Grand Opening: Outta Bronx New York Kitchen

Over at 4105 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85005, Outta Bronx has had their soft opening and is set for their grand opening on Tuesday, February 14th.  Focusing on sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, wings, and even fish & chips, this New York style kitchen is open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday.

At the time of this writing, the website for Outta Bronx listed on the menu is down, however, here is a photo they have posted of that menu.  According to OB, if you like their Facebook page, you will get a free chopped cheese sandwich (pictured, credit: Outta Bronx) the day of their grand opening.

Bought Milk? Refunds Available As Part of Class Action Suit

Time Magazine is reporting on a class action settlement against dairy producers from 2003 to the present and Arizona is one of the states where individuals are eligible to receive $10 to $20 dollars (Time Magazine is reporting $70 - the amounts may depend on how many people submit a claim) and entities can receive up to $560 by filing a claim at http://www.boughtmilk.com/.

Adding another wrinkle to the mix is the press release by The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which states while Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) admits to no wrongdoing, "CWT will pay $52 million to the plaintiff class in a combination of cash and in-store loyalty cards to be used for the purchase of fresh milk products."  So maybe cash? Maybe gift cards?  The Bought Milk site gives cash denominations so we will go with that for now.

All you need to have done over the last 14 years to receive your portion of the $52 million dollar settlement is to have made a purchase of, "milk or fresh milk products, including cream, half & half, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or sour cream."  

Additionally, if you are part of an entity such as a school or after-school program, and you purchased the above mentioned dairy products and did not charge students or participants for them, you are eligible to receive between $280 to $560. 

Sadly, the reason why this suit was brought is disturbing: 

"This lawsuit alleges that Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) and its members attempted to limit the production of raw farm milk by prematurely slaughtering more than 500,000 cows, in order to illegally increase the price of milk and other fresh milk products."

Not to fear though, NMPF wants you all to know:

“The CWT Program is poised for a quick rebound and a strong future. We will continue to focus on CWT’s present mission of providing member cooperatives with export assistance, creating new export market opportunities and continuing to look for innovative ways to increase sales of milk and dairy products for participating cooperatives.”

It sounds to me like looking for "innovative ways to increase sales of milk and dairy products" is what got them in trouble in the first place.  For my money, just focus on providing a good product with some kind of ethical standards.

New Breakfast Waffle Sandwich at Jack in the Box

Not afraid to try anything and serve it through the whole day, Jack in the Box has just rolled out their newest menu item, the Breakfast Waffle Sandwich.  Only available for a limited time, "the Breakfast Waffle Sandwich features a fried egg, American cheese and the chain’s new country-grilled sausage stacked between two lightly sweetened maple waffles." 

As messy as it might get, am I the only one considering putting maple syrup all over this thing?

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 May $5 Featured Footlong - Pizza Sub

After featuring a breakfast classic for April, Subway is pushing the Pizza Sub for May.  According to Subway, the Pizza Sub comes with "...spicy pepperoni, piled high and layered with melt-a-licious cheese and our signature marinara sauce."  If you like your pizza deluxe style, don't forget to add toppings like black olives, green peppers, etc. and while you can try it on any bread you want, Subway recommends the Italian Herb & Cheese bread.

In terms of nutrition, you can 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."

Subway's April $5 Featured Footlong - Bacon, Egg & Cheese

Last month Subway promoted a kicked up lunch and dinner classic, the Jalapeño Tuna sub.  For April though, Subway is giving us a breakfast classic, that you can order any time of day, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese.  The sandwich typically comes with the bacon, egg and cheese and is pictured on flatbread, however you can order the sandwich on any bread with any toppings of your choice.  

In terms of nutrition, you can check out this Subway site and calculate how many calories, fat, protein, etc. will be in the sandwich based on how you would like your sandwich made.

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.

New Deals at Ruth's Chris & Fleming's Steakhouses

Tenderloin Skewers over Spring Greens

Yesterday, Ruth's Chris Steak House announced their new "Sizzle, Swizzle, and Swirl" Happy Hour.  The new happy hour menu:

...will feature brand new bar bites alongside signature items for $7.00 each, as well as hand-crafted cocktails, premium wines and select beers. After Happy Hour, Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl menu offerings can be enjoyed at the bar at regular pricing.

The items on the menu include:

• USDA Prime Burger with Fries - Tenderloin Skewers over Spring Greens - New England Lobster Roll with Fries - Three Petite Prime Sliders - Sliced Filet Steak Sandwich with Fries - Seared Ahi Tuna, and Spicy Lobster. 

