As the Lenten season began this week, fast-food chains across the United States are rolling out limited-time fish sandwiches and seafood options to cater to the demand for meatless meals on Fridays, a tradition for many Catholics.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent dates back centuries, and has demonstrably impacted the fast-food industry. McDonald’s, in fact, credits the Filet-O-Fish sandwich – the first permanent addition to its menu – to a Catholic franchisee in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lou Groen, who noticed a decline in sales during Lent in 1962. Groen proposed a breaded fish sandwich to appeal to customers observing the religious practice, according to McDonald’s historical records.
This year, several chains are expanding their Lenten offerings beyond the traditional Filet-O-Fish. Wendy’s has brought back its Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich, featuring wild-caught Alaskan pollock, stating it has a “strong, dedicated fan base.” The sandwich will be available through Easter, April 5th. Bojangles is also offering its Bojangler Fish Sandwich, a panko-breaded Alaskan pollock filet seasoned with the chain’s signature seasoning and topped with American cheese and Duke’s tartar sauce.
Del Taco is taking a different approach, promoting Jumbo Shrimp Tacos and Burritos for a limited time, offering two tacos for $6. They are also selling a Beer Battered Fish Taco made with wild-caught Alaska pollock. Dairy Queen’s Wild Alaska Fish Sandwich, described as fried to golden perfection, has also returned to national menus. Whataburger is featuring its Whatacatch Sandwich, also made with wild-caught Alaskan pollock, served with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
Arby’s is offering two fish sandwiches for Lent: the King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich, featuring a crispy fish fillet with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a King’s Hawaiian roll, and a simpler Crispy Fish Sandwich.
The increased demand for seafood during Lent is significant for the industry. Mark Frisch, an executive vice president and co-owner of Beaver Street Fisheries, told Fox News Digital that Lent is “one of the most essential seasonal demand drivers of the year for seafood,” with sales typically rising about 10% during the 40-day period. However, this year’s demand is coinciding with higher seafood prices due to global supply pressures and increased operating costs, particularly for Atlantic cod, a popular choice for traditional Friday fish fries.
Even as broader inflation has cooled, seafood continues to face high energy, labor and refrigerated transportation costs, according to Frisch. International supply shifts and trade policy changes can also quickly impact fish prices.