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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

Comfort foods warm the menu at Ninety Nine Restaurants, Habit Burger and Fazoli's

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 18, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bowls trend at Honeygrow and Zaxby’s; BJ's, Paris Baguette and Cinnaholic hit the sweet spot; Starbird goes Vietnamese while Shake Shack opts for Korean; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Panera, IHOP and Snooze introduce winter warmers

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 11, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bowls rule at Bojangles; Walk-Ons, Smalls Sliders and PJ’s Coffee kick off Mardi Gras; health is on the menu at Next Level Burger and Nekter Juice Bar; and more food and drink news of the week.

Food

New year, new chicken specials at KFC, Biscuitville and El Pollo Loco

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: Winter specials warm up Bonefish Grill; Dunkin’ and Salt & Straw chill out; MOD Pizza and Papa Johns tout new pies; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Cracker Barrel, Cowboy Chicken and Logan's Roadhouse send out holiday feasts

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 14, 2023

Taste Tracker: Ruby Slipper and Burgerville feed the morning crowd; drink it up at Mellow Mushroom and Sip Fresh; Insomnia and Pinkbox sweeten the day; and more menu news of the week.

Food

BJ's, Maggiano's and Firebirds go all in for the holidays

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 07, 2023

Taste Tracker: White Castle riffs on sliders; the Double Decker Taco returns to Taco Bell; shades of red at Modern Market; new global sauces for Quizno’s and Sweetfin; and Playa Bowls adds seasonal spirit to the menu.

Food

Red Lobster, Burgerville and CPK make a subtle nod to the holidays

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 30, 2023

Taste Tracker: Krispy Kreme rushes into Christmas; cocktails make a splash at Bonefish and Ted’s Montana Grill; comfort foods rule at Tender Greens; and wings take flight at Pei Wei.

Food

Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Maggiano's and more trot out Turkey Day specials

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 16, 2023

Taste Tracker: Restaurants bring it on for Thanksgiving, offering family meals and large feasts for carrying out or dining in.

Food

Chicken drives R&D at Black Bear Diner, Velvet Taco and Piada

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 02, 2023

Taste Tracker: Marco’s Pizza pushes portability; California Fish Grill and Slim Chickens innovate bowls; Thanksgiving flavors trend at Dog Haus and Baskin Robbins; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Popeyes, Cicis and Elevation Burger riff on flavor

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 26, 2023

Taste Tracker: Ruth’s Chris pairs up favorites; Newk’s menu gets meatier; bundles for football fans at Bar Louie; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Burger King, Sonic and Nekter scare up specials for Halloween

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 19, 2023

Taste Tracker: Black Tap does a spooky shake; Wayback gets ghoulish with burgers; Jack-O-Lanterns glow at Paris Baguette and Papa Murphy’s; and lots more frightening menu news.

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