"fast food" news and stories

Looks like a lot of well-off Americans have been putting on the ketchup instead of the ritz lately. According to CNNMoney.com, the wealthiest among us have taken to fast food like a robin to a spring worm -- and gobbling it up just as fast. CNN quotes an American Express study that shows spending on fast food up by 4% among the company's most affluent customers (which represents 10% of overall consumers) for the last quarter of 2010.

Why? Just like everyone else, the rich like to save a buck, especially since the recession has hit many of them, too. And there are a lot more "acceptable" choices now among chains -- did someone say Chipotle? -- in addition to new high-end spin-offs like McCafe, where you can sip a cappuccino or a latte and pretend you've just come from shopping on the Via Veneto (if only all your bags didn't say "Target"). In addition, many places now offer salads, which convey a sense of healthy eating. So next time you're behind the BMW in the drive-through at Burger King, don't be surprised by the bumper sticker that reads: "Honk if you make six figures."

This morning, Dunkin' Donuts introduced their biggest breakfast sandwich yet: The Big 'N Toasty. According to John Costello, Chief Global Customer and Marketing Officer at Dunkin' Brands, the Big 'N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich is targeted at those who need more than a bowl of cereal in the morning. "At Dunkin' Donuts, we realize that people on-the-go at times crave heartier foods to start their day," he says. "With the Big 'N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich, Dunkin' Donuts can satisfy even the biggest appetites with a fulfilling, portable breakfast at an affordable price," he said. Here's how it rates:

The Claims: The Big "N Toasty Breakfast Sandwich features two peppered fried eggs, four slices of cherrywood smoked bacon and a slice of American cheese, all packed between two thick slices of Texas toast -- the first sandwich to feature this thick-sliced bread.

The Price: $3.29 (prices may vary depending on location.)

A few weeks ago, the nation found out about a California class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell, in which it was alleged that the Mexican-inspired fast food empire was serving a "meat mixture" containing less than 35 percent meat. In response, Taco Bell fought back with a very public statement (and full-page ads). Additionally, they rolled out the Quad Steak Burrito (and Quad Steak Quesadilla) to showcase the fact that they do, in fact, serve real USDA Select beef. Here's how they rate:

The Claims: The Quad Steak Burrito is a burrito with four times the amount of steak pieces than the Steak Burrito Supreme, all wrapped in a flour tortilla filled with seasoned rice, "fire-roasted" salsa, reduced-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese. Its quesadilla counterpart has the same ingredients -- with four times the amount of beef than a Steak Quesadilla -- although it's flatter and not as filling as the burrito. (Both contain 610-660 calories, according to a menu poster.)

For Burger King's New Year's resolution, The King has proposed to place toppings not on top of their signature flame-broiled burgers but inside them. BK might just be making 2011 the year of the stuffed burger -- kicking things off in January with the kick of jalapeño, complemented by cheddar cheese. Here's how it rates:

The Claims: The Jalapeño & Cheese BK Stuffed Steakhouse Burger is a thick "steakhouse" beef patty infused with bits of chopped jalapeño peppers and morsels of cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy poblano sauce, all served on a bakery bun.

The Price: $3.99, at participating locations.

See my verdict after the jump.

Chick-fil-A's "spokes-cows" keep urging us to "Eat mor chikin," (ok, so they can't spell), and now there's yet another daily opportunity to do so: in the morning. The new Spicy Chicken Breakfast Biscuit is now available, so you can get your fried-chicken fix with your morning coffee, and with a spicy kick in the taste buds to get your day started. Here's how it rates:

The Claims: The Spicy Chicken Breakfast Biscuit is spicy chicken breast, breaded with spices and deep-fried, placed inside a buttermilk biscuit. (450 calories, 720 in the meal with tater tots)

The Price: $2.25 for the sandwich (in New Jersey); $4.19 for the meal combo.

After the jump, our verdict ...