Summer is calling, and so are the treats that will go along with it!
Welcome to another summer releases roundup! Today, we’ll be bringing you all of the newest flavors that you can find from your favorite fast food places. First, we have an exciting new movie collaboration with Burger King. Meanwhile, Buddy’s bar-b-q and Panera are also bringing in their summer flavors for you to taste. Feeling thirsty? Quench it with a free smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe on National Flip Flop Day. With these treats, you’re bound to have the best summer ever! Let’s check them out.
Buddy’s bar-b-q
East Tennessee’s favorite, Buddy’s bar-b-q, unveils two of their new limited-time offerings for the summer season. The brand is finally returning their fan-favorite Loaded Nachos starting Thursday, May 22. The brand is also introducing the new sweetened Peach Tea on June 2.
Buddy’s Loaded Nachos features a fresh take on the classic nachos, featuring a variety of flavors and textures to customize. The Buddy’s Loaded Nachos were actually popular when it was first released in 2024, so Buddy’s had to extend them for two months past their original end date.
It features Hickory-smoked pork that is stacked with queso cheese, bar-b-q sauce, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and onions. The nachos are served with sour cream on the side. You even have the option of switching your protein from pork to chicken. There are even more options to pair them with the brand’s sweetened Peach Tea.
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Burger King
Calling all Dragon Trainers, it’s finally here! 🐉
Burger King, in co-promotion with Universal Studios’ How to Train Your Dragon, is dropping dragon-inspired meals for their new live-action movie. The new lineup will be available starting Tuesday (May 27) for fans to celebrate the showing of the new film that will soar to theaters by June 13, 2025.
Since Burger King is home to the flame-grilled Whopper, it’s no wonder that they earned a spot as one of America’s most iconic burgers. Now, they are inviting guests to grab their fan-favorites in dragon fashion. Here’s the special lineup made for the movie:
- Dragon-Flame Grilled Whopper – This menu item is the star of the show as it features a ¼ lb. of flame-grilled beef served on a red and orange marbled bun colored with natural spices and vegetables. The burger is filled with American cheese, crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mayo.
- Fiery Dragon Mozarella Fries – Speaking of flame, Burger King is also taking it by heart with these mozzarella appetizers. The new Fiery Dragon Mozzarella Fries are made with melty mozzarella cheese, peppers, and Calabria chili pepper-breading. It is placed on a Toothless-inspired carton to get the theme going.
- Soaring Strawberry Lemonade – Quench your thirst by soaring to new heights with this drink. It features real fruit juice of strawberries and lemonade.
- Viking’s Chocolate Sundae – Here’s a sweet finish to your meal. It’s a sweet treat that features a vanilla soft serve with HERSHEY’S chocolate syrup and black and green cookie crumbles.
To add to the fun of promotions, Burger King will launch the “Night Fury Flight,” a game inspired by the new film. It will be exclusively available on Burger King’s app and web. From May 27 to July 15, Royal Perks members can play daily to receive exclusive offers, plus a chance to win sweepstakes prizes of a digital AMC Theatres gift card and a grand trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort. Fans who get to win this grand prize will get to experience the new How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk attraction.
Panera
Just in time to welcome summer, Panera is bringing back two favorite seasonal menu items. Say hello once again to the Lobster Roll and Lobster Mac & Cheese. They will be released starting May 21, 2025. However, they’re only available at select Panera cafes in the Northeast. Check out the flavors of this duo:
- Lobster Mac & Cheese – It features a velvety smooth Vermont White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese that is topped with buttered claw and knuckle lobster meat. The dish also has an extra seasoning of Panko breadcrumbs. The price will vary per location, but the average price is $22.99 plus tax.
- Lobster Roll – Features a lobster claw and knuckle meat that are tossed in lemon tarragon mayo-based dressing. They’re piled high in a classic New England Roll. While the price may vary by location, the average starts at $12.49 for a small and $21.49 for a large.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Mark your calendar, as on May 28, 2025, Tropical Smoothie Cafe will kick off summer with their annual National Flip Flop Day! Guests who will visit participating Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations from 2 to 7 p.m., wearing their best flip flops, will get a 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for free. The great thing about this is that there’s no purchase required; all you need are flip flops!
National Flip Flop Day has long been a tradition, as it marks the unofficial start of the smoothie season. This year’s featured beverage is a fan-favorite smoothie, Sunrise Sunset Smoothie. It features a tropical blend of orange juice, mango, pineapple, and strawberries, crafted just like the smoothie you’d get in a beachside stand.
More Releases To Check Out
- Shake Shack’s Fried Pickles with Ranch – According to Shake Shack, they’re not your usual pickle chips, as this appetizer features signature proprietary-brined pickles that are sliced, lightly coated, and seasoned before they’re fried. They’re the perfect pair to any Shake Shack burger!
- Nothing Bundt Cake’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake – It features a flavor that reminds you of the tropics. Specifically, the cake is made out of sweet pineapples, cherry halves, and caramel sauce. You can get them in a Triple Bundlet Tower, Double Bundlet Tower, Bundlet Tower, and Bundlet Bundle.
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From The Club
I’m in love with Burger King’s How to Train Your Dragon-themed menu items. What I appreciate about it is that they didn’t just place the characters in their packs and call it a day. They even created food specials like the red and orange marbled bun in the Dragon Flame Grilled Whopper. I just can’t wait to have a bite of their Fiery Dragon Mozarella Fries for that cheese-pull experience.