Judging by the three-year sales slump at established McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S., some might think these shouldn’t be fat times for sandwich sellers. Don’t tell that to Applebee’s. It’s seen the chain’s Triple Hog Dare Ya sandwich—a ciabatta bun loaded with pulled pork, ham, and bacon—become an “instant hit” since its debut in May, says Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer, Applebee’s vice president for menu development and innovation. “We have absolutely seen increased consumer demand for pork,” she says. “It’s moved beyond bacon.”
Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King are among a growing number of U.S. restaurants drawing more customers through their doors and drive-thru windows with new menu items or limited-time offers featuring the humble meat. The flurry of pulled pork promotions this year reflects restaurants’ push to boost sales by giving consumers an affordable dish to eat away from home while also helping their own profit margins, says Bonnie Riggs, an analyst for researcher NPD Group. Record U.S. pork production in 2015 is making the meat far cheaper than beef. Says Riggs: “It’s something new, different, besides a burger and chicken sandwich.”
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