Two Kentucky-based brands are teaming up on a new finger-lickin’ good summertime collection of sunglasses. Shady Rays unveiled the new co-branded release of the “Kentucky Fried Chicken Collection.” It’s the second time the two brands have collaborated on a sunglass collection. The newest line features three pairs of shades that capture the spirit of KFC, with subtle nods to the famous red and white stripes and a custom lens etching featuring Colonel Sanders. The limited-edition collection is availble now in-store and online at ShadyRays.com and the KFC Shop.

On July 9, Taco Bell announced the opening of “The Cantinas,” an “early retirement community” the brand promises will be a particularly unique weekend getaway. Taco Bell says its latest experience, which will be located in San Diego, California, will highlight the leisurely lifestyle of septuagenarians, octogenarians and other folks of retirement age, without requiring an AARP card to do so. People of all ages are welcome. The Cantinas will be opening its doors from Aug. 17 — 18, inviting guests to indulge in sunny relaxation in the form of early morning tee times, afternoon aerobics, pickleball matches and, of course, plenty of Taco Bell, in what the brand says is a “community oasis that celebrates the diverse art of living más.”

Those eager to score a Weekend Membership or Day Pass to The Cantinas can stay up-to-date on booking, community and itinerary announcements at TheCantinas.net or through the Taco Bell rewards program.

KFC is celebrating National Fried Chicken Day in style — specifically, Kentucky Fried Chicken Style. KFC is launching a new Finger Lickin’ Good collection today in partnership with the clothing company BoxLunch to ensure fans have the perfect ’fit to celebrate chicken’s big day. The clothing line includes a little something for everyone, including a bucket crossbody bag, fanny pack, color-blocked windbreaker, and yes, a reversible chicken bucket hat that kind of makes it look like you’ve dumped a bucket of the fried stuff on top of your head. It’s an ensemble guaranteed to turn at least a few heads or at least one that will convince someone you’ve maybe found a new summer job.

Taco Bell announced a new $7 Luxe Cravings Box, which includes full-sized portions of fan-favorite menu items.

“With the launch of the $7 Luxe Cravings Box, we’re giving consumers our most craveable items at an affordable price point and living up to our commitment on value to satisfy cravings with fan favorite full-sized menu items,” Taylor Montgomery, the chief marketing officer at Taco Bell North America, shared in a statement. “Our Cravings Value Menu is one of the leading value menus within the industry, offering 10 items at under $3, because we believe consumers shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and abundance.”

The Luxe Cravings Box includes a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, and Double Stacked Taco. But there’s more. The box also includes chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink on the side. As Taco Bell explains, the box is a 55% discount off suggested menu prices if you were to purchase each item a-la-carte.

KFC is testing new frozen beverages in partnership with ICEE in 22 locations throughout Central Kentucky, including Lexington. They include Mtn Dew Sweet Lightning, blackberry lemonade, and blue raspberry flavors, the former two of which are only available at KFC. Frozen Mtn Dew Sweet Lightning blends the sweet peach and honey flavors, while frozen blackberry lemonade combines citrusy lemon with tangy blackberries.

KFC has also updated its menu to reflect new beverage additions for the season, including a Tropical Passionfruit Lemonade, a Tropical Passionfruit Sweet Lightning, Tropical Passionfruit Starry, and Tropical Passionfruit Sweet Tea, which can be ordered with the Colonel’s sweetened or unsweetened tea. All are listed for $2.49.

KFC is also testing chicken quesadillas in select restaurants in New York, New Jersey, and Tennessee. The KFC Chicken Quesadilla includes chicken shredded in-house and topped with gravy, and a three-cheese blend. It is toasted and served with a dipping sauce or hot sauce. KFC has been busy churning out new menu innovations for the past several quarters now, targeting new and younger consumers with more portable boneless chicken offerings.

Much of the Taco Bell menu buzz right now is about its Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme, but the recent beverage innovations are certainly newsworthy as well. Taco Bell just launched a Limonada Freeze lineup, featuring lemonade and strawberry lemonade flavors, as well as a vanilla creme Limonada Freeze, featuring lemonade swirled with vanilla crème. The lineup is available nationwide for $3.29 for a regular, 3.49 for a large (20 ounce), and $1 for a 16 ounce during Happier Hour.

KFC is releasing a limited-edition BBQ perfume that will leave you and the people around you “tipsy with hunger.” It’s called “No. 11 Eau de BBQ,” and it promises a “classic BBQ experience” in every bottle.  It has a smoky wood smell, with “charcoal notes.” But don’t get too excited about it, you should know that it’s just going to Europe for now.  It’s unclear why, maybe they think Europeans are fancy enough to appreciate a fragrance as fine as this.

KFC is going all out with a Mother’s Day menu that comes from one famous mom: Chrissy Teigen. The mom of four partnered with KFC to curate the chain’s “real-talk” Mother’s Day menu, available May 6 through May 12. And for Teigen, the partnership is a natural fit.  “I’ve been obsessed with KFC forever, so I’m basically drooling in anticipation of my husband ordering a KFC Mother’s Day feast,” she said in a statement. “As much as I love cooking, I’m all about doing as little as humanly possible on Mother’s Day, so KFC’s Mother’s Day meals really match my vibe for the day.” The limited-run meals on the digital menu all have cheeky new names in honor of moms. For starters, “Taste of Time-off Meal” includes four pieces of fried chicken, two sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, and two biscuits. The Mom Appreciation Meal is heftier with eight extra crispy fried chicken tenders, any two large sides, four biscuits and four dipping sauces. For the moms who want a relaxing day, KFC is offering the Eight Piece and Quiet Meal, which consists of either original recipe chicken or extra crispy, two large sides and four biscuits. Rounding out the silly-sweet menu is the Dad’s In Charge of Dinner Meal, which includes a 12-piece fried chicken bucket meal, three large sides and six biscuits.

The scholarship application process can be rigorous, but the Taco Bell Foundation is doing away with the typical requirements. All of them. The Foundation recently announced it is awarding up to $7 million in Live Más Scholarships to 1,000 passion-driven students without their grades, an essay or test scores having to be considered. Most scholarship applications require some form of an essay submission, which on average can take 2-5 hours to complete. The Taco Bell Foundation’s opportunity is open to students aged 16-26 nationwide, and only require them to highlight their passion and educational aspirations through a two-minute video. The scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000 per recipient.

“The Live Más Scholarship cultivates a passionate community of diverse individuals united by their shared commitment to breaking down barriers for the causes they believe in,” said Jennifer Bradbury, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation in a news release. “The unwavering passion exhibited by these students never ceases to amaze us. We provide them with pathways to access new opportunities and resources, empowering them to create the change they envision.”