On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Popeyes’ new Chicken Wraps, which come in three varieties and appear to be a direct shot at McDonald’s, which is preparing to re-release its Snack Wraps. Have the Chicken Sandwich Wars suddenly become the Chicken Wrap Wars? Sam and Alicia discuss the trend and why we could see a tsunami of wrap activity in the coming year. Then they discuss Sweetgreen’s announcement that it would return to seasonal menus and LTOs, a strategy it shelved last year when it launched a steak protein and more hot dishes. Find out why they think this kind of seasonal strategy — powered by local and regionally sourced ingredients — could become more popular with restaurants around the U.S. Finally, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister joins for the extra serving portion of the episode to discuss Dave’s Hot Chicken and the (official) announcement that it had been acquired by Roark Capital. Does this news validate hot chicken as a category that is here to stay? 

For more on these stories:  

Popeyes has launched a new chicken wraps category

Sweetgreen goes back to a seasonal menu strategy to drive frequency

Dave’s Hot Chicken acquired by Roark Capital