Slideshow: Serving up seasonal foodservice innovation

KANSAS CITY — Foodservice operators are expanding their menus with a variety of seasonal and limited-time offerings.

For instance, drive-thru beverage chain 7 Brew unveiled a collection of nostalgia-inspired beverages ahead of the beginning of the school year. The back-to-school line includes an energy cherry limeade, a sweet and salty macchiato, a tiki tango soda, a banana bread cold brew and a bubble gum lemonade.

“Back to Brew is all about bringing energy, connection and fun to the school season with drinks that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re heading to class, practice or work,” said Nick Chavez, chief marketing officer for 7 Brew.

Krispy Kreme is tapping into the flavors of Latin American desserts with three new donuts. The tres-leches inspired donut combines an unglazed shell donut with tres leches kreme, sweet crème-flavored buttercreme, cinnamon and cake donut crumbs. The guava cheesecake donut features an unglazed shell donut that is filled with cheesecake kreme and guava filling, with guava icing and a topping of icing drizzle and crunch. The choco dulce cookie crunch donut is made with an unglazed shell donut, chocolate dulce cookie kreme filling, chocolate icing, dulce de leche buttercreme and chocolate cookie crumbs.

“Inspired by some of Latin America’s most iconic desserts, each donut reimagines a beloved classic into an indulgent, one-of-a-kind treat that delivers a delicious escape with every bite,” said Alison Holder, chief brand and product officer at Krispy Kreme.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is debuting the tiki torch wrap, a summer seasonal offering aimed at consumers interested in spicy offerings. The menu item features grilled chicken seasoned with Cholula chili lime, habanero-spiced onions, chili mayonnaise and a sriracha flour tortilla.

“Our guests love flavor that surprises them, and the tiki torch wrap does exactly that,” said Deborah von Kutzleben, chief marketing officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “The wrap brings real heat in a way that’s craveable, not too over the top.”

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