Some may remember when school cafeterias actually had good food. Pizza was served almost daily, and nothing was more delicious than the mouthwatering Bosco Sticks with cold marinara sauce or the chicken rings with smiley fries.
Gone are the days when double servings were permitted and education departments were cool enough to allow kids to purchase chips, ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies during lunch.
💵💰 Don’t miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet’s free daily newsletter 💵💰
Every school had two types of spicy chip lovers: those who preferred Hot Cheetos and those who favored Takis Fuego.
There were also the kids who would rather indulge in cold treats. The hardest decision of the day was choosing between an Orange Dreamsicle and a Crybaby Extra Sour Italian Ice.
Related: Another fast-food burger chain is quietly closing locations
It’s almost tragic that kids will most likely never experience the nostalgic cafeteria food some of us grew up with. However, fast-food chains are here to help make those dreams come true.
Wendy’s unveils a new collaboration.
Image source: Brandon Bell/Getty
Fast-food chains launch innovative menu items to outdo their rivals
Many fast-food chains have launched new menu items and formed strategic collaborations that resonate with the Gen Z market or evoke a nostalgic feeling among consumers.
Developing innovative products allows these chains to stay relevant and better adapt to the evolving consumer, which prevents them from being left behind by the competition.
Related: McDonald’s menu adds experimental new items fans will love
Recently, McDonald’s (MCD) announced it will begin testing an entirely new beverage menu inspired by its spin-off CosMc’s chain later this year in select markets.
Yum! Brands’ (YUM) Taco Bell revealed 30 new menu items launching in 2025 and unveiled multiple partnerships, with more products in the works.
Whataburger tapped into its customers’ nostalgia by reintroducing its fan-favorite Mushroom and Swiss Burger after a three-year hiatus, and the Banana Pudding Milkshake returned from a two-year absence.
To answer Gen Z’s demands and evoke nostalgia, Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said during the company’s latest earnings call that a collaboration with Takis, the generation’s favorite snack, was underway. He also teased that this exciting collaboration would include a spicy chicken sandwich and Fuego fries.
Tanner didn’t disclose when the new menu items would be dropping nationwide, but he revealed they would debut “as the temperatures rise.”
Wendy’s partners with Takis to launch a new meal this summer
Wendy’s (WEN) and Grupo Bimpo’s (BMBOY) Takis Fuego have joined forces to launch the new Wendy’s x Takis Fuego Meal, as reported by @markie_devo on Instagram.
The new Fuego Chicken Sandwich features a spicy chicken filet with chili lime and cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crushed Takis Fuego chips and creamy corn spread, all sandwiched between a sliced toasted bun.
More Retail News:
Popular convenience store makes major expansion in new statesStarbucks faces new threat from China rival set to enter US marketMcDonald’s menu adds a brand new McFlurry
No fast-food meal is complete without fries, so to pair with the new chicken sandwich, the duo is also releasing the new Fuego Fries, which are regular Wendy’s fries with chili lime seasoning that comes in a tear-away bag.
The new Wendy’s x Takis Fuego collaboration Meal is speculated to debut at participating Wendy’s locations nationwide in late June. However, neither party has yet to reveal an official release date.
Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast
