Kona Grill Opening in Scottsdale Quarter

On June 12th, Locally based Kona Grill, which operates over 40 locations across the country, is set to open their newest restaurant in Arizona. The newest spot located at 15345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite #K-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 in the Scottsdale Quarter will be their fifth in the state.

Along with a menu focusing on modern American cuisine, Kona Grill has an extensive sushi menu that features fish flown in everyday.  A few highlights:

• Kona Churrasco - Flank steak, chimichurri sauce, house mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables
• Macadamia Nut Chicken - House mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, shoyu cream, pineapple-papaya marmalade
• Cuban Sandwich - Braised kalua pork, ham, swiss, homemade pickles, mustard, baguette, sweet potato fries
• Lobster & Tuna Flatbread - Avocado, red onion, tomato, citrus aioli

You can check out the rest of the menu here and look for other locations.

El Pollo Loco Opening 3 New Arizona Restaurants

Baja Shrimp Tacos - Photo by: El Pollo Loco

Already with 23 locations in Arizona, El Pollo Loco is set to open 3 more within the next couple of months.  The locations are:

• 4302 W. Cactus Rd. Glendale, AZ 85304
• 15255 N. 64th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• 7204 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 

For those who do not know, El Pollo Loco got its start on a pretty well known street in Los Angeles, 

"In 1980, the very first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles where El Pollo Loco quickly became a local favorite. With authentically prepared flame-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken, freshly prepared ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere customers knew they had a unique dining experience unlike any other in their neighborhood.  As word spread, so did our popularity and locations -- establishing El Pollo Loco as a true local brand throughout California."

The current promotional menu is centered around Baja style shrimp.  This includes a Shrimp Wrap, a Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, a Shrimp Tostada, and Shrimp Avocado Tacos.

Naked BBQ Coming to Scottsdale in February

Naked BBQ, which opened it's first restaurant at 2340 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 back in 2015, is looking at a February opening in the spot formerly occupied by Cousins' Subs at 10240 N. 90th St #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

While the BBQ scene is expanding in Scottsdale, Naked BBQ doesn't take sides according to the AZCentral article, “We’re region agnostic,” he said, “and we really just focus on offering high-quality meat. We make several sauces — sweet, mustard or vinegar — which we offer on the side and leave that choice up to the customer. Some want sauce, some don’t.”

Monday - Thursday, Naked BBQ is open from 11am until the meat is sold out and on Friday and Saturday they are open from 11am until 8pm.  The menu consists of pulled pork and chicken, brisket, sliced turkey, slaw, corn bread, mac & cheese along with additional options. Check out the rest here.

Even Stevens Opens 3rd Arizona Location

Just over a week ago, Even Stevens opened up their third Arizona sandwich shop.  This newest location is in Tempe near the ASU campus at 1015 S. Rural Rd. right by the soon to be opening restaurant, The Halal Guys, which was reported on here. 

Even Stevens is a restaurant which makes it a priority to give back to the community and every sandwich you buy helps with that mission.  For the Tempe location, the local non-profit partners are Tempe Community Action Partnership, Tumbleweed Center for Youth, UMOM, and Operation Care Food Bank.  As of this writing, they have donated over 1 million sandwiches to various groups since they first opened in Utah in 2014.  Here is how it works directly from their website:

1. You buy a sandwich.
2. At the end of every month, we tally sandwich sales. Funds for sandwich making ingredients - bread, meat, cheese and produce -are then placed into a Sysco food account.
3. Our non-profit partners access the account and order sandwich-making ingredients as they need. A few days later, a truck delivers the order to their doorstep. Free of charge.
4. Non-profit staff and volunteers build sandwiches.
5. Individuals in need are fed and our non-profit partners can put their money where their passion is.

