Introduction to the Latest Fast Food Wars

The battle for fast food supremacy has just gotten more intense, with Popeyes taking a subtle dig at McDonald’s with its newest menu item.

Background on the Menu Item

McDonald’s had been teasing the return of its discontinued Snack Wraps (or something similar) since 2023 and eventually confirmed that the cult-favorite item would be back on menus sometime this year, after being removed from the national menu in 2016.

Popeyes’ Strategic Move

But perhaps McDonald’s waited a bit too long, because Popeyes has cracked the mystifying secret behind wrapping a piece of fried chicken in a tortilla.

On Monday, Popeyes debuted three varieties of its new Chicken Wraps, which consist of chicken tenders, lettuce, shredded cheese, pickles and sauce (classic, spicy or honey mustard) wrapped up in a biscuit-flavored tortilla. All three are currently available at participating Popeyes locations nationwide.

Statement from Popeyes

“With our new Chicken Wraps, we’ve taken our iconic chicken tenders and wrapped them in something completely new, bringing all that craveable crunch in a fresh, portable way,” chef Amy Alarcon, the vice president of culinary innovation at Popeyes, said in a statement included with a press release.

The Similarity and the Tease

Popeyes, however, is likely aware that this idea isn’t exactly “completely new,” having recently needled McDonald’s about the latter’s long-awaited Snack Wraps, which were similarly composed of chicken, a soft tortilla, lettuce, cheese, and a choice of sauce. In an X post shared on Friday, the people behind the Popeyes account appeared to troll McDonald’s for only providing a vague timeframe for the return of their wraps.

McDonald’s Response

Indeed, McDonald’s has been a bit coy about the release date. In a message shared to social media in April, McDonald’s confirmed that Snack Wraps would be returning on the 14th of the month — but they didn’t say which month.
The fast-food chain has yet to publicly set a release date. As recently as Monday, McDonald’s has simply told fans to “stay tuned” to the McDonald’s social media channels for more information.

Availability of Popeyes’ Chicken Wraps

In the meantime, anyone looking to deliver a piece of fried chicken into their system by way of a tortilla vessel can visit participating Popeyes restaurants. But they’re only available for a limited time, according to Popeyes.
“[T]hey’re here for a good time, not a long time, so get ‘em while they’re hot,” the company says.

Conclusion

The introduction of Popeyes’ Chicken Wraps not only expands the menu options for customers but also signifies a strategic move in the fast food industry, potentially challenging McDonald’s plans for its Snack Wraps. As the fast food wars continue, consumers are likely to be the beneficiaries, enjoying a wider range of options and competitive pricing.

FAQs

• Q: What are Popeyes’ new Chicken Wraps?
  A: Popeyes’ new Chicken Wraps are menu items that consist of chicken tenders, lettuce, shredded cheese, pickles, and sauce wrapped in a biscuit-flavored tortilla, available in classic, spicy, or honey mustard flavors.
• Q: Are Popeyes’ Chicken Wraps available nationwide?
  A: Yes, the Chicken Wraps are currently available at participating Popeyes locations nationwide.
• Q: How long will Popeyes’ Chicken Wraps be available?
  A: According to Popeyes, the Chicken Wraps are only available for a limited time.
• Q: When will McDonald’s Snack Wraps return?
  A: McDonald’s has confirmed that Snack Wraps will return but has not provided a specific release date, advising fans to stay tuned for more information on their social media channels.