What is the trend of seasonal menu innovations?

Restaurants are increasingly introducing limited-time, seasonally themed menu items that cater to specific seasonal cravings.

What is the trend of indulgence-driven fast food?

Fast food chains are elevating the indulgence factor of their offerings with rich, decadent ingredients such as pretzel buns and layered beef patties.

What is the trend of app-exclusive ordering?

Brands are using app-exclusive ordering for early releases, driving digital engagement and offering customers a sense of exclusivity.

What are the implications for the quick-service restaurants industry?

The quick-service restaurant industry is continuously innovating by creating unique, indulgent menu items to capture seasonal consumer interest.

What are the implications for the mobile food ordering technology industry?

Advancements in mobile technology are enabling restaurants to offer app-exclusive deals, enhancing customer convenience and engagement.

What are the implications for the snack and dessert industry industry?

The snack and dessert industry is seeing novel mashups and seasonal flavors that cater to indulgent consumer tastes, especially during holiday periods.

Indulgent Wintertime Smash Burgers : Pretzel Bacon Smasher

Indulgent Wintertime Smash Burgers

Laidback Restaurant Burger Menus Image 1

The SONIC Pretzel Bacon Smasher Comes as a Double or a Triple

Michael Hemsworth — October 20, 2025 — Lifestyle

References: sonicdrivein & fastfoodpost

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The SONIC Pretzel Bacon Smasher has been debuted by the brand as a new menu item that's crafted with indulgent fall and wintertime cravings in mind. The burger starts off with hand-smashed Angus beef patties that are topped with American cheese, bacon, fried onions and mustard, all serving on a pretzel bun. The burger comes as either a double or a triple to satisfy cravings for more meat, if desired.

The SONIC Pretzel Bacon Smasher is arriving alongside the Peppermint Brownie Bark Shake, which is made with vanilla soft serve, chocolate chunk brownie pieces and crushed peppermints. The menu items can be ordered today via the brand's app and will make their nationwide rollout starting November 3, 2025. The menu items are limited time offerings.

Image Credit: SONIC

Trend Themes

Seasonal Menu Innovations — Restaurants are increasingly introducing limited-time, seasonally themed menu items that cater to specific seasonal cravings.
Indulgence-driven Fast Food — Fast food chains are elevating the indulgence factor of their offerings with rich, decadent ingredients such as pretzel buns and layered beef patties.
App-exclusive Ordering — Brands are using app-exclusive ordering for early releases, driving digital engagement and offering customers a sense of exclusivity.

Industry Implications

Quick-service Restaurants — The quick-service restaurant industry is continuously innovating by creating unique, indulgent menu items to capture seasonal consumer interest.
Mobile Food Ordering Technology — Advancements in mobile technology are enabling restaurants to offer app-exclusive deals, enhancing customer convenience and engagement.
Snack and Dessert Industry — The snack and dessert industry is seeing novel mashups and seasonal flavors that cater to indulgent consumer tastes, especially during holiday periods.

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