Chick-fil-A delivers a cold blow to KFC in the United States with a major innovation

Although fall hasn't officially started yet, fast food restaurants already have that sense of seasonal change in the air. Major chains have chosen their most recognizable flavors to attract customers. The atmosphere is filled with warm aromas that accompany breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in every corner of the country.

Amid this seasonal craze, Chick-fil-A has surprised everyone with a move different from the expected one. Since August 19, their new Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich has been available, an option that costs $7.99 and breaks away from the pumpkin spice trend. Recently, the chain also brought back Cherry Berry drinks, designed to guide customers from the end of summer to the arrival of winter.

A different bet for fall

While Starbucks and Dunkin' trust the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chick-fil-A has chosen a less obvious route. The new sandwich comes on pretzel bread, with cheddar cheese and a touch of Dijon mustard, according to AllRecipes. The juiciness of the chicken blends with intense flavors that are more reminiscent of a neighborhood bar than a seasonal coffee shop.

The strategy aims to set the chain apart from competitors like KFC that seem to follow the same path. Instead of another pumpkin drink, they've chosen a twist that connects with barbecues and sports gatherings. The result is a fall menu that doesn't get confused with that of its rivals.

Even so, social media sparked rumors about an alleged secret drink. Some users mentioned a Pumpkin Pie Latte available at certain locations of the brand. Curiosity led many to investigate, and the mystery ended up revealing important details.

The secret of Truett's locations

There is indeed an Iced Pumpkin Pie Latte, but not at every Chick-fil-A in the country. It can only be ordered at special restaurants called Truett's, in honor of the chain's founder. These locations include formats such as The Dwarf House, Truett's Grill, or Truett's Chick-fil-A, all with unique menus.

These exclusive establishments offer dishes that don't appear at regular locations. Among them are pizzas with nuggets, banana pudding, or even a Southern-style chicken breakfast. This fall, the big novelty has been the iced pumpkin latte, made with cold brew, oat milk, and a flavored syrup.

The drink is finished with cold foam, caramel sauce, and crushed cookie on top. TikTok quickly filled with videos of customers trying it and highlighting its balanced flavor. However, the popularity also caused shortages in some places, leaving many fans unable to try it after long car trips.

The Iced Pumpkin Pie Latte will only be available for a limited time in Georgia. Its launch confirms that Chick-fil-A doesn't want to miss the fall wave, but they're doing it their own way. While KFC and other rivals follow more predictable paths, the chicken chain shows that they can set trends with unexpected offerings.