Menu Development

  • Papa Johns Cool Ranch Papadia sandwiches in various packaging and contexts.
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    Courtesy of Papa Johns
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    Papadia LTO has boosted same-store sales, report Papa Johns franchisees

    The Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia, which launched in May, led to a sales mix of about 10% during the first three weeks of the launch, a BTIG report shows. 

    By • May 30, 2023
  • Outside picture of the inside of a store, a sign that says 100% vegan with yellow and black chairs
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    Retrieved from Adobe Stock.
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    Sponsored by Catania Oils

    Plant-based 101: What you need to know

    Plant-based diets have gone from being eccentric to the mainstream, with one in four Americans eating vegan or vegetarian some or all of the time. Read this introductory guide to start supplementing your menu with plant-based options.

    May 30, 2023
  • A photograph of Chili's chicken crisper combo.
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    Permission granted by Chili's
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    Chili’s serves up new Chicken Crispers, margaritas in menu update

    The casual dining restaurant’s latest menu update is part of a strategy to improve core items of Chicken Crispers, burgers, fajitas and margaritas. 

    By • May 25, 2023
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    Permission granted by ezCater
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    Wawa expanding its corporate catering business

    The foodservice-focused retailer now offers breakfast, coffee and lunch items to business clients across its 1,000-store footprint via the ezCater marketplace.

    By Brett Dworski • May 16, 2023
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    Permission granted by Subway
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    Subway adds 6 sandwiches to latest menu

    The sandwich giant’s revamped menu has helped improve its brand positioning over the last year as it pursues a sale at a $10 billion valuation.

    By • May 1, 2023
  • Papa Johns Cool Ranch Papadia sandwiches in various packaging and contexts.
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    Courtesy of Papa Johns
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    Q&A

    Papa Johns menu strategy chief talks balancing innovation with value

    The pizza chain is targeting younger diners with snackable menu items like handheld desserts and its new Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia, VP of National Calendar and Menu Strategy Kimberly Bean said.

    By • April 28, 2023
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    yaoinlove via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s price hikes are boosting sales, but some diners are pulling back

    The chain wants to drive value for customers with menu tweaks and personalized offers, but CEO Chris Kempczinski said the latter effort requires “sophistication.”

    By • April 25, 2023
  • An image of the interior of Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux and Bar.
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    Permission granted by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Bar
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    Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Bar to double store count with 100-unit pipeline

    The full-service concept, which was founded by two college athletes, is aiming to open 20 to 25 units per year.

    By • April 25, 2023
  • An image of hot dogs offered via Nathan's Famous virtual brand partnership with Nextbite.
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    Permission granted by Nextbite
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    Nathan’s Famous partners with Nextbite to expand virtual brand portfolio

    Through the deal, Nathan’s Famous, which previously worked with Franklin Junction, will grow via Nextbite’s delivery-only restaurant network. 

    By • April 19, 2023
  • An image of Sweetgreen's Low Carbon Collection menu items.
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    Permission granted by Sweetgreen
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    Sweetgreen highlights low-carbon menu items with latest collection

    The Low Carbon Collection, which allows diners to see which bowls generate the least carbon emissions, follows the chain’s 12% reduction in carbon emissions since 2019. 

    By • April 18, 2023
  • An image of McDonald's McDouble and Big Mac.
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    Permission granted by McDonald's
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    McDonald’s tweaks its iconic burgers

    The fast food chain began rolling out new recipes for its Big Mac, McDouble and classic burgers across the West Coast and plans to offer these new versions nationwide by 2024. 

    By • April 17, 2023
  • A woman sits at a coffee table looking at a tablet.
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    andresr via Getty Images
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    Restaurant menu prices outpaced grocery prices in March

    Menu prices were up 8.8% last month while grocery prices were up 8.4%, according the the Consumer Price Index. 

    By • April 13, 2023
  • An image of sweet Wetzel's Pretzels bitz served at Twisted by Wetzel's
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    Permission granted by Wetzel's Pretzels
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    Wetzel’s Pretzels gears up to open streetside concept

    The first Twisted by Wetzel’s unit, expected to open in Southern California this spring, will offer menu items targeting younger demographics.

    By • April 12, 2023
  • Classy restaurant menu
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    rawpixel ltd via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by FedEx Office

    Can I take your order? Best practices for today’s evolving menu trends

    A restaurant menu has a surprisingly heavy lift; as one of a diner’s first interactions with the establishment, it sets the tone for a memorable occasion.

    April 10, 2023
  • An exterior image of a restaurant with glass windows and a sign that says sweetgreen.
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    Retrieved from Sweetgreen/BusinessWire on August 10, 2022
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    Sweetgreen renames burrito bowl following Chipotle suit

    Marketing and social media interactions for Sweetgreen’s new Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl are at the heart of the lawsuit against the salad chain.

    By • Updated April 6, 2023
  • A photograph of two bowls from Smoothie King
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    Permission granted by Smoothie King
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    Smoothie King expands menu with bowls

    The fast casual smoothie chain is rolling out six bowls this week across 1,100 locations nationwide as it plots expansion. 

    By • April 4, 2023
  • A photo of a Rutter's location.
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    Permission granted by Rutter's
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    Rutter’s launches rotating foodservice menu

    Starting with three items, including a peanut butter burger, the c-store chain’s new options will change out regularly throughout the year.

    By Jessica Loder • April 3, 2023
  • A photograph of IHOP's Eggs Benedicts
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    Courtesy of IHOP
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    IHOP to serve biggest menu revision to date

    The new items, which will be added on Monday, span across breakfast, lunch and dinner and are part of the company’s ongoing menu innovation strategy. 

    By • March 29, 2023
  • An Uber Eats order is handed to an end customer.
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    Courtesy of Uber
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    Uber Eats adds virtual restaurant program to offer turnkey delivery-only concepts

    The aggregator also revised its virtual restaurant policies to prevent duplicate menus, which reduce the variety and quality of options on its platform. 

    By • March 28, 2023
  • A woman and man at a cash register
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    How 7 fast casual, full-service chains are hiking prices

    Applebee’s, Chipotle and Shake Shack have raised prices between 7.5% and 10%, and Noodles & Company will test dynamic pricing as chains contend with inflation. 

    By Restaurant Dive Team • March 24, 2023
  • A photograph of Fogo de Chao's roasted power vegetable bowl
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    Permission granted by Fogo de Chão
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    Fogo de Chão says plant-based fare, cocktail lounges attract young diners

    By offering a richer menu than just fire-roasted meats, the Brazilian restaurant has gained strong awareness among younger consumers, which has helped it open new restaurants.

    By • March 24, 2023
  • A young woman customer placing her order at a fast food convenience restaurant.
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    YinYang via Getty Images
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    How 5 QSR giants are tackling menu pricing, strategy

    McDonald’s, Starbucks and Wendy’s took price between 6% and 10% in 2022, and experts expect prices to rise further as chains face economic headwinds. 

    By Restaurant Dive Team • March 23, 2023
  • An image of Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash at First Watch
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    How breakfast brands are reinventing morning menus

    Restaurants like First Watch, Snooze and Another Broken Egg Cafe have been adding twists to classic menu items as the segment emphasizes affordable brunch options.

    By • March 23, 2023
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    Permission granted by Subway
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    Subway brings back Footlong Pass subscription

    The chain, which sold out 10,000 subscriptions in August in under six hours, is now offering 250,000 passes to rewards members for April redemption. 

    By • March 17, 2023
  • A photo of a guest viewing an augmented reality experience on Denny's menu.
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    Courtesy of Denny's
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    Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul

    Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings. 

    By • March 15, 2023