In order for this to work, you need to know what's on the menu, which includes everything from sandwiches, salads, sides, and breakfast items.  Some notables: 

• Mihami Vice - Roast pork, ham, whole mustard, swiss, pickle spears, baguette.
• Sprang Chicken - Chicken, provolone, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, honey mustard, multi-grain bread.
• JP Grilled Cheese - Melty white cheddar, poppin' cream cheese, garlic, roasted jalapeños, French bread.
• Jackfruit Torta - Jackfruit carnitas, pepitas, guacamole, salsa morita, radish, cilantro, lettuce, pickled onions, sweet bun.
• The Goathugger Salad - Roasted beets, spinach, arugula, candied pecans, goat cheese vinegar, rye toast.
• The Breakfast Sandwich - Two eggs scrambled or medium, choice of bacon, ham, sausage, avocado, or pork belly (add $1).  Tangy maple mustard, cheddar cheese, Hawaiian bun.
• The Undergrad Breakfast Burrito - Flour tortilla, two eggs, bacon or sausage, white cheddar, tater tots, house sauce, sriracha. 
• Party Tots - A hot heap of tots piled with cheese, bacon, and avocado slices.

Along with the above and craft beer, Even Stevens uses local companies and products in their restaurants.  At all three Arizona restaurants, these include Peixoto Coffee, Noble Bread, Cotton Country Jellies, and Santan Brewing.  

Is the Tempe location a little out of your way?  Want to know which non-profits the other two Arizona spots are working with?  Check out the Phoenix location (21 W. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85003) or the Gilbert location (384 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234).

Should you go here? Is it worth it?  Let this fellow who knows a little something about "Even Stevens" (though he is in no way affiliated with the restaurant) answer your question:

Pei Wei Introduces Thai Inspired Bowls & More

Just a few days ago, Scottsdale-based Pei Wei rolled out two new menu items to all of their 200 restaurants nationwide.  The Supergreen Thai Coconut Curry and Thai Basil bowls are described by Pei Wei as follows:

"Supergreen Thai Coconut Curry has a spicy and sweet flavor profile, featuring chicken, carrots, green beans, Swiss chard, onions, Thai basil, fresh cilantro, scallions and lime. The aromatic Thai Basil bowl combines a sweet-savory sauce with chicken, garlic, ginger, red bell peppers, onions and green beans. Both wok-seared dishes can be ordered with a choice of rice, noodles or quinoa."

Additionally, a look at the menu shows 2 new noodle bowls: Blazing Bangkok Peanut Noodle and Chicken Chow Mein.  The Blazing Bangkok Peanut Noodle includes chicken and noodles which are wok-seared in Thai chile peanut sauce, "with ginger, red bell peppers, onion, swiss chard, and Thai basil garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh lime."  Meanwhile, the Chicken Chow Mein also includes wok-seared chicken and noodles, "tossed in savory soy sauce with green beans, swiss chard, red bell peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, and scallions."

Click here to find your nearest Pei Wei location.

The Halal Guys Set to Open First Arizona Restaurant

With over a dozen restaurants to come in Arizona over the next few years, The Halal Guys are set to open their first later this month.  The menu may look small but if you have ever been to New York City, then you know the lines are the exact opposite.  Known for their chicken and gyro meat platters and sandwiches topped with red and white sauce, The Halal Guys are looking to capitalize on the ASU area with the restaurant to be located at 1015 S. Rural Rd. Tempe, AZ 85281.

While they are currently in the hiring process, if the Yelp page is accurate, the hours for the Tempe location will be 11am to 11pm Sunday - Thursday and 11am to 2am Friday & Saturday.

According to their website:

"The Halal Guys legend began in 1990, when the three founding partners opened up a hot dog cart on West 53rd & 6th Avenue in New York City. As business grew, they recognized a huge demand from Muslim cab drivers looking for a halal food meal. That is when the famous platter of chicken and gyro over rice was born. And let’s not forget about the famous white and red sauces!"

When a hard open date is set, this post will be updated.

UPDATE 1-14-17: The Halal Guys will open on Friday, January 27th at 11am.  

Free Empanadas at Pollo Campero Today (7/27)

Today only, Friday, July 27, Pollo Campero is giving away free empanadas to their customers with no purchase necessary, one per person.  Just head over to the only location in Arizona over in west Phoenix at 7745 W. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85033.  Pollo Campero has three types of empanadas to choose from, black bean & cheese, spicy chicken, and citrus chicken. 

First opened in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero and its Latin American inspired chicken has been making a name for itself in the U.S. since it first opened in the Los Angeles area in 2002.  That single Los Angeles location had over one million dollars in sales in the first 47 days.  Nowadays, Pollo Campero's expansion continues with over 50 locations across the country and a recent agreement signed between Pollo Campero and Walmart to begin opening restaurants within the megastore.

