
  • Whataburger (free hot or iced coffee)
  • Wendy’s

Restaurants giving out free lunch and dinner to veterans on Veterans Day:

Need a burger or American fast food fix on Veterans Day? These restaurants have got you covered.

  • Applebee’s
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Bar Louie
  • Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
  • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
  • BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse (free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie)
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Chilis
  • Cicis Pizza
  • Dave and Buster’s
chilis free meal veterans
Source: Brinker International
  • Eddie Merlot’s
  • Famous Dave’s
  • Farmer Boys
  • Fazoli’s
  • Firehouse Subs
  • Friendly’s
  • Golden Corral (free “thank you” buffet from 4 p.m. to closing)
  • Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
  • Happy Joe’s
  • Hooters
  • Hurricane Grill & Wings
  • Johnny Rockets
  • Lazy Dog Restaurants
  • Lion’s Choice
  • Logan’s Roadhouse
  • Main Event
  • MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
  • Mr Gatti’s Pizza
  • Native Grill & Wings
  • On The Border
  • Outback Steakhouse (free Bloomin’ Onion)
  • Perkins American Food Co.
  • Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCMs3QgPTwY/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=708&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.distractify.com&rp=%2Fp%2Fwhat-restaurants-give-free-meals-to-veterans-on-veterans-day#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A61600.39999999851%2C%22ls%22%3A61253.59999999404%2C%22le%22%3A61590.19999999553%7D

  • Peter Piper Pizza
  • Pilot
  • Polly’s Pies
  • Red Lobster
  • Sheetz
  • Sizzler (free lunch)
  • Smokey Bones
  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse
  • Taco John’s
  • Taziki
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • The Brass Tap
  • The Greene Turtle
  • Twin Peaks
  • Wings and Rings (free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
  • Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Just don’t forget to bring your valid military ID!

Other freebies on Veterans Day:

After enjoying a complimentary meal there are a few other things veterans can enjoy on Veterans Day that are also completely free.

Admission is free to all National Park sites on November 11. SeaWorld parks are also free to active duty military and veterans on Veteran’s Day as well as many local zoos and attractions near you. exclusive deals, including Buy One Get One FREE on all açaí bowls on November 8, and Buy One Get One 50% off on any menu item on November 9 and November 10.

“Vitality Bowls’ unwavering commitment to nutritious, freshly prepared meals made with the highest quality of superfoods – free from unnecessary fillers and preservatives – aims to help community residents feel their best,” said, Winchell, a local business owner with 8+ years of customer service experience. “From fan-favorite açai bowls to nourishing grain bowls and wraps, the Vitality Bowls menu offers something for everyone, providing a perfect destination for community members to indulge in delicious food that makes them feel good too. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to everyone in Heath.”

Vitality Bowl’s menu showcases superfoods, delivering not just meals but a commitment to nutritional value. From signature bowls like the Superfood Bowl—made with acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries—to hearty crowd favorites like the Chimichurri Steak Wrap—an enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help gmentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

These Restaurants Give Free Meals to Veterans on Veterans Day

From Anna Quintana at Distractify.com on November 10, 2024:

Most of your favorite restaurants are on this list!

burger and fries
Source: Unsplash

For over 100 years, Americans have honored the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day.

The very first Veterans Day (formerly known as Armistice Day) took place on November 11, 1919, on the one-year anniversary of the end of WWI.

Today, the federal holiday continues to be a day to honor the men and women who served and continue to serve in the U.S. military.

