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Global Update on Consumer,
Market & Menu Insights
Top Nine Issue 14|2025
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01 Trending on Social Media
This month, savour Lasagna Calabrese with a chef’s touch—layered with spicy ’nduja and rich, comforting flavour in every bite. Our own popular beef short rib burger channels Chaos Cuisine—juicy, smoky, and unapologetically bold. The Tex-Mex fajita sweet potato bowl proves that Local Goes Global can be high-protein, wholesome, and full of fiery flavour.
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02 Subway's New Happy Gilmore Meal
Subway is tapping into pop culture nostalgia with its new Happy Gilmore Meal. Timed with the Happy Gilmore 2 Netflix release, the limited-time offer includes collectible character cups, themed packaging, and access to an interactive “Happy Place” experience via QR code, featuring games, easter eggs, and exclusive content.
Why it matters:
This campaign blends retro fandom, experiential touchpoints, and digital engagement, meeting consumer demand for immersive, culturally connected dining experiences that go beyond the sub.
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03 Shake Shack x AngloThai
Shake Shack UK is collaborating with Michelin‑starred chef John Chantarasak of AngloThai for a one‑day-only menu in Covent Garden. Highlights include the rich, red‑curry-fried Aberdeen Angus patty stacked with ox‑tongue in scallop‑roe chilli jam, wild‑garlic purée, som tam pickles, and honey‑butter brushed potato bun, plus Laab‑spiced crinkle fries topped with fermented mayo and garlic chilli relish.
Why it matters:
This exclusive collab taps into the trend of gourmet QSR fusions and experiential pop-ups, offering foodie customers a culturally adventurous, limited-run indulgence that blends fine-dining flair with fast-food convenience.
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04 KFC's Saucy Concept
KFC’s new Saucy concept is redefining fast food with a bold, vibe-led experience. The Orlando-based test location dials up customisation with chicken tenders, 11 globally inspired sauces, and build-your-own flights. With a vibrant, Instagrammable interior, live music, and tech-powered ordering, it blends food, flavour, and culture in one space.
Why it matters:
Saucy captures key trends; hyper-personalisation, immersive design, and flavour exploration, positioning KFC to engage younger audiences seeking fast casual formats that feel curated, shareable, and socially relevant.
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05 US McDonald’s New Spicy McMuffin
McDonald’s is launching the new Spicy McMuffin with Egg nationwide, combining a sausage patty spiced with cayenne and chili flakes, American cheese, and egg on an English muffin.
Why it matters:
This marks McDonald’s first-ever spicy breakfast sandwich available coast to coast—positioning the chain to meet growing demand for bold, flavorful breakfast options.
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06 BK's BBQ Brisket Whopper
Burger King is rolling out the new BBQ Brisket Whopper, developed by a fan via its “Whopper by You” initiative, starting 15 July. This indulgent twist features a quarter-pound flame-grilled beef patty topped with slow-cooked BBQ brisket, crispy onions, American cheese, sweet golden BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and mayo.
Why it matters: With other fast-food giants adding chicken to their menus to contain costs, Burger King is piling beef even higher—doubling down on indulgence and reinforcing its flame-grilled heritage while tapping into fan-led innovation to drive engagement and brand loyalty.
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07 Taco Cabana’s New Launches
Taco Cabana has spiced up its summer menu with two limited-time offerings: the Carne Asada Double Crunch Pizza and Queso Blanco. The pizza features crispy shells, marinated carne asada, creamy jalapeño cilantro ranch, and fresh toppings. The new Queso Blanco, available solo or loaded, adds a bold twist to a fan favorite.
Why it matters:
Taco Cabana’s summer additions reflect rising demand for bold, value-driven indulgence and shareable menu items.
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08 Panera’s New Italian Menu
Panera has unveiled a lineup of Italian-inspired summer menu items for 2025, spotlighting bold, old-world flavors. New additions include the Italian Steak & Mozz sandwich, Italian Market Salad, and Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca. Also joining the limited-time menu are the Ham Croissant Benny, Brownie Cheesecake Bite, and Strawberry Caprese Salad.
Why it matters:
Panera’s new menu reflects consumer demand for globally inspired flavors, elevated ingredients, and seasonal variety.
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09 El Pollo Loco Food Truck
El Pollo Loco is launching its first-ever food truck, spotlighting two new quesadillas: the Creamy Chipotle Chicken and Salsa Verde Chicken. Both feature citrus-marinated grilled chicken and Jack cheese in a golden toasted tortilla. Debuting June 26, the truck brings a mobile twist to the menu while offering fans meet-and-greets with NBA rising star Dalton Knecht.
Why it matters:
El Pollo Loco’s mobile activation taps into growing trends around convenience, street food culture, and experiential marketing.
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