Food News From Around the Valley

In case you missed them, here are some stories from the past couple of weeks via AZCentral and the East Valley Tribune:

Brat Haus Now Open in Scottsdale

Fourth Habit Location Opened in Phoenix

Harvey American Public House Now Open in Gilbert

Il Bosco Pizza Opens Next to Handlebar J in Scottsdale

Pearl Sushi Lounge & Bomber Bar Opens Chandler Location

Third Raising Cane's Location to Open in August, Fourth Location in Works

Three Dutch Bros. Coffee Locations Opening in Mesa, Phoenix

Pizza Hut to Unveil P'Zolo Sandwich on Monday

On Monday, June 4, Pizza Hut will begin offering their newest menu item, the P'Zolo.  According to NRN, the P'Zolo, "...resembles a wrap more than the chain’s calzone-like P’Zone, the P’Zolo targets the sandwich competition both in marketing and price point."

Photo by: Pizza Hut

The P'Zolo will come in three varieties, one for $3 and two for $5.  The varieties, all topped with Asiago cheese, include a, "...Meat Trio with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham and cheese; Italian Steak with marinated steak, roasted vegetables and cheese; and Buffalo Chicken with white-meat chicken, buffalo seasoning and cheese. Each P’Zolo is served with a choice of ranch or marinara dipping sauce."

With no mention of a limited time offer, the P'Zolo looks to be a permanent menu addition at the over 10,000 Pizza Hut locations worldwide.

Subway's June $5 Featured Footlong - Oven Roasted Chicken w/ Spinach

Subway gave us the long overdue Pizza Sub this May, but is now looking for something a little healthier for June.  The Oven Roasted Chicken with Spinach is the $5 featured footlong for the month and according to Subway, "Whether you’re a seafaring sailor man or just a flavor fan, you’ll love tender, juicy chicken with a super spinach boost. Enjoy it as a $5 FOOTLONG™ with everything from cool cucumbers to crisp green peppers on your favorite freshly baked bread, all June long."

Nutritionally, this is one of the healthiest things you can order at Subway.  The questions is, will you keep it that way?  Check out this Subway site and calculate how many calories, fat, protein, etc. will be in the sandwich based on how you have your sandwich made.

New Items at Burger King, Jack in the Box, & Wendy's

Burger King Minibons

After rolling out 10 new items, Burger King has teamed up with Cinnabon this week to start selling Minibon rolls nationwide.  Having been test marketed in select cities for awhile now, the company hopes to have every one of their over 7000 U.S. locations selling the Minibons by September.  With a suggested selling price of $1.79 - $1.99, some Minibon information is provided by the press release:

Served in Cinnabon^® bakeries since 1987, the Minibon^® roll is a smaller version of the Cinnabon^® classic roll, featuring the same Makara^® cinnamon and signature cream cheese frosting that is served in Cinnabon^® bakeries today.

Jack in the Box Java Cookie Shake

Next up is Jack in the Box, which has introduced a new shake that is a tad more traditional than their previous Bacon Shake.  The new Java Cookie Shake is available in regular (16oz.) and large (24oz.) and is made with "...real vanilla ice cream, coffee-flavored syrup and Oreo® cookie pieces...and features whipped topping and a Maraschino cherry on top."

In addition the to new shake, Jack in the Box began selling their new Chipotle Chicken Club Sandwich last week.  According to the press release, the new sandwich "features a spicy chicken fillet topped with American cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce and chipotle sauce and (is) served on Sourdough bread."  The Chipotle Chicken Club Sandwich can also be ordered as part of a $4.99 combo that comes with small fries and a 20oz. drink.

Finally, Wendy's is trying to kick up their side dish selections with three new choices for $2.49 each.  Two of the new Signature side items are only around for a limited time.  This includes the new Macaroni & Cheese and the Baked Sweet Potato.  The Macaroni & Cheese is described as:

featuring large cavatappi spiral noodles smothered with a cheese sauce made with fresh milk, fresh cream and real white Vermont Cheddar and American cheeses. Wendy's Macaroni & Cheese is topped with real shredded Cheddar to add even more cheesy flavor.

Wendy's Signature Sides

Meanwhile, the Baked Sweet Potatoes "are prepared fresh to order and served with a Buttery Cinnamon Spread on the side."

