# QSR Dessert Side Dishes The Checkers and Rally's Funnel Cake Fries are Fair-Inspired By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-09-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cake-fries References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2017/09/28/checkers-rallys-debut-new-funnel-cake-fries/) Funnel cake is usually reserved for the fair, but the new [Checkers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/checkers-and-rallys-chicken-bites) and [Rally's Funnel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasoned-chicken-tenders) Cake Fries look to make the food available in an environment outside of the summertime events. Available for a limited-time only, the fries are served like French fries and are dusted with powdered sugar to make them a perfectly sweet substitute to traditional sides or as a dessert. Artisan foods are being incorporated more into the menu of [QSR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-mushrooms) establishments as seen with the new Checkers and Rally's Funnel Cake Fries, which are something you'd usually only find at carnivals or food trucks. This acknowledges consumer preferences for nostalgic treats that are more accessible on an everyday basis for enjoyment whenever desired. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artisan QSR Foods:** QSR establishments are incorporating artisan foods into their menus, offering unique treats typically found in fairs or food trucks. - **Everyday Nostalgic Treats:** Consumer preferences are driving the demand for nostalgic treats to be more accessible on an everyday basis, creating opportunities for innovative dessert side dishes. - **Creative Dessert Substitutes:** The introduction of Checkers and Rally's Funnel Cake Fries offers a creative substitute for traditional sides or as a sweet dessert, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities. ### Where This Applies - **Quick Service Restaurants (QSR):** The QSR industry can explore incorporating more artisan foods into their menus to appeal to consumer preferences and offer unique dining experiences. - **Food Truck Industry:** The food truck industry can consider expanding their offerings beyond traditional fair foods and incorporate unique dessert side dishes like Checkers and Rally's Funnel Cake Fries. - **Artisan Dessert Industry:** The artisan dessert industry can capitalize on the demand for everyday nostalgic treats by creating innovative and accessible dessert options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dippable Funnel Cake Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funnel-cake-fries-dish.md) - [Air Fryer Dessert Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carnival-fun-cake-fries.md) - [Onion-Made Fries Side Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fryseasoned-onion-fries.md) - [Fried Mushroom QSR Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-mushrooms.md) - [Saucy Funnel Cake Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funnel-cake-with-caramel-sauce.md) - [Seasoned Fast-Food Chicken Tenders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasoned-chicken-tenders.md) - [QSR-Inspired Frozen Chicken Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/checkers-and-rallys-chicken-bites.md) - [Fried Dessert-Flavored Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/churro-mcshaker-fries.md) - [Topping-Heavy Seasoned Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texas-bbq-chicken-pile-up.md)