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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

White Castle, IHOP and First Watch bring it on at breakfast

 By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 28, 2023

Taste Tracker: Domino’s innovates with pepperoni; CPK and Farmer Boys choose chicken; Smoothie King, Ziggi’s, Scooter’s and Nekter keep the pumpkin patch growing; and more menu news of the week.

Food

The pumpkin tsunami hits Caribou Coffee, IHOP and Another Broken Egg

 By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 21, 2023

Taste Tracker: Dunkin’ and Perkins tap maple along with pumpkin; Del Taco sweetens the heat; it’s still summer at Sweetgreen; and meaty news from Smokey Bones and Bob Evans.

Food

Wendy's, McAlister's and Snooze give breakfast a boost

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 14, 2023

Taste Tracker: Bar Louie raises the bar on dinner; tacos take off at Rubio’s and Smokey Mo’s; Quiznos goes Greek; Nando’s sticks to summer; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Burger King and Sonic lean into snacking

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 07, 2023

Taste Tracker: Brag-worthy burgers at Ruth’s Chris and Culver’s; Pei Wei and bb.q Chicken play with wing flavors; Indian cuisine inspires Dog Haus; and Wayback goes to the dogs.

Food

Wendy's, Fuzzy's and Wayback welcome August with new menu items

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 01, 2023

Taste Tracker: Taco John’s embraces crunch; plant-based eggs arrive at Veggie Grill; Baskin-Robbins has a new flavor of the month; and Just Salad turns to tandoori.

Food

Big flavors power up menus at Papa Johns, Wingstop and Piada

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 24, 2023

Taco Bell brings back a winner; summer sipping at Wetzel’s and Haagen Dazs; Krispy Kreme and Smalls Sliders invite indulgence; and spicy shrimp comes to Salata.

Food

Summer specials roll out at Black Bear Diner, Firehouse Subs and Pokeworks

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 17, 2023

Taste Tracker: Sweet licks for Friendly’s, Dolly Llama and Rita’s; Firebirds spotlights chef’s features; sip and chill at PJ’s and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Tim Horton's, Applebee's and Starbucks refresh the menu with cool summer drinks

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 10, 2023

Taste Tracker: Brunch pops up at Cracker Barrel; salads star at El Pollo Loco and Newk’s; Shuckin’ Shack goes on a road trip; and Fazoli’s, Marble Slab and Zaxby’s celebrate dessert.

Food

Summer specials launch at Dunkin', Outback and Sonic ahead of July 4

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 26, 2023

Taste Tracker: BWW and Carl’s Jr. bring the heat; Smashburger and Huddle House spotlight sauces; drinks make news at Bahama Breeze and North Italia; and an Arby’s classic returns.

Food

At Culver's, Church's and Mooyah it's time for treats

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 19, 2023

Taste Tracker: Twists on classics at Taco Cabana and Taco John’s; Blank Street and Big Ass Coffee chill out; lighter lunch pairings for Anthony’s; and more menu news of the week.

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