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Taste Tracker

Pat Cobe

Every week, Senior Menu Editor Pat Cobe takes a look at the latest new menu news from major chains and menu trends. The column features extensive work from RB Art Director Nico Heins on a visual presentation.

Food

Qdoba, Golden Chick and Buffalo's Cafe turn up the heat as temperatures rise

 By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 24, 2024

Taste Tracker: Krispy Kreme downsizes to dots; shrimp joins Just Salad’s line; Gong Cha, Rita’s, Jamba and The Human Bean serve up summer sips; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Things get crispy and crunchy at Moe's, White Castle and Burgerville

 By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 12, 2024

Taste Tracker: Noodles & Co. goes Alfredo-style; Father’s Day specials at Black Angus; Friendly’s releases SummerFest menu; Wayback and Culver’s build seasonal burgers; and fruit makes food and drink news this week.

Food

June kicks off with menu action at Sonic, Blaze Pizza and Panda Express

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: IHOP’s Pancake of the Month debuts; summer fruits sparkle at 7-Eleven, CPK and Hardee’s; BWW goes Hawaiian; and chicken gets downsized at Dave’s.

Food

Summer flavors sizzle at Smoothie King, Jamba and Golden Corral

By Patricia Cobe on May 22, 2024

Taste Tracker: Portillo’s and Malnati’s go deep; Starbird and Mendocino Farms showcase street corn; Cava taps guests for R&D while Dolly Parton collabs with Krispy Kreme; and it’s all about burgers on May 28.

Beverage

Taste Tracker: Starbucks, Tim Horton's and Whataburger refresh beverage menus

By Patricia Cobe on May 12, 2024

The heat is on at Cracker Barrel and Dog Haus; summer means shrimp at Modern Market; BJ’s takes flight with sangria; and more menu news of the week.

Food

LTOs at Cinnabon, &pizza and Ruby Slipper explode with flavor

By Patricia Cobe on May 06, 2024

Taste Tracker: Moms are in the spotlight at Maggiano’s, Polly’s Pies and Firebirds; Culver’s, Sonic and IHOP get fruity; Wayback and Togo’s enhance and revamp; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Qdoba, Bob Evans and Taco Bell ready their menus for May

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 29, 2024

Taste Tracker: Lucille’s Smokehouse cooks up BBQ feasts; baked falafel comes to Taziki’s; borracho beans return to Fuzzy’s; Panera celebrates Derby Day and Jimmy John’s has a gift for moms.

Food

Dave & Buster's, Bonefish Grill and Carrabba's expand into new menu territory

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 22, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bacon stars at Wayback and Black Bear Diner; Starbucks and Hooters kick up the heat; On the Border is ready for Cinco de Mayo; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Menus spring into action at Newk's, Fogo de Chao and True Food Kitchen

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 11, 2024

Taste Tracker: BWW adds a sauce to go; a snack and dip launches at Bojangles; strawberries top a sundae at Haagen-Dazs; and Potbelly kicks up the spice.

Food

Burger King, Sonic and Carvel thrill to the chill

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: Pickle power at &pizza and Wings Over; Portillo’s tosses up new salads; make way for stroganoff at Noodles; Jamba is all about acai; and IHOP’s April Pancake of the Month rolls out.

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