Portillos Unveils Secret Menu for Loyalty Members
Portillo’s has launched a new secret menu that can only be accessed by members of its Portillo’s Perks loyalty program. The hidden offerings debut with two indulgent items, Chili Cheese Fries and a Triple Cheeseburger, available exclusively through in-store kiosks. Guests must sign up for Perks, then tap on “Pokey” within the kiosk to unlock the secret section, adding a playful “treasure hunt” element to the experience.
The Chili Cheese Fries take Portillo’s crinkle-cut fries and top them with creamy cheddar cheese sauce and hearty chili with beans, while the Triple Cheeseburger stacks three 1/3-pound char-broiled beef patties with layers of cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and ketchup on a toasted bun. These over-the-top additions are designed to appeal to loyal fans looking for something extra beyond the traditional menu.
By tying these exclusive items to its Perks program, Portillo’s strengthens customer engagement while creating buzz around hidden menu options. The company has hinted that more secret items will be revealed in the future, making loyalty membership the key to unlocking unique, limited-time indulgences.
Learn more here.
Fifth Third Bank Marks National Dog Day with $40K in Gifts to Pet Owners
On National Dog Day, Fifth Third Bank celebrated pet owners by gifting $40,000 in surprise donations across five U.S. cities. Around 750 pet owners visiting 37 local pet businesses, including veterinary clinics, groomers, and daycares, received $53 gift cards and pet care packages filled with toys and treats. The effort included partnerships with Pet Paradise locations in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tennessee, bringing cheer to communities while easing the rising costs of pet ownership.
The initiative is part of Fifth Third’s “Fifth Third Pets” program, now in its second year, which was designed to support pet owners as annual care expenses continue to climb. At its Cincinnati headquarters, the bank donated $5,300 to SPCA Cincinnati and partnered with the Cincinnati Open to fund pet adoptions through a “Pups & Players” event. Fifth Third also relaunched its lighthearted “Fur-nancial Pawdcast” on social media, featuring employee pets sharing tips that tie together financial wellness and furry companions.
To extend the celebration beyond in-person giveaways, the bank launched a sweepstakes running through September 30, giving Instagram users the chance to win one of 53 $53 gift cards and Fifth Third Pet Packs. With this campaign, Fifth Third continues to blend financial education, community giving, and a touch of fun, reinforcing its commitment to helping customers.
Learn more here.
Taco Bell Rewinds to the 2000s with Limited-Time Decades Y2K Menu
Taco Bell is bringing back early 2000s nostalgia with its limited-time Decades Y2K Menu, launching nationwide on September 9, 2025. The menu revives five fan-favorite items—Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos, Double Decker Taco, 7-Layer Burrito, Chili Cheese Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanada—all priced at $3 or less. Taco Bell Rewards members can get early access to the Caramel Apple Empanada from September 2 through 8, giving loyal customers a first taste of the retro offerings.
The brand is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Crunchwrap Supreme with a $9 Discovery Luxe Box, which includes the Crunchwrap, Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco, and more. Fans can embrace Y2K style through a limited-edition Ed Hardy merchandise collaboration, featuring a blinged-out hat, digital watch, and vintage-style tees. These items are being released in weekly “Tuesday Drops” from September 2 to 16, giving fans multiple chances to snag the throwback gear alongside their favorite menu items.
To top off the campaign, Taco Bell hosted an exclusive one-night Decades Y2K party in Los Angeles, headlined by Grammy-winning artist Lil Jon, where attendees sampled menu items and accessed early merch. The brand is also introducing Crunchkin, its first in-app pet companion, which evolves as users purchase Decades Y2K menu items. Crunchkin offers mini-games, bonus rewards, and sweepstakes entries for a chance to win the limited-edition merchandise, blending digital engagement with the nostalgic launch of the menu.
Learn more here.