Chick-fil-A plans first nationwide launch of pretzel bun chicken sandwich

Chick-fil-A keeps a small core menu to focus on consistency. But it offers about three to four seasonal menu offerings a year.

For example, a peach milkshake returned this summer for the 16th year. The chicken chain brought back a “Smokehouse BBQ Bacon” sandwich in March.

Chick-fil-A also tests new menu items in select markets to gather customer feedback.

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

The Pretzel Cheddar Club sandwich was vetted in Raleigh, North Carolina, restaurants last year. It features a toasted pretzel bun, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, bacon and a side of creamy Dijon mustard sauce. It can be made with the original, fried fillet of chicken, or the grilled or spicy varieties.

“It’s savory with layers of flavor that feel indulgent,” Allison Duncan, Chick-fil-A director of menu and packaging, said of the new sandwich in an announcement.

The pretzel bun is not a new fad. Harvard Business Review had dubbed it the “summer’s hottest food item” in a 2013 article, citing a proliferation of menu items from restaurants such as Ruby Tuesday, Wendy’s, Sonic and Dunkin’ Donuts.

But its popularity seemed to wane. Pretzel buns are on just 2.6% of U.S. menus, according to Chicago market research firm Datassential.

However, 55% of consumers say they love or like them, Datassential said, predicting the pretzel bun could grow by 10% on menus in the next four years.

Chick-fil-A also said Thursday it’s doing another seasonal release of its “Cherry Berry” beverages but this time mixing the flavoring with Sprite. It can also be blended with other beverages such as lemonade.