menu trends

Plants keep growing on menus in sandwiches, salads and more

Taste Tracker: Nathan’s and Buona go meatless; spring salads from Cava, Mod Pizza and more; Silver Diner adds a dozen seasonal specials; and tacos trend for Cinco de Mayo.

Food

Nathan’s Famous opts for thighs in two new chicken sandwiches

The chain’s Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and Sticky, Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich feature dark meat instead of the more popular breast.

Food

IHOP’s new Bacon Obsession menu feeds fans’ cravings from breakfast through dessert

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 13, 2021

Family-dining chain IHOP debuts an upgraded bacon comparable to a steakhouse item. The new steakhouse premium bacon is showcased in several new items on IHOP's Bacon Obsession menu.

Food

Chicken sandwiches take on the world

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 09, 2021

Chains in international locations are offering riffs on the trendy fried chicken sandwich.

Food

New menu items boast pumped-up flavors and ingredients

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 29, 2021

Taste tracker: Del Taco is sweet on chipotle; steak and shrimp partner up at Panda Express; new spins on pizza at Pizza Inn, Round Table and Cosi; and a no-joke cocktail for April Fool’s Day.

Food

Why chains choose breasts over thighs for fried chicken sandwiches

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 17, 2021

White meat is the star in trendy fried chicken sandwiches. Why not use more flavorful dark meat? The answer is complicated by the size of today’s chickens, the export market, ease of execution and consumer preferences.

Operations

Independent restaurateurs are embracing ghost kitchens

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 12, 2021

Chef-driven ghost kitchens are breaking into the chain-dominated market. Independent restaurants are seeing virtual concepts as an additional revenue stream that can evolve into brick-and-mortar locations.

Food