10. GRILLED STEAK MELT Perkins American Food Co. fuses a classic cheesesteak with a French dip in this limited-time sandwich. It layers shaved rib-eye steak, sliced cheddar and shredded mozzarella cheese on grilled sourdough bread, with spicy jalapenos, green bell pep- per and yellow onion added for col- or, texture and kick. It’s served with chipotle ranch sauce for dipping. The menu description of the Grilled Steak Melt convinced 51% of con- sumers to say they would purchase it. 9. BACON RANCH LOADED QUESO FRIES Groovy Fries are a signature at Son- ic Drive-In , and for this LTO, the chain covers them in “melty shred- ded cheddar cheese, warm, velvety queso, crisp bacon, and a drizzle of creamy ranch.” The combo ap- pealed to 52% of survey respon- dents, who indicated they would order the loaded fries. 8. HOMESTYLE CHICKEN POT PIE One of the two non-cheesy menu items on the list is this baked-to- order pot pie from Ninety Nine Restaurants , favored by 53% of consumers. Like gooey cheese, the filling is creamy and satisfy- ing, made with white meat chicken simmered in gravy with carrots and peas, then topped with a buttery, flaky crust. 7. SUNDAE FUNDAE Ice cream is a tough competitor for cheese in the minds of 53% of respondents, who would purchase this over-the-top sundae at Top- golf . The components would please any sweet tooth: Vanilla ice cream layered with birthday cake cookie dough, raspberry, and crumbled cookies, then topped with a donut, whipped cream, sprinkles and cot- ton candy.
6. GRILLED CHEESE STEAKBURGER
3. NACHO FRIES Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries return to the menu from time to time, much to the delight of fans. Not only are they cheese-centric, they also en- courage dipping—an activity that allows customers to play with their food. This is the basic version, de- scribed as “golden, crisp Nacho Fries seasoned with bold Mexican spices and nacho cheese sauce for dipping.” 2. CHEESY TOTS Burger King also teams up pota- toes and cheese in this popular LTO. After reading the menu descrip- tion—“Cheesy Tots start with our signature coin-shaped tater tots, filled with melty cheese on the in- side, and cooked until crispy on the outside”—56% of respondents were inspired to purchase them. Cheesy Tots are also versatile; they can dou- ble as a side or snack. 1.BAKED CHEESY POTATOES Cheese and potatoes seem to be a marriage made in culinary heav- en—and one that Mission BBQ is betting on too. Consumers agree, with 58% ranking the chain’s Baked Cheesy Potatoes in the No. 1 spot. The adjectives used to describe the LTO create instant craveability: Cheesy, creamy, and layered with rich cheddar cheese, then baked to a crusty, golden brown.
After that slight detour, cheese ooz- es its way back up as a selling point in this Grilled Cheese Steakburg- er at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers . It’s a mashup of that universal comfort food— grilled cheese—with a beefy steak- burger. The LTO is made with two steakburger patties, two slices each of American and Swiss cheese, but- tery Texas toast, crispy bacon and a savory tomato spread. Of those surveyed, 53% said they would purchase the mashup based on its menu description. Burgers and cheese are a classic pairing, but Ruby Tuesday offers lots to love. Here, two smashed beef patties are topped with grilled on- ions, melted provolone and Swiss, and Parmesan sauce for a triple dose of cheesy goodness. Consum- ers seem to like “the more cheese the better,” as 54% would purchase this smashed burger. 5. FRENCH ONION SMASHED BURGER Why is P.J. Whelihan’s cheese- burger over the top? It boasts twice the cheese—a perk that appeals to 55% of consumers. The description says it all: “smothered in American cheese and served on a toasted bun topped with cheddar jack, this burg- er has twice the cheese to please— and comes with crispy bacon, cara- melized onions, roasted tomato and Sriracha ketchup. 4. OVER THE TOP CHEESEBURGER
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JANUARY 2025 RESTAURANT BUSINESS
PHOTO: ENVATO
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