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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

Big flavors power up menus at Papa Johns, Wingstop and Piada

 By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 24, 2023

Taco Bell brings back a winner; summer sipping at Wetzel’s and Haagen Dazs; Krispy Kreme and Smalls Sliders invite indulgence; and spicy shrimp comes to Salata.

Food

Summer specials roll out at Black Bear Diner, Firehouse Subs and Pokeworks

 By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 17, 2023

Taste Tracker: Sweet licks for Friendly’s, Dolly Llama and Rita’s; Firebirds spotlights chef’s features; sip and chill at PJ’s and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Tim Horton's, Applebee's and Starbucks refresh the menu with cool summer drinks

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 10, 2023

Taste Tracker: Brunch pops up at Cracker Barrel; salads star at El Pollo Loco and Newk’s; Shuckin’ Shack goes on a road trip; and Fazoli’s, Marble Slab and Zaxby’s celebrate dessert.

Food

Summer specials launch at Dunkin', Outback and Sonic ahead of July 4

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 26, 2023

Taste Tracker: BWW and Carl’s Jr. bring the heat; Smashburger and Huddle House spotlight sauces; drinks make news at Bahama Breeze and North Italia; and an Arby’s classic returns.

Food

At Culver's, Church's and Mooyah it's time for treats

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 19, 2023

Taste Tracker: Twists on classics at Taco Cabana and Taco John’s; Blank Street and Big Ass Coffee chill out; lighter lunch pairings for Anthony’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Summer menu activity accelerates at Jack in the Box, Sweetgreen and Noodles & Co.

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 12, 2023

Wendy’s brings back strawberries; Cicis does deep dish; lobster returns to Ninety Nine and Taco del Mar; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Unique flavors mash up the menu at Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster and First Watch

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 05, 2023

Velvet Taco does breakfast; McAlister’s debuts four LTOs; Taziki’s goes for heat; and summer refreshers roll out at Haagen-Dazs and Sonic.

Food

Taco Bell reloads Nacho Fries while Chili's and O'Charley's flip new burgers

By Patricia Cobe on May 30, 2023

Taste Tracker: Fresh spins on smoothies and shakes at The Habit Burger Grill, Smoothie King and Playa Bowls; Tim Horton’s revs up an energy drink; and salads and value meals headline menus.

Food

New sandwiches hit the menu at Panda Express, Jimmy John's and Zoup!

By Patricia Cobe on May 22, 2023

Taste Tracker: CPK sells salad dressings; Arby’s elevates a burger and fries; fan fave doughnuts return to Krispy Kreme; a giant pizza comes to Cici’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Fuzzy's get a jump on summer

By Patricia Cobe on May 15, 2023

White Castle and Krystal celebrate sliders; Schlotzsky’s spices up bread; Pepe’s and Mountain Mike’s riff on pizza; and more menu news of the week.

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