Fast-food chains rolled out a wave of limited-time menu items, holiday specials, and seasonal collaborations last week. The releases covered everything from sweet and spicy flavors to nostalgic holiday tie-ins.
The Best Fast Food Releases From Last Week
From sweet seasonal treats to spicy limited-time experiments, here are noteworthy additions by major fast-food establishments that made headlines. These additions give customers plenty of new options to round out their holiday meals.
Popeyes Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Popeyes teamed up with Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 on a themed promo aimed at tapping into the franchise’s large fan base. The brief partnership puts a spooky game-themed spin on the chain staples of chicken, which is creating an online buzz.
The meal launches on November 17th and include Cheesy Bites with marinara sauce, a new Cupcake Cup that has pink icing on top, and the Freddy Fazbear box, which has a mix of the Cheesy Bites and garlic parmesan chicken tenders.
Burger King’s SpongeBob Menu and Kids Meal
This new SpongeBob Movie-themed meal at Burger King is all nostalgic. The new SpongeBob Movie–themed lineup leans into nostalgia with character-inspired menu items and a Kids Meal tie-in.
The menu will be launched on December 2, 2025, featuring SpongeBob’s Krabby Whopper, Mr. Krabs’ Cheesy Bacon Tots, Patrick Star-Berry Shortcake Pie, and Pirates Frozen Pineapple Float, with more details discussed here.
Chick-fil-A Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches
Chick-fil-A is testing a sweet-savory Chicken & Waffle Sandwich, featuring a chicken patty served between two waffles. Snackolator posted about the testing starting from December 1 at participating Baltimore and San Antonio locations. more details are available here.
Taco Bell’s Steak & Poblano Rolled Quesadilla
Taco Bell is on fire with the new Steak & Poblano Rolled Quesadilla. This portable steak, rolled-up offering is a portable rolled quesadilla featuring seasoned steak and mild poblano heat.
These quesadillas will be served across the nation starting November 20, 2025. Taco Bell Rewards members can also enter a series of giveaways tied to the launch.
Wingstop’s Fiery Lime
Wingstop has dropped a short-term Fiery Lime flavor, which combines citrus freshness and spicy kick. The new launch is a continuation of the expanding range of wing sauces launched by the chain, which are bold and layered.
The chain is adding a festive option to its holiday lineup. “Fiery Lime was born from spicy margs that are all the rage, featuring the lime and chili kick that keeps you coming back,” said Chef Larry Bellah, Wingstop’s Head of Culinary and R&D.
Starbucks Holiday Menu
Starbucks has brought an entire holiday menu, including drinks like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and the holiday Iced Sugar Cookie Latte. The menu also features a range of holiday cold foams, most of which can be made to order or built on a protein-enhanced base.
Starbucks also refreshed several bakery items for the season. The brand also introduced its seasonal whole-bean coffee blends and a new holiday cup collection and merchandise.
Candy Cane Crunch at Five Guys!
Five Guys has put on its holiday hats by introducing its holiday shake, Candy Cane Crunch Shake, which is a limited-time offer. The shake is already gaining traction on social media.
Its launch has already spread on the Internet, particularly among those who like customizable milkshake products of Five Guys.
McDonald’s McRib and Holiday Pie
McDonald’s is bringing back two fan-favorite seasonal items, McRib and the Holiday Pie. The McRib is back with its traditional seasoned pork patty, tangy barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions, and the Holiday Pie is a sweet custard-filled pastry crust sprinkled with sugar.
Both items are available for a limited time, and early demand has already prompted fans to start tracking participating locations.
Applebee’s Holiday Cocktails
Applebee’s has a list of festive cocktails spotlighting winter flavors across a lineup of festive cocktails. The seasonal menu will consist of colorful, holiday-based beverages prepared with a combination of fruity, creamy, and spiced profiles, accompanied by bright garnishes and kept at value prices.
From $6 Tipsy Reindeer to new $6 Sleigh All Day Rita, the brand has a lot to offer.
Domino’s Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Domino’s introduced its Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza as a special offering that is available for a limited time, topped with spicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of cool ranch.
The taste profile is balanced between spiciness and creaminess and provides an adventurous alternative to the classic pizzas. The brand collaborated with Retta, and the lineup is named after Retta’s iconic “Treat Yo Self.”
Carl’s Jr. Cali XL Burger
The Cali XL Burger has been reintroduced by Carls Jr., a sizable burger stacked with two beef patties, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
The brand has also launched a “Sad Mac Buy Back” campaign. The special offer is available from November 12 to 21, 2025, for just $5.99.
Insomnia Cookies New Dolce Menu
Insomnia Cookies launched its Dolce Menu, a collection that has been inspired by classic Italian desserts and built around rich, indulgent flavors.
The new products bring premium ingredients and decadent mixes to the already existing signature late-night snacks in the brand, which gives customers a more dessert-forward option this season. The latest duo is the Cinnamon Dolce Filled Classic Cookie and Brookie.
Checkers & Rally’s
Checkers & Rally’s joined the wave of seasonal releases with several new menu items and their own set of seasonal menu items and offers. Although menus differ depending on the location, the chain aims to serve guests looking for bold, comforting flavors during the holidays.
Patrons can enjoy new BBQ Pretzel Buford, Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Bites, and participate in a Daytona 500 VIP sweepstakes.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe rolled out its winter lineup, featuring festive smoothies and limited-time food items. The menu is aimed at providing the refreshing holiday taste without the bulk of traditional snacks, and offers a lighter, fruit-forward option for the colder months.
The offer began on November 10. The brand will also host a mermaid-inspired activation during the Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Nov. 16, and a Baltimore Ravens Purple Friday Caravan stop on Friday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore, Md. area cafe
These seasonal menus show how brands across the country are expanding their holiday offerings. Together, the releases highlight just how many limited-time options are available for customers nationwide this season.
