Fast-food chains are rolling out limited-time seafood offers that can be enjoyed by religious observers and casual diners alike.
It’s the season of Lent, which is a time of fasting and repentance for Christians over the six-week lead-up to Easter. The Roman Catholic Church prescribes abstaining from most meat on Fridays, including Good Friday. For Orthodox Christians observing Great Lent, they will forgo meat, poultry and dairy for the entire Lenten season.
»MORE: Ashes and fasting: a closer look into traditions behind Lent
One dish observers still have on their plate during the season is fish. Here are some chains offering special deep-sea menus for a limited time only:
Chick-fil-A
Select Chick-fil-A locations will offer cod entrees during Lent, a tradition they’ve partaken in since 2016. Choices include a fish sandwich, deluxe fish sandwich or 2- or 3- count fish entrees. Just add waffle fries and tartar sauce.
"Fin-tastic news, everyone: The seasonal Chick-fil-A® Fish Sandwich is back at select restaurants during the late winter and early spring! And as in years past, cod will be the catch of the day. Select Chick-fil-A locations across the country will offer breaded fish between Wednesday, February 26, and Saturday, April 11, 2020," they announced via a news release.
There are 19 locations offering the seafood selections in Georgia; you can check to see if this includes your local restaurant here.
McDonald’s
McDonald's has kept its Filet-O-Fish on the menu year-round since 1965. A restaurant owner in a predominantly Catholic neighborhood reportedly had the idea when sales went down during Lent, according to USA Today. The sandwich features wild-caught Alaska Pollock.
McDonald’s estimates that 25% of its fish sandwiches are sold during the Lenten season.
Wendy’s
Wendy's has updated its menu to include the seasonal North Pacific Cod Sandwich. Those celebrating Lent or just looking for a good deal on fish can get a $2 off coupon for the sandwich on the Wendy's app or on its website here.
Arby’s
Arby's introduced seasonal fish options to its menu in 2001. There's a two for $6 fish sandwich deal underway. To spark competition, the Atlanta-based chain has directed a challenge at McDonald's in what some have called "The Fish Sandwich War of 2020."
"It is truly something that we hear our guests love us for, and it's why we bring it back every year. We're really excited to point out to Filet-O-Fish lovers that Arby's fish sandwiches are something they should definitely try." —Deborah von Kutzleben, Arby's vice president of advertising, content and core menu
They remain active on Twitter and YouTube to try to position their fish sandwich as superior.
Bojangles’
Credit: WSOCTV.com
Credit: WSOCTV.com
Bojangles’ brought back their BojAngler fish sandwich on Feb. 17, which features an Alaskan Pollock filet, tartar sauce, cheese and spicy seasonings. It can be purchased a la carte, as a combo, two for $5 or as a dinner plate special with a biscuit.
Popeyes
Bojangles competitor Popeyes features a Cajun-style fish entree at select locations as a part of its permanent menu. As the Lenten season begins, they recently started running a special for fried shrimp as well.
"The limited-time menu item features shrimp dipped in buttermilk biscuit batter and fried until crispy. The $6 combo includes eight Buttermilk Biscuit Shrimp, a side of your choice, and a biscuit." —brandeating.com
Del Taco
The Mexican-American fast-food chain dove into the sea of deals this year. Del Taco has begun serving jumbo shrimp tacos at 2 for $5 for a limited time.
"Our fans look forward to the return of our famous crispy shrimp, and this year we set out to give them even more of what they crave with our new, bigger, better Jumbo Shrimp. Only Del Taco can freshly prepare, quality seafood tacos and burritos and serve them at the speed of our drive-thru. With the Lent season beginning March 1st, we're giving our guests even more delicious options at the value for which Del Taco is known." —Noah Chillingworth, vice president of marketing, Del Taco
The chain also offers a fried fish taco for those who prefer seafood year-round.
Panda Express
Lent falls just after Lunar New Year, which this family-owned Chinese food chain celebrated with a new menu item that fits in for those fasting from meat: firecracker shrimp. The limited-time product is a "Wok Smart" item, meaning it has at least 8 grams of protein while being 300 calories or less, reports Thrillist.
»MORE: What to give up for Lent in 2020 (that isn't chocolate)
About the Author
