Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is leaning into April Fool’s Day with a menu item that sounds made up but is very real. The casual dining chain has introduced the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie, a one-day-only dessert available April 1 for $4.01.

BJ’s Unveils Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie in One-Day-Only April Fool’s Day Offer

The limited-time item remixes two of BJ’s best-known menu identities: its deep-dish pizza flavors and its signature Pizookie dessert. The Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie starts with a warm Chocolate Chunk Pizookie base and is topped with Rich Vanilla Bean ice cream, crispy cup-and-char pepperoni, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.

According to the company, the idea builds on previous playful Pizookie launches, including the Pizickle Pizookie in 2024 and the Fryckle Pizookie in 2025. This year’s version pushes the concept further by combining sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into a single dessert designed to surprise guests.

“We’ve always believed that great ideas can come from unexpected places,” said Heidi Rogers, chief marketing officer at BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., in the announcement. She described the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie as a creative and intentional twist that made April Fool’s Day the right moment for the launch.

The dessert will be available for dine-in only on April 1. BJ’s says the item includes two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and is finished with the same hot honey flavor profile that has appeared in its seasonal pizza offerings.

The promotion gives BJ’s a timely way to turn novelty into foot traffic, especially around a date when brands often compete for attention with joke announcements. In this case, BJ’s is using the holiday to offer something guests can actually order.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1978, operates more than 200 restaurants across 31 states. The brand is known for its deep-dish pizzas, broad casual dining menu, and its long-running Pizookie dessert line.

Guests looking to try the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie will need to act quickly. The item is only available on April 1, making it one of the brand’s shortest limited-time offers of the year.

For more information, visit bjsrestaurants.com.

Hungry for what’s next? STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section dishes up the latest in restaurant news, beverage trends, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and food culture stories readers love to share.

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(Feature Impact) As the weather breaks and spring brings increased opportunities for families to get outside, activities, adventures and jam-packed calendars abound. All those special moments spent at the park, the sports field or in the backyard may leave lasting memories, but they can also leave you feeling short on time in the kitchen.

Bring a little moment of happiness to busy family mealtimes during the spring season with The Little Potato Company’s line of easy-to-prepare Little Potatoes. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more family time around the table as the days get longer – no extra spring cleaning required. For an added helping of convenience, their Microwave Ready Little Potato Kits come with delicious seasoning packs; simply pop into the microwave, sprinkle on the included seasoning and enjoy.

For a fun after-school or game-night snack, these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of delicious dips. The air fryer cooks the potatoes in minutes, creating a crispy snack with minimal prep – no chopping or peeling needed.

Or you can make a delicious side dish a cinch with pesto, which adds a bright, flavorful twist to a classic in these Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes. They pair perfectly with everyday family meals using Little Potatoes that require no chopping or peeling thanks to their naturally thin skins, helping cut down on prep time while bringing fresh flavor to the dinner table.

To help fuel families’ spring vacation plans and everyday meals, The Little Potato Company is giving you a chance to enter a sweepstakes through May 25 to win a $10,000 travel voucher with additional prizes including 10 grocery gift cards valued at $1,000.

Enter the sweepstakes at TheLittleSpringtimeSweeptakes.com, and find more ways to make spring meals a breeze by visiting LittlePotatoes.com.

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets and Dip

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 24 minutes

Servings: 4

Potatoes:

• 1          cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  
• 1          cup milk
  
• 1 1/2    cups panko breadcrumbs
  
• 1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes

Chimichurri:

• 1          bunch cilantro
  
• 1          bunch parsley
  
• 3          limes, juice only
  
• 2          tablespoons honey
  
• 2          teaspoons salt
  
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  
• 1          teaspoon chili flakes
  
• 1          cup canola oil

1. Heat air fryer to 390 F.
2. To make potatoes: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Place panko in a separate shallow bowl.
4. Working in batches, coat potatoes in batter then toss in panko until fully coated.
5. Place potatoes in the air fryer and cook 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. To make chimichurri: In a blender, blend cilantro, parsley, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chili flakes and canola oil until smooth.
7. Serve potato nuggets with chimichurri.

Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2    pounds Little Potatoes
  
•             water
  
• 1          teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning, to taste, divided
  
• 2 1/2    cups fresh basil
  
• 4          cloves garlic
  
• 1/3       cup pine nuts
  
• 1/2       cup Parmesan, grated
  
• 2/3       cup olive oil
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• 1/2       cup milk
  
• 2          tablespoons butter

1. Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
2. In a food processor, place basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan. Add oil and pulse until mixed then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming.
4. Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
5. Using a potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in pesto mixture.

SOURCE:

Little Potato Company

STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section highlights the stories, trends, flavors, and events shaping today’s food culture. From recipes to restaurant news, it keeps readers connected to what’s fresh and worth tasting.

Go Green with a Fresh Spring Salad

(Feature Impact) While most people think of dirty kitchens, cramped closets and grimy garages when they hear “spring cleaning,” the popular phrase can apply to your menu, too. Refresh your family’s regular dining routines with fresh ingredients that call to mind the flavors of the season.

When it’s time to put the slow cooker away, consider this Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella. Paired with an easy homemade lemon vinaigrette, it’s a delicious way to swap out heavier meals for a lighter lunch.

To find more springtime solutions, visit Culinary.net.

Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella

Recipe adapted from Organic Authority

Servings: 4

• 4          cups baby arugula or spring mix
  
• 1/2       cup cubed mozzarella cheese
  
• 1          tablespoon lemon zest
  
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  
•             sea salt, to taste
  
•             freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
•             halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

1. In large mixing bowl, combine arugula or spring mix, mozzarella and lemon zest; set aside.
2. In small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice vigorously with fork until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Pour vinaigrette over greens; toss gently to coat. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.