Perkins launches smashed burgers, soda pops and summer desserts

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery is rolling out its biggest seasonal menu update on July 1, adding new Smashed Burgers, Cherry Soda Pop and Vanilla Soda Pop, plus a new Key Lime Drop. The limited-time lineup also brings back Key Lime Pie and Pancake Flips as the family-dining chain pushes value-focused summer meals.

Why it matters: - Perkins is using a broad summer menu refresh to draw traffic with value meals, nostalgic flavors and limited-time items. - The launch combines new savory items, dessert returns and beverage additions to create more occasions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking. - The Burger, Fries & Pie combo remains a key value play, pairing multiple new and returning menu items into one meal.

What happened: - Perkins Restaurant and Bakery is launching the seasonal menu on July 1. - The rollout includes new Smashed Burgers, Cherry Soda Pop, Vanilla Soda Pop and a new Key Lime Drop. - The menu also brings back Pancake Flips and Key Lime Pie for a limited time. - The brand positioned the launch as its biggest seasonal menu introduction to date.

The details: - The new soda drinks are inspired by soda shop nostalgia and are made with Coca-Cola products. - Cherry Soda Pop and Vanilla Soda Pop join Perkins’ customizable drink lineup. - The Classic Smashed Burger comes with two smashed beef patties, grilled onions, melted American cheese, Perkins house-made burger sauce and pickles on a griddled brioche bun. - The Guacamole Bacon Smashed Burger includes two smashed beef patties, grilled onions, melted pepper jack cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, house-made guacamole and smoky chipotle ranch on a griddled brioche bun. - The Mushroom Swiss Smashed Burger includes two smashed beef patties, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, melted Swiss cheese and mayo on a griddled brioche bun. - Each smashed burger can be ordered as part of the Perkins BFP, or Burger, Fries & Pie, combo. - Key Lime Pie returns with a graham cracker crust, whipped cream and a bright, tangy filling. - Key Lime Pie is available by the slice or as a whole pie. - The new Key Lime Drop delivers the same citrus flavor in a bite-sized format. - The Key Lime Drop is also included in the Burger, Fries & Pie combo. - The Strawberry Cheesecake Flip and Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Flip each feature two buttermilk pancakes with creamy cheesecake filling and toppings, served with two eggs and a choice of applewood-smoked bacon or sausage links. - The Bacon & Cheddar Flip and Ham & Sausage Flip use two potato pancakes and are served with eggs, cheese, hearty proteins, fresh fruit and hash browns.

Between the lines: - Perkins is leaning into familiar comfort foods and soda-shop style drinks to make the summer menu feel nostalgic and easy to understand. - The mix of burgers, breakfast items and desserts gives Perkins more daypart flexibility at a time when value remains a key selling point. - Brand President Matt Carpenter said the lineup is designed to satisfy cravings while keeping meals affordable.

What's next: - Perkins is encouraging guests to join the e-Club for 20% off their next visit and email offers. - The company directs customers to more information about locations and menu at its website. - The seasonal menu items are available for a limited time, though Perkins did not provide an end date.

The bottom line: - Perkins is betting that nostalgic summer flavors, bundled value and limited-time items will drive visits as the brand refreshes its menu for the season.