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Savor the Season: Must Try Holiday Specials from Popeyes, IHOP, and Rita’s

Angela Park 6 min read
Savor the Season Must Try Holiday Specials from Popeyes, IHOP, and Rita’s

We may have wrapped up the Halloween season, but it doesn’t mean that the celebration stops there. Since we’re in November, we’re having Thanksgiving and the holidays next in line, or as I like to call it, the dinner feast season. 

As expected, restaurants have lined up their holiday offerings and new releases that we can add to our dinner table. From the iconic Thanksgiving turkey and winter’s hot cocoa to an unexpected monthly pancake comeback flavor, we’re getting full this season. 

Get your list ready as we’re about to head to a winter wonderland of holiday menu. 

Popeyes

It’s undeniable that turkey makes the perfect Thanksgiving must-have on every dinner table. With this, restaurants try to apply their own twist on this favorite by serving turkey burgers or turkey-infused dishes. But at Popeyes, they serve traditional turkey with their own signature taste, of course!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re getting a traditional treat from Popeyes. Make your holidays easy and stress-free with the return of the fan-favorite Cajun-style turkey. Yup, that’s right! Popeyes has a whole turkey on its menu. 

Popeye’s signature Cajun-style turkey features a hand-rubbed and infused Louisiana-style seasoning, which is a zesty and bold flavor that we know of when it comes to Cajun taste. But of course, the brand didn’t forget to add their own signature style to make it Popeyes. Overall, it makes the perfect Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

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Popeyes’ new Cajun-style turkey for Thanksgiving. (📸: Popeyes)

More good news is coming your way. For the third consecutive year, Popeyes will be helping you with Thanksgiving preparations by saving you the hassle of running around town. Popeyes is offering delivery right by your doorstep. All you need to do is head over to https://thecajunfix.popeyes.com, and the turkey will be in your home in no time at all. Note that upon purchase, most turkey orders will likely arrive one to three business days after the order is shipped. 

Also, head over to your nearest Popeyes store today, as they’ve returned their Popeyes Big Box for a limited time. In the box, you will get their signature fried chicken or three tenders, along with two sides and a buttermilk biscuit. Isn’t this the perfect Thanksgiving preparation snack?

RELATED: New Holiday Flavors Arrive at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Shake Shack

IHOP

Do you remember the Chocolate Strawberry full stack was first made for Valentine’s Day? That’s IHOP’s Pancake of the Month for February!  It features four chocolate chip pancakes topped with creamy cheesecake mousse and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It has fresh sliced strawberries on top with whipped cream topping and chocolate chips. 

When you see IHOP, you definitely know what’s coming. Of course, it’s another Pancake of the Month, and since we’re entering the first week of November, IHOP will unveil the new pancake that will take over this month. Say hello to the Maple Bacon Pancake. There’s nothing like a warm fall flavor nearing the winter season, right?

@ihop

Talk about an iconic duo! November’s Pancake of the Month brings together maple and bacon to create truly mouth-watering Maple Bacon Pancakes. 🍁🥓 #PancakeOfTheMonth #IHOP

♬ original sound – IHOP

Curious about the Pancake of the Month for the past few months? Here’s a list:

IHOP Pancake of the Month
IHOP’s Pancake of the Month flavors for 2024 (📸: IHOP)

The fun doesn’t end with just the Pancake of the Month, as IHOP will offer their new annual loyalty challenge with the following rewards:

  • If you order the Pancake of the Month two or more times in a month, you can earn 10 PanCoins
  • Order the Pancake of the Month once each month for the entire year to receive 100 bonus PanCoins. 

The bonus PanCoinsSM is awarded 7-10 business days after the first of the following month. They’re available for dine-in, online orders, or on the mobile app. Hurry, as they’re available for a limited time only at participating IHOP restaurants. 

For more information regarding Pancake of the Month’s program or mechanics, just head over to iHOP.com or visit an IHOP store near you.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Winter is coming, and so are the hot chocolate delights! But at Rita’s, they beg to differ. This season, Rita’s is taking the classic hot chocolate out of its shell to freeze them, and we’re not complaining! They’re embracing the holiday season with a special lineup that will bring fans cheer. Ready to know more? Let’s go!

The largest Italian ice concept in the world is gifting fans with the return of two limited-time seasonal favorites: the Frozen Hot Cocoa Gelati and Frozen Hot Cocoa Gelati Blender. But that’s not all; one of the many ways you can enjoy your hot cocoa gelati is by adding the new Crushed Peppermint Topping that adds a refreshing crunch of candy in every sip or scoop. The good news? You don’t have to wait; you can get them starting today, November 4, 2024. 

The Frozen Hot Cocoa Gelati features a layer of Rita’s signature Frozen Hot Cocoa Cream Ice with some Vanilla Custard. These two flavors blend the rich taste that you can get from hot cocoa and the coolness of Italian Ice — it’s like drinking hot chocolate after leaving it freezing outside. But if you prefer mixed, you can get the Frozen Hot Cocoa Gelati Blended instead, combining the same two ice and custard, then blended and sprinkled with Crushed Peppermint Topping. 

Ritas Frozen Hot Cocoa Peppermint
Rita’s holiday special offering of Frozen Hot Cocoa and Peppermint (📸: Rita’s)

Madalyn Weintraub, Director of Marketing at Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard, said that tradition is the heart of everything they do at Rita’s, and the return of their two holiday specials is enough proof. By adding the Crushed Peppermint Topping, they wanted to add something different to elevate the experience. 

RELATED: Five Guys and TOUS les JOURS Unveil Sweet Holiday Treats for November

From The Club

We’re getting a lot on our plate (literally), with more of these menu items added to our choice of feast and holiday snacking care of Popeyes, IHOP, and Rita’s. I’m excited for Popeye’s Cajun-style turkey as someone who likes the taste of anything dipped in Cajun sauce. Imagine it in a turkey. Now that’s the Thanksgiving I’m talking about!