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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

Taste Tracker: Smashburger adds wings, Jimmy John’s goes crunchy and Newk’s turns up the heat

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 11, 2022

Also trending this week: Halloween treats at Baskin-Robbins and Insomnia Cookies; Krystal’s mini chicks; Zaxby’s loaded fries and pork makes menu news.

Food

Velvet Taco, Bartaco, Tacos 4 Life and more cook up specials for National Taco Day

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 04, 2022

Plus plenty of new shareables, snacks, salads, soups and sandwiches as October begins.

Food

Taste Tracker: Sonic pushes out snacks and sides; Shake Shack turns up the heat; Which Wich adds bread born on TikTok

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 26, 2022

The pumpkin harvest is not over yet but other fall flavors and unique items are emerging on menus as cooler weather sets in.

Food

Taste Tracker: Melting Pot celebrates Oktoberfest; Schlotzsky’s, MOD Pizza launch new pies; Zaxby’s partners on saucy ice pops

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 19, 2022

Chains play up cocktails, value, bowls and yes—more pumpkin—as fall menu rollouts continue.

Food

Taste Tracker: Chick-fil-A, Dutch Bros, Donatos leap full force into fall

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 12, 2022

Pizza Inn’s new crust oozes cheese; fresh takes on chicken at Black Bear, Golden Chick and Chicken Salad Chick; and menus model the latest seasonal trends.

Food

Taste Tracker: Papa John’s, Hurricane Grill, Genghis Grill theme food to football

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 29, 2022

Fall’s in full force at Cracker Barrel, BD’s and Miller’s Ale House and a continuing deluge of pumpkin spice drives menu launches.

Food

From pickle juice to peanut butter, flavor tops the news

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 08, 2022

Taste Tracker: Pickles to eat and drink at Sonic; BJs gets peanutty; Hatch chilies heat up Taco Cabana; Taco Bell does a corny strawberry dessert; Mooyah’s, Baskin-Robbins and Dolly Llama shake up cookies; and watermelon continues to trend.

Food

Menu launches take on a slower summer pace

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 26, 2022

Taste Tracker: Cool drinks debut at Applebee’s, Sonic and Caribou Coffee; Velvet Taco and Baja Fresh change up tacos; KFC tests nuggets; it’s a wrap for Arby’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Restaurants bring on favorites for summer eating

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 18, 2022

Tacos and fajitas take on new flavors at TGIFridays, Fuzzy’s and bartaco; CPK does seafood and BWW a chicken sandwich; bowls trend at Native Foods, Pokeworks and Flat Top Grill; and more food and drink news of the week.

Food

Change is in the summer air as chains take menus in new directions

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 11, 2022

Taste Tracker: Boston Market roasts nuggets; Zaxby’s tosses up salads; Chili’s and Bonefish get busy at the bar; new shakes and scoops at Culver’s, Main Event, Baskin-Robbins and Marble Slab; and icy coffees, tropical tastes and more come to menus.

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