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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.

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.

Food

Chicken takes over menus as the protein of choice

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 30, 2026

Taste Tracker: Wendy’s, Sweetgreen, Arby’s, Papa Johns, Zaxbys, Modern Market, Noodles & Co., Dairy Queen, Whataburger, Jollibee and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Spring has sprung on restaurant menus

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 23, 2026

Taste Tracker: Burger King, Just Salad, Firebirds, Ruby Slipper, Smoothie King, Gott’s Roadside, HTeaO, Tender Greens, Pollo Campero, Salt & Straw, Rita’s and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Restaurants shoot to win with March Madness specials

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 15, 2026

Taste Tracker: Applebee’s, Panera, Starbird, Sonic, TGI Fridays, BJ’s, Corner Bakery, Panda Express, Bennigan’s, Caribou Coffee and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

Pies and St. Pat's trend on menus

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 09, 2026

Taste Tracker: Blaze, Chick-fil-A, North Italia, &pizza, Benihana, Wahlburgers, Dutch Bros, Dunkin’, Polly’s Pies, Schlotzsky’s Deli, Tropical Smoothie Café and Portillo’s headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Food

March marketing tie-ins drive menus

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 03, 2026

Taste Tracker: Starbucks, Chili’s, Firehouse Subs, Lazy Dog, Sonic, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino’s, Whataburger, KFC and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

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