Continue to Site >>>

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

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.

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.

  • Page 2