menu trends

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 22, 2021

A dip that originated in the Middle East has gone mainstream on fast-casual and school-lunch menus. Now new variations are coming out of those roots.

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Barbecue concepts are bearing the brunt of high brisket prices

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 13, 2021

Beef supply challenges and high demand have pushed brisket prices up to levels not seen before, forcing some operators to re-strategize.

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Mendocino Farms carves out a new menu category with the launch of grain bowls

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 08, 2021

Three globally flavored bowls join the fast casual’s salad and sandwich lineup, all boasting the “Mendo twist” and primed to build dinner business.

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Fall menus play up plants and Halloween tie-ins

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 05, 2021

Plant-based dishes, cocktails, mac and cheese and hearty hot sandwiches are all trending, while several operators scare up spooky LTOs for Halloween.

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Pumpkin retains its top seasonal spot, but other fall flavors are on the rise

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 28, 2021

Chick-fil-A does an autumn milkshake; broccoli stars at Sonic; Condado Tacos turns to pears; and Tim Horton’s and Snooze A.M. Eatery stick with pumpkin.

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QSRs raise the bar on breakfast to compete for morning customers

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 22, 2021

Consumers are once again eating breakfast away from home, and quick-service concepts are vying for their business with upgraded menus.

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Bowls and sandwiches continue to dominate menus

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 21, 2021

Mendocino Farms and Rush Bowls launch new items; chicken sandwiches keep on coming at Jollibee and Jack in the Box; Panera layers carbs on carbs; and comfort foods take on fall flavors.

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