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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

Dips and dunks rule at Burger King, Big Chicken and Qdoba

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 22, 2024

Taste tracker: Thanksgiving comes early to Popeyes; a sibling pie for &pizza; La Madeleine flips over crepes; and Lazy Dog adds 10 for fall.

Food

Taco Bell, Popeyes and Dave's Hot Chicken double down on flavor

 By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 09, 2024

Taste Tracker: Krispy Kreme, McAlister’s, BJ’s and IHOP scare up Halloween treats; Cava seasons its chips; Jimmy John’s goes clubbing; fall arrives at Pret; and more menu news of the week

Food

Carl's Jr., Dunkin' and Sonic catch the Halloween spirit

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 02, 2024

Taste Tracker: Starbucks sources a new coffee; Chick-fil-A adds a side; Arby’s and Whataburger double the meat; Auntie Anne’s repackages snacks; and sweet heat comes to Culver’s.

Food

Fall flavors in full force at Panera, Ruby Slipper and Smoothie King

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 23, 2024

Taste Tracker: Fiery flavors come to Qdoba, Red Robin and Firehouse Subs; Legal Sea Foods celebrates oysters and lobster; Maggiano’s unveils chef-driven specialties; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Hooters, Graze Craze and Condado Tacos catch football fever

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 17, 2024

Taste Tracker: New burgers for Wayback and Hard Rock; veggies sprout at Sweetgreen and Habit; Perkins launches melts; and more fall menu news of the week.

Food

Beverages make flavor news at Burger King, Krak Boba, HTeaO and Philz

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 10, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bowls rock at Chopt, Jinya and Bodega Taqueria; global steaks steal the scene at Eddie Merlot’s; Moe’s teams up with Cheez-Its; and Dog Haus celebrates Oktoberfest.

Food

Portillo's, Dunkin' and Paris Baguette fall for dessert

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 28, 2024

Taste Tracker: Sonic launches queso; new plays on pizza at CPK, Twin Peaks and Donatos; wing sauces take off at Bojangles, Wingstop and Whataburger; and pumpkin drinks keep on coming.

Food

Krispy Kreme, Peet's, Jimmy John's and Snooze catch pumpkin fever

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 19, 2024

Taste Tracker: Chicken sandwiches rule at Arby’s and Chick-fil-A; Cinnabon gets the blues; lasagna for breakfast at Wild Eggs and Bob Evans is ready for fall.

Food

New ingredients freshen menus at El Pollo Loco, Cracker Barrel and Mendocino Farms

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 12, 2024

Taste Tracker: Dog Haus does a double-decker burger; P.F. Chang’s goes back to school; summery ice creams at Haagen-Dazs and Friendly’s; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Late-summer menu rollouts at Burgerville, Honeygrow and Fazoli's

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 05, 2024

Taste Tracker: IHOP doubles up on pancake deals; pumpkin comes early to Smoothie King and Carvel; it’s pickle time at Walk-Ons; Tocaya tries tortas; and more menu news of the week.

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