Lastly, the new Signature side that Wendy's plans to keep around indefinitely is their new Chili Cheese Fries.  The Chili Cheese Fries are described as "...Wendy's natural cut fries with sea salt covered in a sauce made with Cheddar cheese and real milk, Wendy's famous rich and meaty chili, and then topped with real shredded Cheddar cheese."

Smashburger Opening Two New Arizona Restaurants

Denver-based Smashburger has plans for at least two more openings in our state. The first one will open a week from today on April 11 in the Desert Ridge area at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050.  Meanwhile, another location will open in the area of 24th St. & Baseline Rd. on May 25.  Additionally, three more Smashburger restaurants are rumored to be on the way after these, the 9th and 10th locations, open in Arizona.

Smashburger was recently in the news for offering their Fresh Mex Burger and Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich nationwide.

Burger King Introduces 10 New Menu Items

Since officially falling behind Wendy's for the first time and becoming the nation's #3 burger chain, Burger King is hoping stem the tide and reverse course.  In what's described as the chain's biggest expansion since it began in 1953, Burger King is now offering 10 new menu items.  The new items include the following:

• Garden Fresh Salads: BLT, Apple and Cranberry or classic Caesar Salad varieties are made fresh to-order, premium ingredients and topped with a choice of TENDERCRISP^® or TENDERGRILL^® chicken (suggested retail price starts at $4.99).
• Chicken Snack Wraps: Honey Mustard Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap and the Ranch Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap are flavorful snack options with less than 400 calories each (suggested retail price of $1.59).
• Real Fruit Smoothies: Tropical Mango and Strawberry Banana smoothies are made with low-fat yogurt, real fruit and juices, providing a full serving of fruit (suggested retail price of $2.29).
• Frappés: Mocha and Caramel flavors are made-to-order with a hint of coffee and ice, topped with whipped topping and a swirl of fudge or caramel (suggested retail price of $2.29).
• Crispy Chicken Strips: Premium Crispy Chicken Strips are made with white meat tenderloin chicken, marinated and lightly battered in seasoned home-style breading, served in three- or five-piece servings and perfect for dipping in one of our classic or bold new sauces, such as new Kung Pao and Roasted Jalapeño Barbecue sauces (suggested retail price starts at $2.99).

Many of you are probably thinking a lot of the new items above sound very similar to offerings at McDonald's, but Burger King has addressed that:

"Burger King doesn’t deny that its new chicken strips, caramel frappe coffees, Caesar salads and strawberry-banana smoothies sound pretty close to those on McDonald’s popular menu. But executives say the company came up with them through its research...'Consumers wanted more choices,' said Steve Wiborg, president of Burger King’s North America operations. 'Not just healthy choices, but choices they could get at the competition.'"

The AZFoodDude's only question is, did Burger King's research go a little something like this?

Detours Tavern Opening in Scottsdale (Exclusive Sample Menu)

Looking to open in early April, Detours Tavern will be located at 2922 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.  Detours will offer organic, all-natural meat selections and hopes to promote healthy food choices.  The newest restaurant and bar in South Scottsdale will have televisions, a patio, and a family friendly atmosphere.

Having seen a preliminary menu, the AZFoodDude can once again provide you with an exclusive look at a sample list which includes appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches & burgers, entrees, pizza, and dessert:

Appetizers

• Crisp Tender Calamari ($8)
• Artichoke Dip w/Flatbread ($8)
• Homemade Hummus w/Pita Chips ($7)
• Beer Battered Onion Rings ($7)

Salads

• Field Greens w/Feta Cheese & Pecans ($9) - Add Grilled Chicken ($2)
• Grilled Salmon Over Field Greens ($11)

Sandwiches/Burgers

• 1/3lb Detour Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($2.50) - Ground Turkey ($2) - Add Bacon ($1)
• Green Chili Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• California Burger on Grilled Parmesan Bread ($9) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• Chicken Salad Pita w/Sprouts ($8)
• Grilled Chicken on Sourdough ($9)
• Portobello Burger w/Roasted Red Pepper ($10)

Entrees

• Pork Loin Medallions w/Shallots & Apples ($12)
• Grilled Chicken Breast Marinated in Tequila Lime ($12)
• Sirloin Steak ($13)
• Fish of the Day ($14)

Wood Fired Pizza/Flatbread

• Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Roasted Red & Green Peppers ($7) - Add Shrimp ($2) - Chicken ($1)
• Sausage, Pepperoni, & Country Bacon ($9)
• Chicken & Artichoke Hearts ($10)
• Build Your Own ($8) - Additional toppings are ($1)

Desserts

• Assorted Pies, Cakes, & Muffins ($6-$8) 

More information can be found on the Detours Tavern Facebook page.

