Food Franchises Offer Meatless Menu Options to Entice Customers During Lent

During the Lenten season, millions of Christians abstain from certain luxuries, such as food and drinks, to self-reflect and make small sacrifices for the 40 days leading up to Easter (March 31). Meat is a common food item to abstain from during this time, giving fast-food franchises the opportunity to reel in seafood lovers and foodies with meatless menu items including Fish sandwiches, tacos, bowls and more.

The following fast-food deals and limited-time offers are Lent-friendly. 

Lent 2024 Fast-Food Deals and Limited-Time Offers

Arby’s

Through April 8, Arby’s guests can score two of the franchise’s Crispy Fish Sandwiches for only $6: the Crispy Fish Sandwich and Fish ’N Cheddar Sandwich. The offer is valid in person at participating Arby’s locations, or customers may order via the fast-food franchise’s website and app for pickup or delivery. 

Bojangles

The Bojangles franchise o-fish-ally brought back its Bojangler Fish Sandwich. The fan-favorite menu item consists of an Alaskan pollock filet topped with a slice of American cheese and tartar sauce. The sandwich may be ordered in store or online for a limited time. 

Burger King

Through March 28, Burger King gets into the Lenten spirit with a great deal for Royal Perks members. They may purchase a second classic or fiery Big Fish for just $2 when they purchase one at full price online or through the app. 

Buona

The Buona franchise’s Lenten offering is its Pepper and Egg Sandwich, which will return to the brand’s menus through March 29. The sandwich, said to have been created by Italian immigrants in the Windy City during the late 19^th or early 20^th century, includes scrambled eggs and sautéed green peppers on Italian bread.

Erbert & Gerbert’s

Tuna lovers, rejoice! Erbert & Gerbert’s has got you covered with its Bornk Tuna Sandwich. Through Easter (March 31), customers can indulge in house-made tuna salad that contains onions, celery and mayonnaise, and is topped with tomatoes and lettuce. This limited-time offer ensures guests can go meatless every Friday during Lent.  

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken 

While the name Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken doesn’t come off as Lent-friendly, the brand’s Fish & Chips Combo suits the season. The meal, 6 ounces of fish, tartar sauce, potato wedges and a regular drink, stands in for Lee’s standard chicken options for customers who observe Lent.

Long John Silver’s 

While seafood is always on the menu at Long John Silver’s, the fast-food brand offers two great Lenten deals. The $6 Shrimp Baskets come in three options: Six-Piece Grilled Shrimp, Six-Piece Batter-Dipped Shrimp and Crispy Breaded Popcorn Shrimp. The food franchise’s $10 Shrimp Sea Shares (above) consist of the 15-Piece Grilled Shrimp, the 15-Piece Batter-Dipped Shrimp and a shareable serving of Crispy Breaded Popcorn Shrimp.

McDonald’s

The Filet-O-Fish is a McDonald’s staple, with sales spiking throughout Lent. The fan favorite is a safe pick for anyone looking to abstain from meat until Easter. 

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café also has added a tuna salad offering to its menu: the Big Tuna sandwich. Melted provolone, lettuce and tomato complement the tuna salad on the Big Tuna. 

Popeyes 

Popeyes is bringing back its Flounder Fish Sandwich and the Shrimp Tackle Box at participating locations. The Flounder Fish Sandwich, starting at $5.99, features a flounder filet marinated in herbs and spices, and accompanied by pickles and tartar sauce or Popeyes’ Spicy Spread served on a toasted brioche bun. With the Shrimp Tackle Box (above), diners enjoy eight butterfly shrimp, a regular side, a biscuit and tartar sauce for $5.99.

Shoney’s 

The Shoney’s franchise is looking to hook customers with its ENDLESS Seafood Fresh Food Bar during Lent. Available after 4 p.m. on Fridays through March 29,  the seafood bar offers fried shrimp, fried whitefish, clam chowder, gumbo, teriyaki salmon and more.

Taco John’s

Fish tacos, anyone? Taco John’s Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos are two for $7 for a limited time. 

WaBa Grill

Through March 31, fans of the Waba Grill rice bowl franchise can indulge in the new Grilled Salmon and Jumbo Shrimp Boom Boom Veggie Bowls. Veggie bowls the “Boom Boom Way” feature proteins, vegetables and Boom Boom sauce.

Wendy’s

Long famous for its beef burgers and chili, Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is available for a limited time at participating locations.