Fast food chains across the nation launched what has become a seasonal menu offering in order to cater to their Catholic consumers, reintroducing fish sandwiches for the meat-limited Christians on Friday. Menu items available only during Lent reappeared at chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, and Bojangles from mid-February until Easter Sunday,
McDonald’s is famous for its iconic Filet-O-Fish, the square-shaped pollock patty that took the nation by storm in 1990. Quietly discontinued in the mid-2010s save for select locations, Lent means everyone can get a taste of nostalgia with creamy tartar sauce and Old Bay seasoning.
For Lent, McDonald’s has brought back the Filet-O-Fish for a limited time, even featuring a 2-for-$6 special until April 5th, coinciding with the end of Lent on Easter Sunday. Amazingly, the number one fast food chain reports that 25% of all sales of the sandwich fall during Lent.
Wendy’s also began promoting its limited-time fish sandwich, writing that the fan-favorite “Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is back on menus nationwide now through Sunday, April 5!” in a statement released on its website. It made sure to note that nothing had changed about the “sandwich build.”
“This limited-time fish sandwich has earned a strong, dedicated fan base over the years and we’re here to give the people what they want. With seafood season around the corner, Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is a reliable, satisfying go-to sure to satisfy your taste buds,” the statement continued.
And not to be outdone, the popular southern chain Bojangles specifically cited Lent as the purpose for its own seasonal Fish Sandwich. “Just in time for the Lenten season, Bojangles is bringing back a fan-favorite that guests look forward to all year: the Bojangler® Fish Sandwich, hitting menus on Feb. 23. Returning to menus nationwide for a limited time, the Bojangler delivers the bold, craveable flavor Bojangles is known for, perfectly timed for guests seeking a seasonal seafood option,” it said in a statement.
The Vice President of Menu and Culinary Innovation at the fast food chain commented that its the perfect sandwich for Catholic diners. “The Bojangler has become a seasonal staple for many of our guests. Bringing it back gives fans a tasty fish sandwich right on time for the Lenten season, a sandwich that delivers the unmistakable flavor of Bojangles.”
Dairy Queen is a fourth chain – there are many more not covered here – that began promoting its own version of pollock for Lent. “But don’t wait too long to reel in this catch — it won’t stick around forever! Swing by your local Dairy Queen® restaurant today and enjoy the Wild Alaska Fish Sandwich that everyone’s talking about. Or skip the line and order ahead through the DQ® App to have it waiting for you — and score DQ Rewards while you’re at it. Don’t miss out on this classic favorite that’s bound to leave you hooked,” the company said.