Franchisors Celebrate the Summer Fruit with Watermelon-Based Foods and Drinks
Why do we celebrate National Watermelon Day? The answer to this question is simple: Why not? The juicy, refreshing fruit is truly a fan-favorite and summer classic. Watermelon’s history goes back 5,000 years to southern Africa where the fruit’s drought-tolerant ancestor thrived, according to the University of Missouri. These wild melons had a bitter tasting flesh but were prized for their ability to store water.
Watermelon then found its way to Egypt where seeds and paintings of the fruit have been discovered in tombs more than 4,000 years old. Some tomb paintings depict an oval-shaped watermelon, indicating that plant breeders were working to improve the fruit.
Today, watermelon is valued not only as a refreshing popular summertime treat, but also for its healthful benefits including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Surveys show 46% of U.S. consumers have purchased watermelon in the last year, and food franchises have capitalized on the popularity of the fan-favorite fruit, releasing watermelon-infused items every summer. Celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3 with the special products below.
National Watermelon Day 2024: Franchise Menu Items and Seasonal Products
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ fans can beat the heat on National Watermelon Day with the new Kiwi Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher available with a green tea or lemonade base. Another tasty option is the new Watermelon Burst Donut filled with watermelon-flavored jelly.
Jamba
Customers can celebrate National Watermelon Day at Jamba with one of the juice franchise’s three watermelon-flavored drinks including two new flavors, Watermelon Tajin and Watermelon Lemonade, and the return of a favorite classic, Watermelon Breeze. Each smoothie features watermelon-flavored grape juice and raspberry sherbet. Watermelon Tajin adds Tajin hot sauce, while Watermelon Lemonade adds the citrusy summertime favorite. The original Watermelon Breeze is available with an oat milk frozen dessert instead of sherbet for a dairy-free option.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is offering Tropical Splash Lemonade through Aug. 27. The fruity energy drink combines watermelon and coconut flavors with Red Bull for an extra boost.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café features a new watermelon spinach salad through Sept. 8. The craveable salad comes with watermelon, basil, roasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese on a bed of spinach.
Tender Greens
Tender Greens’ watermelon agua fresca is a great way to keep guests hydrated this National Watermelon Day. The watermelon-flavored drink is available through Oct. 23.
