Continue to Site >>>

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.

Beverage

The latest buzz around beverages

 By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 08, 2026

Taste Tracker: Logan’s Roadhouse, Burger King, Dunkin’, Peet’s, HTeaO, Mendocino Farms, Carvel, Black Sheep Coffee, Just Salad and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Get ready for a spicy summer

 By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 01, 2026

Taste Tracker: Olive Garden, Sonic, Donato’s, Chick-fil-A, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Twin Peaks, Taco Bell, Cowboy Chicken and more headline restaurant menu trends and news.

Food

Surf or turf? Lobster and steak share the menu spotlight

By Patricia Cobe on May 24, 2026

Taste Tracker: Friendly’s, Panera, Luke’s, Fogo de Chão, Panda Express, Logan’s, Sonic, Perkins, Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Menus show early signs of summer

By Patricia Cobe on May 15, 2026

Taste Tracker: Carvel, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Kura Sushi, Gott’s Roadside, TGI Fridays, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr., Original Chop Shop and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

'It's a wrap' for chain menus this week

By Patricia Cobe on May 10, 2026

Taste Tracker: Sweetgreen, Popeyes, Jimmy John’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, Saladworks, Golden Corral, Blaze Pizza, Cracker Barrel and Noodles & Company headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Beverage

Refreshers take over beverage menus

By Patricia Cobe on May 03, 2026

Taste Tracker: Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Scooter’s, Shake Shack, Peet’s, Fogo de Chao, Taco Cabana, Pokeworks, Cinnabon and Salt & Straw headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Barbecue, bites and beverages top the trends this week

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 27, 2026

Taste Tracker: Arby’s, Chipotle, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Wendy’s, Jollibee, Luckin Coffee, Scooter’s, California Pizza Kitchen and Beyond Juicery launch new items that tap into current restaurant and menu trends.

Food

Berries pop all over menus ... plus more trends of the week

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 18, 2026

Taste Tracker: Strawberries show up at Cava, Gong Cha and Le Pain Quotidien; Chili’s, Habit and Pollo Campero riff on chicken; and new burger builds at Bobby’s Burgers, Denny’s and Native Grill & Wings.

Food

Menus highlight global mashups ... and more trends of the week

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 13, 2026

Taste Tracker: Burgerville, Smashburger and Panera show off sandwiches; spring sips at Black Sheep Coffee, Ziggi’s and Paris Baguette; and Kolache Factory, Velvet Taco and Wienerschnitzel mix it up.

Food

Spring menus pop with flavor

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 06, 2026

Taste Tracker: Starbucks, Wingstop, White Castle, Shake Shack, Applebee’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, Peet’s, HTeaO, Lazy Dog and Juice It Up headline restaurant menu news and trends.

  • Page 1