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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

Summer flavors still fill menus, but first tastes of fall are rolling out

 By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 03, 2026

Taste Tracker: Starbucks, Jamba, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Smoothie King, Luckin Coffee, Dave & Buster’s, Baskin-Robbins, Bonchon, Torchy’s Tacos, and Jimmy John’s headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Summer fruit is ripe for the picking on menus

 By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 27, 2026

Taste Tracker: Krispy Kreme, IHOP, Burgerville, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Honeygrow, Philz Coffee, Cava, Pei Wei, and Nothing Bundt Cakes headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

There's no end in sight to the ranch tsunami

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 17, 2026

Taste Tracker: Buffalo Wild Wings, Einstein Bros., Shake Shack, Cava, Applebee’s, Whataburger, Starbucks, Velvet Taco, and Smashburger headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Healthy items compete with fun foods to rule summer

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 11, 2026

Taste Tracker: Luckin Coffee, Juice It Up, Just Salad, Dunkin’, Dutch Bros, Gong cha, Jack in the Box, Moe’s, Gott’s Roadside, Burton’s Grill & Bar, Fuzzy’s, and Go Greek Yogurt headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Big flavors pop on menus

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 06, 2026

Taste Tracker: Portillo’s, Potbelly, Wingstop, Red Lobster, Old Chicago, Lazy Dog, Hungry Howie’s, Smalls Sliders, Perkins, and Houston’s Hot Chicken headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Restaurant chains put TikTok trends on the menu

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 29, 2026

Taste Tracker: Baskin-Robbins, IHOP, Freddy’s, Ruby Tuesday, Dairy Queen, El Pollo Loco, BJ's, Del Taco, Noodles & Company, and Krispy Kreme headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Protein maxxing continues to shape menus

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 24, 2026

Taste Tracker: Chick-fil-A, Smoothie King, Pokeworks, Arby’s, Qdoba, Starbucks, Norm’s, Zaxbys, Salt & Straw, and Playa Bowls headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Shrimp is summer's trending protein

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 16, 2026

Taste Tracker: Cava, Roti, Logan’s, Sweetgreen, Taco Bell, Bojangles, Luckin Coffee, Tropical Smoothie, Shake Shack and 7 Brew headline restaurant menu trends and news.

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.

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