On the drink side you will find "hand crafted cocktails, such as the Classic Cosmo, the Pomegranate Martini, and Ruth's Manhattan made with premium spirits, and daily fresh-squeezed juices."

You can find the two Ruth's Chris locations in Arizona here.

Filet Mignon & North Atlantic Lobster Tail Dinner

Meanwhile, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse is celebrating spring break by offering Filet Mignon and North Atlantic Lobster Tail Dinner along with an appetizer and a side for $34.95 until April 7.  From the press release:

...guests can start the Spring Break Celebration with their choice of the Wedge Salad with crisp iceberg lettuce with grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese or French Onion Soup baked with gruyere and parmesan cheeses.  The generous filet mignon—Fleming's leanest meat—and broiled lobster tail with drawn butter are accompanied by a choice of French Green Beans with shiitake mushrooms and porcini essence or Fleming's Mashed Potatoes topped with blue cheese, parmesan-peppercorn or roasted garlic. 

Keep in mind that you will not find the Spring Break Celebration selections on the regular menu as they are only available upon request.

Check out one of the five Arizona Fleming's locations here.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/14/2692955/new-premium-happy-hour-at-ruths.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/14/2692955/new-premium-happy-hour-at-ruths.html#storylink=cp

New Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Papa John's

The world's third largest pizza purveyor has introduced a Buffalo Chicken Pizza which is described in the press release as:

...a savory combination of creamy ranch sauce, all-white sliced chicken strips, crispy bacon, fresh-sliced onions and 100% real cheese made from mozzarella, all topped with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce.

The large Buffalo Chicken Pizza from Papa John's will cost $10 but Buffalo chicken lovers should note, this pizza is not a permanent menu offering and will only be available until the end of April. 

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. 

Dunkin' Donuts Adds Angus Steak & Egg Sandwich

A recent press release from Dunkin' Donuts announced their newest breakfast item, the Angus Steak & Egg Sandwich.  The new sandwich is described by Dunkin' Donuts this way:

The Angus Steak & Egg Sandwich is made with juicy Angus beef topped with an egg and melted American cheese, freshly served on an oven-toasted onion bagel.

According to Dunkin' Donuts, the sandwich can be ordered any time of day, but will only be around for a limited time.  Nutritional information can be found here.

Kate Upton Helps Carl's Jr. Sell Their New Southwest Patty Melt

Just out this week, Carl's Jr. has begun offering their newest menu item, the Southwest Patty Melt.  The Southwest Patty Melt is now available at all Carl's Jr. and Hardee's locations and includes "a charbroiled beef patty, with sliced jalapeños, grilled onions, pepper-Jack cheese, and spicy Santa Fe sauce, all on grilled sourdough bread."

Additionally, following in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Padma Lakshmi, Kate Upton is the newest pop-culture beauty to help the chain market their products. 

Glenn Cole, founding partner of the new creative agency by CKE Enterprises, owners of over 3200 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's locations, summed up their brand marketing this way, "While our competitors try to out-kid-meal each other, we're going to keep making noise and delivering young hungry guys what they want."

If you can't wait for the commercial to come out this weekend, Carl's Jr. has a behind the scenes look at the TV spot.

Finally, Carl's Jr. is offering a printable $1 off coupon for any size Southwest Patty Melt combo.

Taco Bell's Dorito Taco Has "Been Huge" During Testing Phase

Taco Bell's Dorito Taco, which is similar to a Taco Supreme with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and reduced-fat sour cream, but in a shell made from Nacho Cheese Doritos Chips, will be rolled out nationwide on March 8 and with a lot riding on it for the Mexican chain founded 50 years ago in 1962.  Since taco sales have been sliding for a few years and same store sales fell 2% last year, much of which is thought to be related to the junk lawsuit regarding Taco Bell's beef, the Dorito Taco is said to have a lot riding on its cheesy shell:

Wounded brands such as Taco Bell can take years to recover. What the 5,600-unit fast-food behemoth is about to try is almost unprecedented. It's making so many major changes at the same time that next to the wildly successful McDonald's turnaround of the past decade, this could rank as one of fast food's most complex turnaround attempts in decades. Its likelihood of success — or failure — rests on the head of a Doritos chip.

Two commonly ridiculed "junk" foods — the Doritos chip and the Taco Bell taco — are being rolled into one. In this case, one plus one might not equal two. For Taco Bell, it may equal millions of dollars in incremental sales. The year has hardly begun, but there's already industry chatter about the Doritos-laced taco emerging as one of the nation's top new products this year.

