Slideshow: Operators lean on limited-time menu innovations

KANSAS CITY — Foodservice operators are utilizing limited-time menu items to spur menu innovation.

For instance, fried chicken maker Jollibee has unveiled its honey garlic menu. The collection is aimed at consumers seeking sweet and salty flavor pairings and includes two items: honey garlic bone-in fried chicken and a honey garlic chicken sandwich. Both offerings feature a house-made honey garlic glaze.

“With our new honey garlic fried chicken and chicken sandwich, we’re delivering the perfect balance of familiar comfort and bold flavor innovation,” said Luis Velasco, senior vice president and marketing head, Jollibee North America.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has introduced its holiday menu featuring two new menu items. The company’s cinnamon swirl pancakes merge its existing cinnamon swirl french toast recipe with a pancake format, with cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing. The country fried turkey sandwich combines turkey tenderloin with gravy and cranberry relish served on a toasted bun.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers intends to deliver a “premium” burger experience with its latest menu innovation, the prime rib stack burger. The limited-time item features a beef patty topped with sliced prime rib, caramelized onions, Monterey Jack cheese and garlic aioli on a brioche bun.

“Burgers are in our DNA, and we wanted to create a burger that brings a little extra indulgence to the table,” said Brian Sullivan, executive chef and vice president of culinary and beverage innovation at Red Robin.