menus

With its accessible and affordable array of international products, Trader Joe’s opens consumers’ palates to unfamiliar cuisines. But it can work both ways, say operators—restaurants also provide taste experiences that benefit retail sales.

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.