# Cheese-Filled QSR Combos Schlotzsky's Launched a New Mac & Cheese Menu Nationwide By Colin Smith | Published 2024-09-12 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlotzskys-mac-and-cheese References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/schlotzskys-launches-mac-cheese/) & [schlotzskys](https://www.schlotzskys.com/)  [Schlotzsky’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken-and-bacon-pizza) has recently introduced a new line of Mac & Cheese products, expanding its menu to include three distinct varieties. The new offerings are designed to cater to a range of tastes, featuring the Mac & Cheese, which includes large elbow macaroni tossed in loaded cheese sauce and topped with even more shredded cheddar, the Mac & Cheese Bundle, which combines two quarts of Mac & Cheese with one small Oven Baked Sandwich, one Group Salad with dressing of the guest's choice, 10 breadsticks, one bottle of hot sauce, and one gallon of a beverage of the guest's choice. Lastly, the brand is offering the Cheesy Meal Deal, a combination of [Chicken Smokecheesy or Beef Smokecheesy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokestack-pork-mac-sandwich), a Small Mac & Cheese, and a regularly-sized drink. These additions aim to provide customers with more diverse and flavorful options, enhancing the overall dining experience at Schlotzsky’s. The introduction of these Mac & Cheese products is part of Schlotzsky’s broader strategy to innovate and diversify its menu. By incorporating popular comfort foods with unique twists, the brand seeks to attract a wider customer base and meet the evolving preferences of its patrons. The new Mac & Cheese dishes are available at participating locations, and Schlotzsky’s anticipates that these offerings will become a popular choice among customers looking for hearty and satisfying meal options. Image Credit: Schlotzsky's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 28% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Comfort Food Fusion:** Combining traditional comfort foods with unique ingredients to create new flavor experiences. - **Meat-enhanced Mac & Cheese:** Adding protein-rich meats like brisket and bacon to classic cheese dishes appeals to a broader audience. - **QSR Menu Diversification:** Expanding quick-service restaurant menus with innovative dishes caters to evolving consumer tastes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Quick-service Restaurants:** The fast-paced food service industry benefits from new menu items that draw diverse customer bases. - **Processed Cheese Products:** Pre-packaged cheese producers can capitalize on trends towards gourmet and comfort food fusions. - **Food Innovation:** Continual experimentation within the food sector leads to the development of novel and appealing menu items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheesy Artisan-Style Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noodles-company-mac-cheese.md) - [Tex Mex Macaroni Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qdoba-mac-queso.md) - [Macaroni and Cheese Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scorchin-hot-mac-cheese.md) - [Extra-Cheesy Noodle Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noodles-company.md) - [Flavor-Packed Macaroni Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wing-snob-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Macaroni and Cheese Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pdq-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Cheesy Fried Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buffalo-chicken-mac-cheese.md) - [Ranch-Covered Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loaded-chicken-bacon-ranch-mac-n-cheese.md) - [Poblano Pepper Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-cheddar-poblano-mac-n-cheese.md)