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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

Portillo's, Dunkin' and Paris Baguette fall for dessert

 By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 28, 2024

Taste Tracker: Sonic launches queso; new plays on pizza at CPK, Twin Peaks and Donatos; wing sauces take off at Bojangles, Wingstop and Whataburger; and pumpkin drinks keep on coming.

Food

Krispy Kreme, Peet's, Jimmy John's and Snooze catch pumpkin fever

 By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 19, 2024

Taste Tracker: Chicken sandwiches rule at Arby’s and Chick-fil-A; Cinnabon gets the blues; lasagna for breakfast at Wild Eggs and Bob Evans is ready for fall.

Food

New ingredients freshen menus at El Pollo Loco, Cracker Barrel and Mendocino Farms

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 12, 2024

Taste Tracker: Dog Haus does a double-decker burger; P.F. Chang’s goes back to school; summery ice creams at Haagen-Dazs and Friendly’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Late-summer menu rollouts at Burgerville, Honeygrow and Fazoli's

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 05, 2024

Taste Tracker: IHOP doubles up on pancake deals; pumpkin comes early to Smoothie King and Carvel; it’s pickle time at Walk-Ons; Tocaya tries tortas; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Burgers sizzle at Sonic, Carl's Jr. and Farmer Boys

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 29, 2024

Taste Tracker: Wendy’s renames a breakfast sandwich; Panera and Panda Express spice up chicken; wraps make waves at Jimmy John’s, El Pollo Loco and Del Taco; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Subway, Hardee's and Bonchon send out new sandwiches

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 17, 2024

Taste Tracker: It’s a sweet summer for Chip City, Scooter’s and Rita’s; 7 Brew, Bigbby’s, Dunkin’ and PJ’s target the thirsty; Zaxby's does tacos; and Biscuitville goes all in on Spam.

Food

Summertime menu action peaks at Sonic, &pizza and Newk's

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: Beverages make a splash at Juice It Up, Sip Fresh and Snooze; sandwiches soar at Denny’s, Shipley Donuts and Togo’s; Dave’s Hot Chicken and Burgerville shake it up; and more menu moves of the week.

Food

Summer menu launches continue at Carrabba's, Logan's Roadhouse and Eggs Up Grill

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 01, 2024

Taste Tracker: Popeyes goes all in on boneless; World Burger Tour comes to Hard Rock; Taco Cabana hosts street food fest; Starbucks energizes its beverage lineup; and more menu news of the week.

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.

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