Many restaurants are offering free meals to veterans on Veterans as a small token of their appreciation. Here is the complete list.

crackel barrel free meal veterans
Source: Cracker Barrel

Restaurants giving out free breakfast to veterans on Veterans Day:

To kick off your day with some breakfast freebies, visit these restaurants:

  • Starbucks (free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee)
  • Another Broken Egg Cafe
  • Bakers Square
  • Black Rifle Coffee
  • Broken Yolk Cafe
  • Casey’s (free coffee)
  • Cracker Barrel (free Sunrise Pancake Special)
  • Dunkin (free donut)
  • Huddle House
  • IHOP (free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo)
  • Krystal (free breakfast sandwich)
  • Kum & Go (free coffee)
  • Maverick (free coffee)
  • Scooter’s Cafe
  • Tim Horton’s
  • Village Inn
  • Vitality Bowls (free smoothie)
  • Whataburger (free hot or iced coffee)
  • Wendy’s

Restaurants giving out free lunch and dinner to veterans on Veterans Day:

Need a burger or American fast food fix on Veterans Day? These restaurants have got you covered.

  • Applebee’s
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Bar Louie
  • Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
  • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
  • BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse (free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie)
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Chilis
  • Cicis Pizza
  • Dave and Buster’s
chilis free meal veterans
Source: Brinker International
  • Eddie Merlot’s
  • Famous Dave’s
  • Farmer Boys
  • Fazoli’s
  • Firehouse Subs
  • Friendly’s
  • Golden Corral (free “thank you” buffet from 4 p.m. to closing)
  • Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
  • Happy Joe’s
  • Hooters
  • Hurricane Grill & Wings
  • Johnny Rockets
  • Lazy Dog Restaurants
  • Lion’s Choice
  • Logan’s Roadhouse
  • Main Event
  • MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
  • Mr Gatti’s Pizza
  • Native Grill & Wings
  • On The Border
  • Outback Steakhouse (free Bloomin’ Onion)
  • Perkins American Food Co.
  • Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCMs3QgPTwY/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=708&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.distractify.com&rp=%2Fp%2Fwhat-restaurants-give-free-meals-to-veterans-on-veterans-day#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A61600.39999999851%2C%22ls%22%3A61253.59999999404%2C%22le%22%3A61590.19999999553%7D

  • Peter Piper Pizza
  • Pilot
  • Polly’s Pies
  • Red Lobster
  • Sheetz
  • Sizzler (free lunch)
  • Smokey Bones
  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse
  • Taco John’s
  • Taziki
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • The Brass Tap
  • The Greene Turtle
  • Twin Peaks
  • Wings and Rings (free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
  • Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Just don’t forget to bring your valid military ID!

Other freebies on Veterans Day:

After enjoying a complimentary meal there are a few other things veterans can enjoy on Veterans Day that are also completely free.

Admission is free to all National Park sites on November 11. SeaWorld parks are also free to active duty military and veterans on Veteran’s Day as well as many local zoos and attractions near you. exclusive deals, including Buy One Get One FREE on all açaí bowls on November 8, and Buy One Get One 50% off on any menu item on November 9 and November 10.

“Vitality Bowls’ unwavering commitment to nutritious, freshly prepared meals made with the highest quality of superfoods – free from unnecessary fillers and preservatives – aims to help community residents feel their best,” said, Winchell, a local business owner with 8+ years of customer service experience. “From fan-favorite açai bowls to nourishing grain bowls and wraps, the Vitality Bowls menu offers something for everyone, providing a perfect destination for community members to indulge in delicious food that makes them feel good too. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to everyone in Heath.”

Vitality Bowl’s menu showcases superfoods, delivering not just meals but a commitment to nutritional value. From signature bowls like the Superfood Bowl—made with acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries—to hearty crowd favorites like the Chimichurri Steak Wrap—an enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help gmentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

Vitality Bowls Revitalizes Healthy Eating in Heath with Grand Opening of New Café

Vitality Bowls Revitalizes Healthy Eating in Heath with Grand Opening of New Café

From blueribbonnews.com on November 4, 2024:

Vitality Bowls revitalizes healthy eating in Heath with grand opening of new café

Heath, Texas (November 4, 2024) – Vitality Bowls, the leading health-food café concept that specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, grain bowls and more announced the exciting debut of a café in Heath on November 8. Spearheaded by local resident and entrepreneur, Casey Winchell, the new location will serve as the go-to destination for quick and healthy meals made with clean, high-quality ingredients.

