"After removing potatoes as part of a pandemic-driven menu streamlining meant to speed drive-thru service, the brand reversed course and will bring potatoes back on March 11. The Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will return, and customers can again substitute potatoes for the filling in other items. Global chief food innovation officer Liz Matthews said the company expected some complaints but was surprised by the volume of feedback, and the announcement was accompanied by a promotional Twitter video that digitally imposed CEO Mark King’s features onto a potato. The company is also rolling out a collaboration with Beyond Meat to add more meatless options—primarily aimed at meat-eaters—while acknowledging that some products may be prepared on the same griddles as meat, and it continues to listen to customer backlash around items like the Mexican Pizza. For vegetarians and nightshade fans, the potato reinstatement felt like a small but meaningful win driven by public pressure." - Jaya Saxena