NEW YORK, Oct 9 — Wendy’s is pimping out its distinctly Canadian offering of poutine — fries, layered with cheese curds and hot gravy — with a distinctly American topping of barbecue pulled pork.

In line with the ongoing fast food trend for regional, local flavors, Wendy’s Canada has released a BBQ Pulled Pork Poutine made with hickory-smoked pulled pork, red onions, and sweet, smoky or spicy sauce.

The move also takes the fast food chain away from beef, an industry-wide trend that is seeing more meat alternatives on menus given that beef has become a costly commodity. 

During the menu launch in the US — which comes minus the cheesy poutine — the company pitched the sell as way of bringing the unique flavors of pulled pork to those who live outside the “barbecue belt” in the US.

In addition to piles of shredded pork on fries, Canadian consumers get an added layer of hot poutine sauce and melty cheese.

While pork has traditionally been off the table for fast food chains, notably for consumer dietary restraints, Wendy’s and likewise Subway are going against the wave, by trying to appeal directly to the pork-loving demographic — a diehard group.

Sandwich chain Subway launched an Applewood Pulled Pork sub covered with barbecue sauce, onions and pickles.

In addition to pork poutine, the North American pulled pork menu from Wendy’s includes sandwiches topped with coleslaw and, for meat lovers, hamburger patties topped with pulled pork. — AFP-Relaxnews