New York
CNN
—

Krusty Krab, the fictional fast-food restaurant in “SpongeBob SquarePants,” will never really exist, but at least the next best thing is: a Krabby Patty.

Wendy’s is releasing a special meal in honor of the 25th anniversary of the animated series ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’, including a ‘Krabby Patty Kollab’ cheeseburger and a ‘Pineapple Under the Sea’ Frosty flavoring in its US and Canadian restaurants for for a limited time starting October 8.

The Krabby Patty is the same as a regular cheeseburger, but with an extra slice of cheese and a “top secret” Krabby Kollab sauce, the chain announced Wednesday. The special Frosty is vanilla with a pineapple and mango flavored puree on top.

Tapping into consumer nostalgia by partnering with a cartoon that millennials love could boost sales. Burger King also announced this week that it is teaming up with MGM’s animated film franchise “The Addams Family” for a “Wednesday’s Whopper” featuring a purple-colored bun.

In a press release, Wendy’s said it only “makes sense for two of the most iconic squares in pop culture to collaborate,” a nod to the chain’s square burgers.

By using two foods that are largely already on the menu, employees can easily put together the specials. McDonald’s often releases meals for celebrities, where food is already on the menu, but with a special name, which helps them achieve financial success.

All the fast-food chains are competing for dollars from American diners who don’t eat out as often and spend less when they do, reducing fast-food sales and restaurant traffic.

As a result, companies have released value meals and special promotions to increase sales. Whether the strategy works will become clearer when earnings figures are announced in the coming weeks.