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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

Just Salad, Abuelo's and Perkins freshen up the menu

 By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 28, 2024

Taste Tracker: Taco Bell goes all in on chicken; Culver’s gets a bacon upgrade; shrimp comes to Zaxby’s; and pastels trend at Krispy Kreme and Baskin-Robbins.

Food

Popeyes, Smashburger and Nekter sprinkle the menu with some spice

 By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 24, 2024

Taste Tracker: Island flavors make waves at First Watch; Wendy’s and Rita’s get fruity; it’s all about lavender for Caribou Coffee; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Little Caesars, O'Charley's and Wayback move into new menu territory

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 14, 2024

Taste Tracker: Carrabba’s and Friendly’s lighten up for Spring; bowls bloom at Honeygrow and Jinya; Potbelly bakes a new cookie; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Lazy Dog, Piada and Greene Turtle catch spring fever

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 07, 2024

Taste Tracker: Starbucks flavors the menu with lavender; McAlister’s Deli, Dog Haus and Applebee’s honor St. Pat; Easter blooms at Tim Horton’s; and Black Tap goes British.

Food

March comes in like a lion at BWW, Baskin-Robbins and IHOP

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 29, 2024

Taste Tracker: Spring blooms for Ruby Slipper and Cracker Barrel; it’s cereal all day at Scooter’s and Salt & Straw; Burgerville goes for waffles; and El Pollo Loco doubles up on tostadas.

Food

Mid-season menu deals at Fogo de Chao, O'Charley's and Perkins

Feb. 22, 2024

Taste Tracker: Golden Corral, Whataburger, White Castle and Krystal reel in seafood; jackfruit becomes permanent at Smashburger; bowls boom at Taco Cabana and WaBa Grill; and Twin Peaks crafts new cocktails.

Food

Culver's, Pancheros and Tijuana Flats make a splash with seafood

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 15, 2024

Taste Tracker: Get bowled over at Jamba; hot honey returns to Wingstop; Moe’s fires up birria; and Bob Evans expands winter menu.

Food

CPK, Pieology and Donatos riff on pizza

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 08, 2024

Taste Tracker: Cocktail creativity at Firebirds and BJ’s; Starbucks and Dutch Bros go for the pink; Valentine sweets at MOD Pizza, Tous les Jours and Yogurtland; and still time for Super Bowl at Sugarfire.

Food

Sweetheart deals at IHOP, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin'

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 01, 2024

Taste Tracker: Sonic and Bad Daddy’s choose pork; things get cheesier at Noodles; BurgerFi adds a movie-inspired burger; and menus get dressed in hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Food

Auntie Anne's, Hardee's and Cinnabon stir up some menu fun

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 25, 2024

Taste Tracker: Blaze Pizza adds meatballs; Mendocino Farms and Carvel dig plants; brisket is back at Taco Cabana; and Tropical Smoothie Café brings a taste of the tropics.

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