How big restaurant brands are taking back the snack occasion customer

Potbelly just introduced a new six-pack cookie box, available in-store or digitally. In a statement, Potbelly’s CMO David Daniels said, “Our fans have an insatiable love for our cookies and now we’re making it easier for them to enjoy together with others, share as a gift, or save for later.”

In late 2022, Subway also launched six- and 12-pack “Cookie Bundles,” along with the debut of its limited-edition footlong cookie that is now available nationwide.

Meanwhile, KFC recently introduced its new Colonel's Homestyle Brownie, while its sister brand Taco Bell is testing things like Churro Chillers shakes, Baja Blast pie, and the Taco Bell x Salt & Straw Ice Cream Chocolate Taco. Further, Wendy’s just teamed up with Cinnabon to debut a Cinnabon Pull-Apart breakfast offering, Chicken Salad Chick acquired Piece of Cake to sell its signature desserts, and Peter Piper Pizza is adding Buddy V’s Cake Slice and Dippin’ Dots options for guests. Shake Shack is testing desserts at select locations to see if they can boost afternoon traffic and, in Canada, Burger King added new “Blasts,” which are kinda like McFlurrys.

In other words, things seem to be getting a bit sweeter around here.