Lent 2024: Fast Food Deals and Religious Observances
Ash Wednesday, observed on March 5th this year, marks the commencement of Lent, a significant 40-day period of prayer and reflection in the Christian faith, particularly within the Catholic tradition. This period culminates with Easter, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is a time for spiritual renewal, often characterized by fasting, abstinence, and acts of charity. This year, several fast-food chains are offering special deals and menu items to cater to those observing the Lenten season, particularly Catholics who traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and certain other days.
For Catholics, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 18th) hold particular significance as days of fasting. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis provides guidance on fasting, specifying that Catholics should consume only one full meal on these days. They may also have two smaller meals, provided the combined quantity does not exceed that of a full meal. Snacking between these smaller meals is discouraged.
Beyond the practice of fasting, many Catholics choose to abstain from something they typically enjoy as a symbolic sacrifice. This could be anything from sweets or social media to television or other forms of entertainment. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasizes that this practice of abstaining from luxuries is intended to encourage reflection and a focus on spiritual matters during Lent.
The avoidance of meat on Fridays during Lent is another prominent practice for Catholics. This tradition has led to a surge in popularity for seafood options at restaurants, creating a unique opportunity for fast-food chains and eateries to showcase their fish and seafood offerings. Many restaurants capitalize on this demand by introducing limited-time deals and special menu items centered around fish and seafood.
Fast Food Fish Frenzy: Lenten Deals and Menu Items
The Lenten season has become synonymous with the return of popular fish sandwiches and seafood specials at various fast-food chains. This year is no exception, with numerous restaurants rolling out enticing offers to attract customers seeking alternatives to meat. Remember that availability and participation may vary by location, so it is always advisable to check with your local businesses for specific details on their Lenten deals.
Burger King has brought back its Big Fiery Fish Sandwich, available from Ash Wednesday through April 20th. This sandwich features a breaded white Alaskan Pollock filet, enhanced with a spicy glaze and complemented by sweet tartar sauce, lettuce, and crunchy pickles, all served on a brioche bun. Royal Perks loyalty program members can enjoy a special promotion of buy-one-get-one-for-$2 on this item.
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, both under the CKE Restaurant Holdings umbrella, are once again offering the Redhook Beer Battered Fish Sandwich. This sandwich features a Beer-Battered Pollock fillet, served on a bun with iceberg lettuce and Ken’s Tartar Sauce. It is accompanied by a side of sweet relish, cabbage, carrot pieces, and spices, adding a flavorful crunch. The sandwich can be purchased individually or as part of a 2 for $7 combo. The availability dates differ slightly between the two chains, running through April 22nd at Carl’s Jr. and from March 5th to April 29th at Hardee’s locations.
McDonald’s is bringing back its Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich for a limited time, ending April 22nd. This sandwich features a four-ounce battered flounder filet, topped with American cheese, tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles on a toasted bun.
Long John Silver’s, known for its seafood offerings, is providing value with its $6 shrimp baskets and a $10 shrimp sea-share entrée. The $6 shrimp specials offer a choice between classic batter-dipped shrimp, grilled shrimp, or crispy breaded popcorn shrimp, served with a side and hushpuppies. The $10 Shrimp Sea-Shares special provides a larger portion, with the choice of 15 coconut butterfly shrimp, 15 grilled shrimp, 15 batter-dipped shrimp, or a shareable serving of breaded popcorn shrimp. Also, for dessert, they will offer the Oreo Cookies & Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery.
Popeyes has re-introduced two limited-time specials for the Lenten season, starting March 3rd. These specials typically feature a fish or shrimp option, offering a spicy twist on traditional seafood fare. However, the specific details were not included in the original article.
Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest, which began on February 11th, extends through Sunday, April 20th. The menu boasts a variety of lobster-centric dishes, including Rock Lobster Tail and new entrées such as Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster and Lobster Mac & Cheese.
Sonic Drive-In is offering its Fish Sandwich from March 5th to April 17th. This sandwich features a wild-caught Alaska pollock filet, served with tartar sauce, chopped lettuce, and crinkle-cut pickles on a brioche bun.
Subway is promoting a $6.99 footlong deal available exclusively through their app and website, using the code 699FL (limit one per customer). This provides an affordable option for those seeking meat-free choices, such as the Tuna Sandwich or Veggie Delite.
Whataburger, a Texas-based fast-food chain, is bringing back its Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter for a limited time, from March 4th to 21st. The Whatacatch Sandwich features a wild-caught Alaskan pollock filet coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. The Whatacatch Platter includes two filets served with fries and tartar sauce, with the option of adding jalapeños. Prices may vary depending on the location.
White Castle offers Panko Fish Sliders, made from wild Alaskan pollock, year-round. However, their seafood menu expands during Lent. Shrimp Nibblers are available in small, medium, and sack sizes through April 20th (or while supplies last), excluding Florida locations. Fish Nibblers, also made from wild Alaskan pollock, are available during the same period, except in Florida.
Beyond Fast Food: Reflecting on the Meaning of Lent
While these fast-food deals provide convenient options for those observing the Lenten dietary restrictions, it is important to remember the deeper significance of this period. Lent is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to examine their lives, identify areas where they can improve, and strengthen their relationship with God. The practices of fasting, abstinence, and acts of charity are intended to facilitate this process. Whether individuals choose to participate in these fast-food promotions or not, the Lenten season offers an opportunity for personal growth and a renewed focus on spiritual values.
