Quick-Service Restaurants Launch Promotions Toward Casual, Non-Traditional Holiday Celebrations Such as “Friendsgiving”

How does Red Lobster biscuit stuffing sound? Maybe Cinnabon Delights Candied Yams à la Taco Bell? And forget the real turkey — get the LTO ice-cream turkey cake Baskin Robbins is offering this season. 

The franchise industry has recognized a need from its consumers this year: non-traditional, informal gatherings that make getting together with loved ones as easy as possible. 

To evaluate this “formal turkey-dinner” case a step further, in a survey from chicken producer Tyson, it was revealed that Friendsgiving attendees like to shake up tradition, with 65% of celebrants saying they want to have chicken as the star protein at their festivities and 77% saying they hope to create new traditions at their gatherings, with novel foods and activities. This is good news for the chicken-centric fast-food world, and several chains have already capitalized on making menus to entice their loyal diners.  

Taco Bell Friendsgiving Party Packs

Taco Bell will reward diners who have reached FIRE! Rewards status by giving them a chance to order a Friendsgiving Party Pack on Wednesday, November 24. The pack includes dishes made with Taco Bell signature items, such as Cinnabon Delights Candied Yams, Rolls with HOT! Sauce Packet Butter, Green Bean Casserole Supreme and Build Your Own Dessert Nachos. Each of the side dishes comes in reusable Taco Bell branded bakeware. 

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits 

Red Lobster is offering a recipe for stuffing incorporating its beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The dish serves eight to 12 diners and calls for eight cups of torn Cheddar Bay Biscuits, six cups of bread, one cup of butter, as well as diced aromatic vegetables and seasonings.

McDonald’s Offers “Friendsgaming”

This is for the gamers: McDonald’s is offering ultimate convenience in its first-ever “Friendsgaming” — “a juicy new tradition, inspired by the undeniable way McDonald’s just hits differently during an intense gaming session” — promotion in collaboration with FaZe Clan, a digital lifestyle and media platform.

On Saturday, November 20, the event begins with a live Twitch stream, and McDonald’s wants all gamers to be fueled with its Crispy Chicken Sandwiches.

Baskin-Robbins Turkey Cake

Shake things up with a big ‘ole ice cream turkey cake, stuffed with a choice of ice cream, topped with two sugar-cone legs, coated in caramel-praline glaze atop a bed of frosting. No prep involved. Just make sure to head to Baskin-Robbins to get this popular LTO before they all run out. 

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