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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

Taco Bell reloads Nacho Fries while Chili's and O'Charley's flip new burgers

 By Patricia Cobe on May 30, 2023

Taste Tracker: Fresh spins on smoothies and shakes at The Habit Burger Grill, Smoothie King and Playa Bowls; Tim Horton’s revs up an energy drink; and salads and value meals headline menus.

Food

New sandwiches hit the menu at Panda Express, Jimmy John's and Zoup!

 By Patricia Cobe on May 22, 2023

Taste Tracker: CPK sells salad dressings; Arby’s elevates a burger and fries; fan fave doughnuts return to Krispy Kreme; a giant pizza comes to Cici’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Fuzzy's get a jump on summer

By Patricia Cobe on May 15, 2023

White Castle and Krystal celebrate sliders; Schlotzsky’s spices up bread; Pepe’s and Mountain Mike’s riff on pizza; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Global flavors highlight menus at Quiznos, Qdoba and Mendocino Farms

By Patricia Cobe on May 08, 2023

Meal deals at Noodles & Co., TGI Fridays, Long John Silver’s and Cotton Patch; BJ’s and Pinkbox offer Mother’s Day specials; and Sonic, Friendly’s, P.J.’s and more make menu news this week.

Food

Menu innovation revs up at Subway, Portillo's and Outback

By Patricia Cobe on May 01, 2023

Mother’s Day rocks at Cracker Barrel and Bonefish; Black Bear Diner and Charleys get cheesy; Another Broken Egg kicks off summer; and top menu news from Jimmy John’s, Baskin-Robbins and more.

Food

CPK, El Pollo Loco and Perkins bring back guest favorites

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 24, 2023

Taste Tracker: Pei Wei does nachos; cookies fill doughnuts at Krispy Kreme; Biscuitville and Toasted Yolk innovate breakfast; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Culver's, Burgerville, Dutch Bros and BJ's sweeten up the menu

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 17, 2023

Taste Tracker: Taco Bell goes big on breakfast; White Castle turns up the heat; Newk’s gets into the spring spirit; and desserts, bowls and brunch make menu news.

Food

Burgers create buzz at Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays and Culver's

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 10, 2023

Taste Tracker: Firehouse, Veggie Grill and Potbelly spotlight new sandwiches; fresh bowls spring up at Pokeworks and Smoothie King; True Foods updates its lineup; and inventive drinks refresh menus.

Food

Chick-fil-A and Gong Cha add new spring sips

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 03, 2023

Subway celebrates pickleball while Qdoba is into National Burrito Day; Fazoli’s launches hot subs; Shake Shack makes room for ‘shrooms; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Fogo de Chao grills tofu, Lazy Dog does a sando and Haagen-Dazs goes tropical

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 27, 2023

Taste Tracker: Springtime bowls trend at Genghis Grill and Just Salad; Cicis cranks up sweet heat; Mooyah shakes up cereal; and more menu news of the week.

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