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Cooking Up Pots of Gold

McDonald's mint-flavored Shamrock Shakes have become a St. Patrick's Day tradition, inspiring other casual-dining and fast-food chains to follow suit with their own Irish-themed offerings. Which ones are striking it rich—and which are just chasing rainbows?

[Image: Flickr user Toby Oxborrow]

Fast Company Staff 02.10.14 6:00 AM

1. McDonald's

Shamrock Shake

Debuted: 1970
Price: $2.89 in most locations, the same as a large shake.
Success: A key part of McDonald's seasonal strategy, it remains less well known than its cousin the McRib.

2. Bruegger's Bagels

Green bagels

Debuted: 1997
Price:Varies by location; the same price as other bagels.
Success:Rival Einstein Bros. trade­marked a green bagel in 1998, but Bruegger's still sells its own version.

3. TGI Fridays

Irish 'Ritas

Debuted: 2010
Price: $6, the same as a Long Island Iced Tea.
Success: The seasonal cocktail helps TGI Fridays further capitalize on its preexisting popularity as a St. Paddy's Day spot.

4. Dunkin' Donuts

Mint Oreo doughnuts

Debuted: 2014
Price: 99¢ in most locations, the same as a regular doughnut.
Success: Its fate is uncertain as DD moves into West Coast markets and has to adjust for regional tastes.

A version of this article appeared in the March 2014 issue of Fast Company magazine.

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