Smashburger Offers Fresh Mex Burger & Fresh Mex Chicken Nationwide

Available from now until April 29, the Fresh Mex Burger and Fresh Mex Chicken will be available at all Smashburger locations across the country.  The Fresh Mex Burger has been the local burger option on the menu in San Diego for some time, but now all Smashburger patrons will be able to order the:

Smashburger's Fresh Mex Burger & Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich

100 percent Certified Angus Beef burger...topped with fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a Mexican roll, served with a wedge of lime. Guests may also opt for a Fresh Mex chicken sandwich served with the same savory combination on one of Smashburger’s juicy marinated chicken sandwiches.

If you're looking for some free stuff, check out Smashburger's Facebook page today and "Like" them to get a coupon for a free entree with the purchase of the Fresh Mex Burger or Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich.

Cheesecake Factory Adds 14 New Items

There are currently six Cheesecake Factory locations in Arizona, one in Tucson and five in the Valley, and now, available at all of them, are 14 new items on top of the over 200 dishes already offered. 

The new items are:

SkinnyLicious(TM) Shrimp Creole - Photo by: The Cheesecake Factory

• Santorini Farro Salad - A fresh light combination of farro, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, red onion, Feta cheese and tzatziki. Tossed with vinaigrette
• SkinnyLicious™ Chicken Enchiladas - Covered with our red chile sauce and melted cheese. Served with escabeche vegetable salad
• SkinnyLicious™ Pasta - Gemelli pasta with sautéed chicken, fresh tomato, marinara sauce and fresh basil
• Island Grilled Chicken - Grilled soy glazed chicken breasts topped with macadamia nuts. Served with fresh vegetables and a little white rice
• Shrimp Creole - Shrimp simmered in a spicy Tasso-tomato sauce with sautéed peppers, onions and garlic. Served with a little white rice
• Shrimp Toast Lollipops - With ginger, garlic, green onion, cilantro and sesame oil, lightly breaded and fried crisp
• Shrimp and Grits - Sweet corn-white cheddar grits, covered with sautéed shrimp and spicy Tasso sauce
• Fresh Kale Salad - Cranberries, apples, Marcona almonds and green beans. Tossed with our buttermilk-black pepper dressing
• Papas Bravas - A Spanish favorite. Crispy, golden brown potatoes served with garlic aioli and spicy bravas sauce
• Over the Top Meatloaf Sandwich - Covered with Guinness® marinated Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, aioli and arugula on grilled brioche. Served with housemade tomato-bacon jam
• Green Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Eggs - Tender slow-cooked pork with roasted poblano peppers, cheese, onions, cilantro and crisp corn tortillas. Garnished with tomatillo-chile sauce, tomato and sour cream
• Sweet Corn-White Cheddar Grits
• Coffee Mocha Chip Shake - Creamy coffee ice cream blended with chocolate chips
• Nutty Chocolate Marshmallow Shake - Our Chocolate Shake with marshmallow and toasted almonds

Freddy's Scottsdale Location Revealed

Freddy's Mint 'n Cookie Concrete

After almost 10 months of reporting on a promised Scottsdale location by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the AZFoodDude can now report that the restaurant will be located at 9890 N. 90th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85258.  In the same shopping center as IHOP, Schlotzsky's, Taco Bell, etc, Freddy's is hoping to take its own share in an area busy with food options.

An opening date is not known at this time, however, providing the Scottsdale location opens before the proposed Mesa location mentioned here, this will be the eighth Freddy's in the state.  Stay tuned for updates.

You can check out other stories on previous Freddy's openings here and here.

Update (7-15-12): Freddy's has removed the upcoming(?) Scottsdale location from their website with no further details available.

