Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s both added turkey burgers to their menu, according to an article from MarketingDaily. These burgers are 500 calories, compared to the 770 found in Hardee’s Original Thickburger, and may “attract customers who may have shied away from the chains based on that same indulgent menu perception.”
While I’m glad they two chains didn’t remove their unhealthy choices–in other words, everything on the menu–I don’t think there’s really a need for turkey burgers. Either a person is going to eat at a quick-service restaurant (QSR) or they’re not. I’m not convinced this situation is similar to politics in which Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are going to attract the people on the fence.
In addition, the menu change takes away from the brand and what it stands for. You don’t see Subway adding a deep-friend burger sub to its menu, nor would you see Qdoba or Chipotle adding Indian food to their menus. Businesses need to do what they’re best at.
I know other QSRs have done similar parlor tricks, so I’m not solely picking on Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. My plea to all QSRs is to just keep your menus intact, okay? Especially if it’s full of grease, grease and more grease.
Tags: healthy choices, QSR
I disagree! Adding one or two healthier options is a god-send to those of us who reluctantly grab food at the nearest McDonald’s between kid activities. While I know that is not the majority of its client base, I have to believe it’s somewhat significant. A healthy option means I might actually order something, rather than sip a Diet Coke and wait until I get home to eat.
Even without the kid excuse dragging you there, I do think there is an audience that may be on the fence. When McDonald’s added their oatmeal as a breakfast option, it became a viable place to pick up a quick, non-greasy and portable breakfast on the road. And while I enjoy the occasional grease, a healthier option is DEFINITELY welcome. Now, I’m not sure HOW significant the audience is in the big picture, but I am definitely a part of it and would consider a stop at Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr if I knew a turkey burger was an option. (That’s also assuming I’m anywhere near either of those restaurants, which I typically am not)
Also, Subway has plenty of bad-for-you options loaded with fatty meat. And QDoba and Chipotle offer the tortilla-less versions of burritos, which saves a ton of calories, not to mention salads. I don’t think a turkey burger detracts from the brand. It is still a “burger” and fits within the type of food offered. You can’t really compare that to a Mexican QSR offering Indian food. Not the same thing.
I realize this is just one person’s opinion, but I gladly welcome more healthy options beyond a sub-par grilled chicken sandwich in fast food places! But when I want grease…well, that should be there too.