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Behind the Menu

Food

Panda Express elevates surf 'n turf with flavor and texture twists

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 30, 2025

Behind the Menu: Crispy Sesame Shrimp and Beef, the American Chinese fast casual’s latest limited-time wok drop, features two proteins tossed in an aromatic Sichuan sauce.

Food

NYC's 137-year-old Katz's Delicatessen gives its chili a modern makeover

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 14, 2025

Behind the Menu: A new foodservice product called Saturday Sauce infuses the chili with Middle Eastern flavors, easing labor and execution for the 300-seat restaurant.

Food

Chili's new Southwestern Queso took 2 years to perfect

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 08, 2025

Behind the Menu: The casual-dining chain famous for its cheese pulls is expanding its cheese cred into another format with a more widely appealing queso.

Food

Papa Johns new pizza format dips into a top trend

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 02, 2025

Behind the Menu: The chain just launched the Papa Dippa, a pizza cut into strips for easy dunking into four dipping sauces, all packed together in a specially designed box.

Food

McAlister's Deli loads potatoes with bold toppings to keep spud fans coming back

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 24, 2025

Behind the Menu: Giant Spuds have been a center-of-the-plate signature at the fast casual for over 30 years, with 22 toppings on the menu to choose from and new limited-time offers to explore.

Food

Pizza Hut's Crafted Flatzz started as a value offering but evolved into a canvas for innovation

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 16, 2025

Behind the Menu: A back-of-house hack in the pizza chain’s kitchens prompted the development of the portable, personal pies. Six months later, five variations launched, all with elevated toppings.

Food

Cava's new Chicken Shawarma is a modern take on an Eastern Mediterranean staple

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 08, 2025

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s newest protein is rooted in the region known as the Levant, where bold spices and spit roasting flavor the cuisine.

Food

A groundswell of demand lands a smash burger on Hopdoddy's permanent menu

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 03, 2025

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s Wagyu Smash went through several iterations before the team was satisfied it could be a premium take on the crispy-edged classic.

Food

New Shaq Snacks and sandwiches bring Big Chicken back to its roots

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 27, 2025

Behind the Menu: When Shaquille O’Neal’s fast casual joined Craveworthy Brands in March, the time was right to start refreshing the menu and return its big, bold personality.

Food

Schlotzsky's gets a head start on fall with new sandwich and salad

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 21, 2025

Behind the Menu: The fast casual always aims to elevate these menu staples with surprising textures and flavors—into something a customer can’t make at home.

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