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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

Lazy Dog, Piada and Greene Turtle catch spring fever

 By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 07, 2024

Taste Tracker: Starbucks flavors the menu with lavender; McAlister’s Deli, Dog Haus and Applebee’s honor St. Pat; Easter blooms at Tim Horton’s; and Black Tap goes British.

Food

March comes in like a lion at BWW, Baskin-Robbins and IHOP

 By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 29, 2024

Taste Tracker: Spring blooms for Ruby Slipper and Cracker Barrel; it’s cereal all day at Scooter’s and Salt & Straw; Burgerville goes for waffles; and El Pollo Loco doubles up on tostadas.

Food

Mid-season menu deals at Fogo de Chao, O'Charley's and Perkins

Feb. 22, 2024

Taste Tracker: Golden Corral, Whataburger, White Castle and Krystal reel in seafood; jackfruit becomes permanent at Smashburger; bowls boom at Taco Cabana and WaBa Grill; and Twin Peaks crafts new cocktails.

Food

Culver's, Pancheros and Tijuana Flats make a splash with seafood

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 15, 2024

Taste Tracker: Get bowled over at Jamba; hot honey returns to Wingstop; Moe’s fires up birria; and Bob Evans expands winter menu.

Food

CPK, Pieology and Donatos riff on pizza

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 08, 2024

Taste Tracker: Cocktail creativity at Firebirds and BJ’s; Starbucks and Dutch Bros go for the pink; Valentine sweets at MOD Pizza, Tous les Jours and Yogurtland; and still time for Super Bowl at Sugarfire.

Food

Sweetheart deals at IHOP, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin'

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 01, 2024

Taste Tracker: Sonic and Bad Daddy’s choose pork; things get cheesier at Noodles; BurgerFi adds a movie-inspired burger; and menus get dressed in hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Food

Auntie Anne's, Hardee's and Cinnabon stir up some menu fun

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 25, 2024

Taste Tracker: Blaze Pizza adds meatballs; Mendocino Farms and Carvel dig plants; brisket is back at Taco Cabana; and Tropical Smoothie Café brings a taste of the tropics.

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.

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