This past Wednesday, March 5, was Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer observed ahead of Easter.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 18) are days of fasting, during which Catholics abstain from eating meat during the day's one full meal, according to the website of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis. During the day, they can eat two smaller meals, which combined do not equal a full meal ? but should not eat at other times of those days.
Most Catholics also give up something else they enjoy regularly, as part of the church's practice of abstaining from luxuries during Lent, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Catholics are also asked not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent, but can eat seafood. So many restaurants have deals or special menu items during Lent. Here's a roundup of offers; remember check with local businesses for deals, too.
Arby's Surf & Turf Deal
For a limited time, Arby's has a Surf & Turf sandwich deal. Customers can mix and match two sandwiches for $6.99; choices included a Crispy Fish sandwich and a Fish N' Cheddar sandwich, both made with an Alaskan Pollock filet, and the restaurant chain's classic Beef ‘N Cheddar sandwich.
Arby's near me in Bucks County
245 E Street Rd, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053. 215-942-7788
Burger King's Big Firey Fish Sandwich
Beginning Ash Wednesday, Burger King has brought back its Big Firey Fish Sandwich to the menu, available through April 20. The sandwich is made with a breaded white Alaskan Pollock filet with spicy glaze topped with sweet tartar sauce, lettuce, and crunchy pickles on a brioche bun. Members of the Royal Perks loyalty program can get one for $2 with the purchase of one at regular price.
Burger Kings near me in Bucks County, Montco
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Lent deals
Popeyes brought back two limited-time specials for the Lent season:
Popeye's near me in Bucks County, Montco
Qdoba's Citrus Lime Shrimp special for Lent
Available for a limited time nationwide at the Mexican food chain is Citrus Lime Shrimp, a serving of shrimp saute?ed in a zesty citrus-garlic sauce (available for order in stores and the Qdoba app).
Qdoba's near me in Bucks County, Montco
Red Lobster's Lobsterfest returns
The restaurant chain's Lobsterfest, which kicked off Feb. 11, runs through Sunday, April 20. Among the 10 dishes are Rock Lobster Tail and new entre?es including Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, Lobster Mac & Cheese and these other new menu items:
Red Lobster's near me in Bucks County, Montco
Sonic's menu adds Fish Sandwich for Lent
Available through April 17: Sonic’s Fish Sandwich, a wild caught Alaska pollock filet served with tartar sauce, chopped lettuce and crinkle-cut pickles on a brioche bun.
Sonic near me in Montco
2405 Easton Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090. 215-259-6171
Subway: $6.99 footlong deal
Subway has a limited time $6.99 footlong deal for orders through the Subway app and website (1 per customer; use code 699FL). Lent options include the Tuna Sandwich and Veggie Delite.
Subway near me in Bucks County, Montco
(This story was updated with new information.)
Tom Haines of phillyburbs.com contributed to this story.