Fast-food chains are constantly updating their menus by adding new items and variations of existing items, while removing certain items that are time-consuming, expensive to prepare, or are no longer good sellers. Sometimes items are limited-time offers for certain seasons of the year or to test their popularity.
McDonald's (MCD) has built its brand on its iconic menu items, such as its World Famous French Fries, The Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, and the McFlurry. It occasionally brings back some of its popular limited-time items, such as its McRib sandwich, the Shamrock Shake for St. Patrick's Day or its McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall.
Unfortunately for fans of the McRib sandwich, which was a regular item from 1981 to 1985, McDonald's for no particular reason -- other than to build up anticipation for a relaunch -- last fall said that its limited-time offering of the McRib from Oct. 31 to Nov. 20 was the last chance to enjoy the barbecue pork sandwich. No one seems to believe McDonald's will totally abandon such a popular menu item as it has removed it and brought it back to the menu about a dozen times since 2006.
Yum Brands' (YUM) Taco Bell and KFC both occasionally remove items to make way for newer ones and eventually bring back items that were popular in the past. Taco Bell infamously removed its popular Mexican Pizza in September 2020 and brought it back in spring 2022, only to remove it again a few weeks later because of a shortage of ingredients, it said. The Mexican Pizza finally came back for good in September 2022.
KFC in February removed Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Wings, Strawberry Lemonade and chocolate cookies from its menu, but said it would bring back its wraps for a limited time.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box Popcorn Chicken Returns
Jack in the Box (JACK) has brought back its Classic and Spicy Popcorn Chicken for the third time since introducing it in 2020 during the covid pandemic, this time not long after KFC dropped its popcorn chicken menu item. Jack dropped the Popcorn Chicken not long after launching it in 2020 only to bring it back in April 2021 for a very limited time. After dropping the Popcorn Chicken items a second time in 2021, Jack brought them back again in April 2022.
You guessed it, Jack dropped Popcorn Chicken again but just brought its on-again, off-again menu item back again. Customers can order the Classic or Spicy Popcorn Chicken for about $5.79; the Classic or Spicy Popcorn Chicken Combo with fries and drink ranging from $6.99 for small, $7.48 medium or $7.88 large; or the Classic or Spicy Popcorn Chicken Big Box Combo, which incudes fries and a drink for about $10.99 (check your local Jack app or website for the price in your area.)
Jack has also brought back its Triple Cheese & Bacon and Spicy Triple Cheese & Bacon Sauced and Loaded Fries for at least the second time for $4. They were $3 last year, however.
For those who might observe the Lenten season through April 6, Jack has brought back its Fish Sandwich, $4.99; Fish Sandwich combo with fries and drink, $8.48; King's Hawaiian Fish Sandwich, $6.99; and King's Hawaiian Fish Sandwich Combo with fries and drink, ranging from $9.99 small, $10.48 medium and $10.88 large.
To compete with McDonald's Shamrock Shake, Jack has the Mint Mobile Shake to offer diners for $4.99 regular and $5.29 large.