To celebrate the grand opening, Vitality Bowls in Heath will be offering exclusive deals, including Buy One Get One FREE on all açaí bowls on November 8, and Buy One Get One 50% off on any menu item on November 9 and November 10.

“Vitality Bowls’ unwavering commitment to nutritious, freshly prepared meals made with the highest quality of superfoods – free from unnecessary fillers and preservatives – aims to help community residents feel their best,” said, Winchell, a local business owner with 8+ years of customer service experience. “From fan-favorite açai bowls to nourishing grain bowls and wraps, the Vitality Bowls menu offers something for everyone, providing a perfect destination for community members to indulge in delicious food that makes them feel good too. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to everyone in Heath.”

Situated at 110 Smirl Dr. Heath, TX 75032, the new café marks the 11th Vitality Bowls in Texas, contributing to the 126 stores open or in development nationwide.

For over a decade, Vitality Bowls has pioneered healthy food with its dynamic cafés and unique offerings. The menu showcases an extraordinary array of superfoods, delivering not just meals but a commitment to exceptional nutritional value. From signature bowls like the Superfood Bowl—made with acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries—to hearty crowd favorites like the Chimichurri Steak Wrap—an enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help guests feel 100% energized and 100% revitalized.

“We’re thrilled about our partnership with Casey as she brings her passion for exceptional customer service and healthy living to the Heath community,” said Tara Gilad, co-founder of Vitality Bowls. “In addition to her stellar business experience and commitment to our mission of providing unique, delectable food to the surrounding community, Casey hopes to bring healthy, fast-casual food to a market that is slim on diverse choices.”

Customers can also enjoy exclusive Vitality Bowls cold-pressed juices, including signature Green Me Up and C Me Up flavors, and energy and immunity-boosting shots made with ginger, turmeric and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The Vitality Bowls Loyalty Club, the brand’s mobile app and loyalty program, adds another layer of convenience to the guest experience. The program allows members to accrue one Vitality Point for every dollar spent, redeem collected points, order online with ease and more. In addition to exclusive deals and freebies, Loyalty Club members can redeem a complimentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

To learn more about Vitality Bowls, visit the company’s website at vitalitybowls.com. For more information about franchising with Vitality Bowls, visit franchise.vitalitybowls.com.

Press release submitted by Charlie Brown, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.layer of convenience to the guest experience. The program allows members to accrue one Vitality Point for every dollar spent, redeem collected points, order online with ease and more. In addition to exclusive deals and freebies, Loyalty Club members can redeem a complimentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.

Vitality Bowls Revitalizes Healthy Eating in Heath with Grand Opening of New Café

From Franchising.com on November 4, 2024:

Vitality Bowls announced the exciting debut of a café in Heath on November 8. Spearheaded by local resident and entrepreneur, Casey Winchell, the new location will serve as the go-to destination for quick and healthy meals made with clean, high-quality ingredients.

To celebrate the grand opening, Vitality Bowls in Heath will be offering exclusive deals, including Buy One Get One FREE on all açaí bowls on November 8, and Buy One Get One 50% off on any menu item on November 9 and November 10.

“Vitality Bowls’ unwavering commitment to nutritious, freshly prepared meals made with the highest quality of superfoods – free from unnecessary fillers and preservatives – aims to help community residents feel their best,” said, Winchell, a local business owner with 8+ years of customer service experience. “From fan-favorite açai bowls to nourishing grain bowls and wraps, the Vitality Bowls menu offers something for everyone, providing a perfect destination for community members to indulge in delicious food that makes them feel good too. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to everyone in Heath.”

Vitality Bowl’s menu showcases superfoods, delivering not just meals but a commitment to nutritional value. From signature bowls like the Superfood Bowl—made with acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries—to hearty crowd favorites like the Chimichurri Steak Wrap—an enticing blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla—each item aligns with the brand’s mission help gmentary açaí bowl on their birthday and earn a $10 reward for every 150 Vitality Points they accumulate.