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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

Mid-season menu deals at Fogo de Chao, O'Charley's and Perkins

 Feb. 22, 2024

Taste Tracker: Golden Corral, Whataburger, White Castle and Krystal reel in seafood; jackfruit becomes permanent at Smashburger; bowls boom at Taco Cabana and WaBa Grill; and Twin Peaks crafts new cocktails.

Food

Culver's, Pancheros and Tijuana Flats make a splash with seafood

 By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 15, 2024

Taste Tracker: Get bowled over at Jamba; hot honey returns to Wingstop; Moe’s fires up birria; and Bob Evans expands winter menu.

Food

CPK, Pieology and Donatos riff on pizza

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 08, 2024

Taste Tracker: Cocktail creativity at Firebirds and BJ’s; Starbucks and Dutch Bros go for the pink; Valentine sweets at MOD Pizza, Tous les Jours and Yogurtland; and still time for Super Bowl at Sugarfire.

Food

Sweetheart deals at IHOP, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin'

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 01, 2024

Taste Tracker: Sonic and Bad Daddy’s choose pork; things get cheesier at Noodles; BurgerFi adds a movie-inspired burger; and menus get dressed in hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Food

Auntie Anne's, Hardee's and Cinnabon stir up some menu fun

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 25, 2024

Taste Tracker: Blaze Pizza adds meatballs; Mendocino Farms and Carvel dig plants; brisket is back at Taco Cabana; and Tropical Smoothie Café brings a taste of the tropics.

Food

Comfort foods warm the menu at Ninety Nine Restaurants, Habit Burger and Fazoli's

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 18, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bowls trend at Honeygrow and Zaxby’s; BJ's, Paris Baguette and Cinnaholic hit the sweet spot; Starbird goes Vietnamese while Shake Shack opts for Korean; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Panera, IHOP and Snooze introduce winter warmers

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 11, 2024

Taste Tracker: Bowls rule at Bojangles; Walk-Ons, Smalls Sliders and PJ’s Coffee kick off Mardi Gras; health is on the menu at Next Level Burger and Nekter Juice Bar; and more food and drink news of the week.

Food

New year, new chicken specials at KFC, Biscuitville and El Pollo Loco

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: Winter specials warm up Bonefish Grill; Dunkin’ and Salt & Straw chill out; MOD Pizza and Papa Johns tout new pies; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Cracker Barrel, Cowboy Chicken and Logan's Roadhouse send out holiday feasts

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 14, 2023

Taste Tracker: Ruby Slipper and Burgerville feed the morning crowd; drink it up at Mellow Mushroom and Sip Fresh; Insomnia and Pinkbox sweeten the day; and more menu news of the week.

Food

BJ's, Maggiano's and Firebirds go all in for the holidays

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 07, 2023

Taste Tracker: White Castle riffs on sliders; the Double Decker Taco returns to Taco Bell; shades of red at Modern Market; new global sauces for Quizno’s and Sweetfin; and Playa Bowls adds seasonal spirit to the menu.

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