In today’s highly competitive market, fast food chains, pizza chains, and casual dining establishments are forced to constantly innovate in order to maintain their edge. When we talk about “innovation” in the food service industry, it often means going beyond the traditional staples on the menu. Simply offering the same hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and fish sandwiches is no longer enough for iconic brands like McDonald’s or even pizza giants like Domino’s.
The need to introduce new items regularly, including exclusive limited-time offers, has become essential to spark excitement, generate buzz, and create a sense of urgency among customers.
The strategy of offering new, often limited-time, menu items helps restaurants stay relevant in a crowded market while appealing to both loyal patrons and curious newcomers. A prime example of this can be seen in Taco Bell’s decision last year to introduce a new item far from their usual Tex-Mex offering—chicken nuggets.
Though it wasn’t a traditional Taco Bell dish and wasn’t even wrapped in a tortilla, the company’s attempt to test the waters with a crowd-pleasing item like chicken nuggets paid off, thanks to its Tex-Mex dipping sauces that gave it a twist in line with the brand’s signature flavors.
Following Taco Bell’s playbook of introducing non-traditional items, Domino’s Pizza has recently made a bold move to innovate beyond pizza, unveiling two new variations of a dish that’s beloved across America: mac and cheese. For the first time, Domino’s is introducing a creamy, cheesy delight that steps away from their pizza expertise, expanding their offerings to cater to pasta lovers who crave comfort food.
The New Mac and Cheese Varieties at Domino’s
Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential American comfort dish typically made with elbow macaroni and a melty cheese sauce, most commonly using Cheddar. However, Domino’s has taken a more indulgent approach, creating two new mac and cheese dishes that use five different types of cheese.
One of the new options, called 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese, features penne pasta rather than the traditional elbow macaroni. The pasta is tossed in a rich combination of cheeses, including Cheddar, American, Parmesan-Asiago, mozzarella, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, and then baked to perfection until the mixture is bubbly and creamy. The dish provides layers of cheesy flavor with every bite, thanks to the variety of cheeses.
For customers seeking a little heat with their comfort food, Domino’s offers another variation: Buffalo 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese. This version includes the same cheesy pasta base, but it is topped with a drizzle of spicy hot Buffalo sauce, which adds a zesty kick to the creamy richness of the dish.
Customers can customize both mac and cheese versions by adding jalapeños or crispy bacon for just $0.99 per topping. This flexibility allows diners to elevate their meal with a bit of spice or savory goodness.
Domino’s Expanding Its Menu to Cater to New Tastes
Domino’s expansion into the world of pasta is no accident. “Domino’s is continuing to innovate with intent and expand our menu with additions that cater to what our customers want,” said Kate Trumbull, senior vice president and chief brand officer of Domino’s.
According to her, the new mac and cheese dishes are designed to appeal to a wide range of diners. Whether customers are enjoying the mac and cheese as a meal or sharing it with friends and family, the aim is to provide a comforting dish that can satisfy any craving.
With autumn around the corner, Trumbull also highlighted the seasonality of the new offering: “There is nothing quite like the comfort that Domino’s Mac & Cheese provides, so grab a warm blanket, curl up, and savor every warm bite of cheesy deliciousness.” The new additions are a direct response to customer demand for hearty, comforting dishes that offer a change from the usual pizza experience.
Affordable and Accessible Through Domino’s Deals
In true Domino’s fashion, the company is offering a way for customers to try their new 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese without breaking the bank. The dish is available for just $6.99 when ordered as part of the Mix & Match Deal, where customers can choose any two or more items from the menu for the same price. This deal is only available for a limited time, making it even more appealing for those looking to sample the new pasta options.
Additionally, members of the Domino’s Rewards program have the chance to get even more value from the promotion. By exchanging sixty rewards points, members can receive a free order of mac and cheese, further incentivizing regular customers to try the new offering.
Beyond Pizza: A New Domino’s Experience
Domino’s continued push to introduce non-pizza items means customers may start to see a very different selection in their delivery bags. Instead of the usual pizza boxes, they could be greeted with trays of mac and cheese, chicken wings, and loaded tots. This variety creates a more complete meal experience and allows Domino’s to reach new customers who may not have been inclined to order pizza but are drawn to the pasta or sides.
The introduction of these new mac and cheese dishes is just another example of how Domino’s is evolving to keep up with trends while ensuring that its menu appeals to a broader audience. By balancing innovation with comfort, Domino’s is showing that even a pizza chain can redefine what fast casual dining looks like.