Continuing, the USA Today article points out just how successful the Dorito Taco has been during the testing phase:

Test-market results around Toledo, Ohio, San Bernardino and Bakersfield have been outside the bun. About three in 10 consumers are ordering the new tacos — an enormous number for a new product. In northwest Ohio, where 14 stores are selling the new tacos, sales of Doritos Locos Tacos outnumber conventional tacos, says franchisee Don Unruh. "It's been huge," he says. 

In more good news for those that like other types of Doritos, Taco Bell plans to "extend the line to Cool Ranch and, ultimately, even more of the current 123 Doritos flavors worldwide."

While some analysts say it will be difficult for Taco Bell to make a real comeback while their target demographic is some of the hardest hit by high unemployment, between the breakfast roll out, the Dorito Taco and upscale, Chipotle-like menu items that are currently being tested in Louisville, KY and Bakersfield, CA, it would be fair to say Taco Bell is trying to make their 50th year, the year they turned it around.

UPDATE (3-7-12): Taco Bell is inviting people to a midnight launch of the new Doritos Locos Tacos tonight.  Also of note, originally Taco Bell only promoted a supreme version of the taco but according the the latest press release, a slightly cheaper version similar to a regular taco with just ground beef, lettuce and cheese will also be available.

Subway's January $5 Featured Footlong - Chipotle Chicken & Cheese

Subway's $5 featured footlong for January hopes to kick off your new year with a bang.  The Chipotle Chicken & cheese sub is made of "tender, juicy chicken and meltalicious cheese with a pop of Chipotle Southwest Sauce for a creamy, smoky, subtly spicy taste sensation."  While the sandwich comes with your choice of bread and toppings, it is pictured on flatbread with red onions and green peppers. 

In terms of nutrition, you can check out this Subway site and calculate how many calories, fat, protein, etc. will be in the sandwich based on how you want the sandwich made.

Firehouse Subs Opening New Locations, Testing New Sandwich in Phoenix

Firehouse Subs recently began selling a new sandwich that will be available until March 4 in the Phoenix market as part of a four city test.  The new Hawaiian Pork Slaw Sandwich is priced at $5.99 here and is made of, "hardwood smoked pulled pork, pepper Jack cheese and cole slaw on a sweet Hawaiian sandwich bun."

In addition, two new Firehouse Subs Restaurants are opening soon in the Phoenix metro area.  No opening dates are yet listed, but the two locations are 1616 S. Stapley Dr. #101 Mesa, AZ 85204 and 20851 E. Rittenhouse Rd. #101 Queen Creek, AZ 85142.  This will bring the total of Firehouse Subs locations in Arizona to seven.

New From Dunkin' Donuts: Texas Toast Grilled Cheese & Holiday Donuts

Announced today, Dunkin' Donuts began selling their new Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  According to Dunkin' Donuts, the new sandwich:

"...features two slices of American cheese and one slice of white cheddar cheese melted between two pieces of thick-cut Texas Toast and served oven-toasted. Guests may customize the sandwich upon request by adding bacon or ham."

The press release also mentioned two special holiday donuts:

"Dunkin' Donuts' Sprinkle the Cheer Donut is a yeast ring donut with red icing and holly berry sprinkles, while the Holiday Star Donut is a star-shaped donut with vanilla icing, filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with silver nonpareils."

Nutrition:
Texas Toast Grilled Cheese - No information available at this time
Sprinkle the Cheer Donut - 290 calories, 15 grams of fat, 16 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein
Holiday Star Donut - 300 calories, 13 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein

Subway's December $5 Featured Footlong - Western Egg & Cheese

This month, the Chicken Marinara Melt will give way to the Western Egg & Cheese as Subway's $5 featured footlong.  As far as the AZFoodDude can tell, the "Western" Egg & Cheese is the same as the Black Forest Ham, Egg & Cheese.  That sandwich comes with ham, cheese, veggies (green peppers and red onions recommended), your choice of egg or egg whites and is shown on flatbread or an English muffin.

In terms of nutrition, you can check out this Subway site and calculate how many calories, fat, protein, etc. will be in the sandwich based on how you want the sandwich made, egg or egg whites, for example.

Domino's Debuts Stuffed Cheesy Bread

Domino's is out today with their new line of Stuffed Cheesy Bread in three varieties, Cheese (mozzarella & cheddar) only, Bacon & Jalapeno and Spinach & Feta.  According to Domino's, the new items are permanent menu additions, but during the roll out campaign for the new items, "...cheese lovers can order any of the new Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Breads or any medium, 2-topping pizzas – choose any two for only $5.99 each."  No nutritional information is available at this time.