First Watch Adds 15 New Menu Items

With four locations in Arizona, First Watch has changed the menu by introducing 15 new items for their "breakfast, brunch, and lunch" crowd.  According to the press release:

New Omelets:
C’EST LA VIE: Three fresh eggs with house-roasted zucchini, onions and tomatoes with herbed goat cheese.
VIA VENETO: Three fresh eggs with Italian sausage, roasted tomatoes and red peppers with fresh herbs, mozzarella and Parmesan.
THE FORAGER: Three fresh eggs with house-roasted Crimini mushrooms and tomatoes with fresh herbs, mozzarella and Swiss.
SWISSHROOM: Three fresh eggs with ham, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms and onions with fresh herbs and Swiss.

New The Healthier Side offering:
ENERGY BOWL: Your choice of our housemade granola or Muesli cereal of oats, sliced almonds, pecans, Craisins, wheat germ and raisins. Topped with fresh fruit and a touch of cinnamon. Served with low-fat organic yogurt.

New Eggs-clusives:
TURKEY CHIVE CREPEGG®: A thin crepe layered with eggs, turkey, spinach, house-roasted onions and Monterey Jack. Topped with diced tomatoes, chives and hollandaise. Served with an English muffin.
CASA FRITTATA: An open-faced frittata with roasted tomatoes, spinach, herbed goat cheese and sliced breakfast sausage. Served with an English muffin.

New Skillet Hashes:
MARKET HASH: Two eggs any style atop a hash of fresh, seasoned potatoes, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, zucchini, onions and red peppers with spinach, melted mozzarella and herbed goat cheese.
PARMA HASH: Two eggs any style atop a hash of fresh, seasoned potatoes, Italian sausage, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with Parmesan, mozzarella and fresh herbs.
FARMHOUSE CHICKEN HASH: Two eggs any style atop a hash of fresh, seasoned potatoes, all-natural white-meat chicken, house-roasted zucchini, onions and red peppers with melted Cheddar. Topped with pesto hollandaise

New Fresh Salad:
THE POACHER: Baby spinach, bacon, avocado, tomato and housemade ciabatta croutons tossed in our balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with a poached egg.

New Sandwiches:
BAJA TURKEY BURGER: A lean white-meat turkey patty with avocado, lettuce, housemade salsa and Pepper Jack on a grilled wheat bun
PESTO ROAST BEEF: Roast beef, roasted tomatoes, spinach and Swiss with pickled red onion and a basil pesto spread on grilled sourdough.
VEGGIE GRILL: House-roasted Crimini mushrooms, zucchini and spinach with basil pesto mayo and melted Swiss on grilled multigrain.
CHICKEN PALERMO: Grilled all-natural white-meat chicken, sliced tomato, onion, pepperoncini and mozzarella with basil pesto mayo on artisan ciabatta.

According to First Watch, "The new menu items...were tested over an extended period of time as part of First Watch’s “Daily Specials” chalkboards. Each item was evaluated based upon quantitative and qualitative criteria including sales, customer feedback and ease of execution."

El Pollo Loco Adds 2 New Grilled Chicken Burritos

Over the weekend, El Pollo Loco began selling two new chicken burritos, the Roja Wet Burrito and the Chicken Avocado.  They are described as follows:

• The Roja Wet features El Pollo Loco’s signature flame-grilled chicken combined with pinto beans, pico de gallo salsa, fresh cilantro, diced onions and melted Jack cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered in Colorado sauce—then, topped with more fresh cilantro, Cotija cheese and served with fresh, hand-made guacamole and sour cream on the side—available for a limited time only.

•  The Chicken Avocado features El Pollo Loco’s signature flame-grilled chicken, fresh avocado, crisp shredded cabbage, pinto beans, pico de gallo salsa, fresh cilantro, melted Jack cheese and our signature Creamy Cilantro dressing.

Also stated in the press release, El Pollo Loco is offering its 12-piece (legs and thighs) flame-grilled chicken with free tortillas for $12 until mid-April.

Nutritionally the Roja Wet Burrito comes in at 925 calories, 45 grams of fat (19 saturated), and 53 grams of protein.  Meanwhile the Chicken Avocado has 955 calories, 53 grams of fat (15 saturated), and 48 grams of protein. 

Sweet Potato Tots Coming to Sonic Menu

A press release out earlier this afternoon by Sonic announced the launching of their new Sweet Potato Tots, which are just as you suspect, tater tots made from sweet potatoes.  According to Sonic, however, they will only be available for a limited time.

Additionally, Sonic will be offering their snack size Jumbo Popcorn Chicken for $1.99 after 8pm.