Carl’s Jr. has launched an exciting new addition to its menu: The Fried Zucchini Star. This innovative entrée combines the popular fried zucchini side dish with a medley of classic burger toppings, including American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, dill pickles, mayonnaise, and a unique special sauce, all served on a toasted seeded bun. This new item was strategically launched on August 8, National Zucchini Day, to celebrate and promote the use of this versatile vegetable. Notably, the burger is entirely vegetarian.
For a limited time, from August 8 to August 11, the Fried Zucchini Star is available to members of Carl’s Jr.’s My Rewards loyalty program at a promotional price of $4. Following this introductory period, the regular price will be approximately $5.79.
Although the Fried Zucchini Star is listed on Carl’s Jr.’s app and website, it will be offered as an off-menu "secret item" when ordering at restaurants.
Vegetarian Zucchini Sandwiches
Carl's Jr. Unveils the New 'Fried Zucchini Star' Burger
Trend Themes
1. Vegetarian Comfort Foods - The Fried Zucchini Star represents a blend of comfort food tastes with vegetarian ingredients, catering to growing demand for plant-based alternatives without sacrificing familiarity and flavor.
2. Limited-time Offers - Carl’s Jr.’s short promotional window for the Fried Zucchini Star leverages urgency and exclusivity to drive customer engagement and test new products in the market.
3. Secret Menu Items - By listing the Fried Zucchini Star as an off-menu secret item, Carl’s Jr. enhances the allure of discovery and loyalty among customers, particularly those engaged with its My Rewards program.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The introduction of novel vegetarian options like the Fried Zucchini Star within fast food menus taps into the growing segment of health-conscious and plant-based consumers.
2. Loyalty Programs - Offering exclusive promotional pricing through Carl’s Jr.’s My Rewards loyalty program underscores the value of customer retention strategies in boosting sales and brand loyalty.
3. Plant-based Food Manufacturing - The innovation of incorporating zucchini into mainstream fast food items opens pathways for plant-based food manufacturers to collaborate with high-volume food chains.