Menu Development

  • Taco Bell is testing a new design for its Go Mobile stores, pictured here.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Taco Bell
    Image attribution tooltip

    Taco Bell flooded with lawsuits over diarrhea outbreak

    The fast food giant, supplier Taylor Farms and at least one franchisee face legal action from consumers in multiple states over alleged deceptive marketing and illness tied to lettuce.

    By • July 23, 2026
  • A group of five people wear Pizza Hut merchandise while sitting on and standing around a wood bench in an urban area.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Pizza Hut
    Image attribution tooltip

    Pizza Hut serves up nostalgia with latest rewards program push

    The latest iteration of “Hut Originals” includes a value menu, a streetwear collection inspired by the brand’s classic uniforms and a mobile experience.

    By Sara Karlovitch • July 14, 2026
  • The image shows a row of drinks, including coffee and soda, available through Panera's Unlimited Sip Club
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Panera
    Image attribution tooltip

    Panera adds limits to Sip Club beverage subscription

    Beginning Aug. 19, members can redeem 30 drinks per month, instead of an unlimited amount each month. 

    By • July 14, 2026
  • Two people walk towards a Taco Bell restaurant
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Some Michigan Taco Bells have stopped serving lettuce, cilantro amid parasite outbreak

    The Great Lakes State has reported over 2,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness, but it’s not clear if the outbreak is tied to Taco Bell.

    By • July 13, 2026
  • A photogrpah of a makeline at a Chipotle with salsa, sour cream and white cheese visible.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Fresh ideas: How restaurants can overcome the challenge of seasonal produce

    Chili peppers, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables vary by time of year, geography and growing conditions, so brands must manage the inconsistencies without losing customer trust.

    By Michael Brady • July 8, 2026
  • A bunch of chicken nuggets, a drink and a side.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Jollibee
    Image attribution tooltip

    Jollibee’s new chicken nuggets could juice sales

    A buzzy new menu launch may help the chain win diners and market confidence as it eyes a U.S. IPO and franchised growth.

    By • July 2, 2026
  • Four plastic cups with colorful beverages and ice inside sit on a white table, surrounded by fruit and against a pink patterned background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Sheetz
    Image attribution tooltip

    Sheetz, Dash In lead the charge as refreshers reshape c-store beverage sales

    The drinks sit at the intersection of fruit flavor, wellness and afternoon treat occasions, making them highly adaptable across c-store menus.

    By Christine Blank • June 30, 2026
  • A person stands over dishes of chocolate dessert inside a restaurant kitchen.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Clementine
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    Why from-scratch cooking is a radical choice in 2026

    Few kitchens cook from scratch today, meaning important techniques and methods could be lost as young chefs work with pre-made ingredients, says Clementine co-owner and pastry chef Elise Russ. 

    By Elise Russ • June 29, 2026
  • A daytime image of a building with beige bricks and a Tropical Smoothie Cafe sign.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe
    Image attribution tooltip

    How Tropical Smoothie Cafe has grown under Blackstone’s ownership

    CEO Max Wetzel said the chain expects to open 175 units this year and has a pipeline of over 900 units to open after 2026.

    By • June 29, 2026
  • BJ's Restaurants' new chicken sandwiches
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
    Image attribution tooltip

    BJ’s fuels menu revamp with chicken sandwiches

    The new lineup offers a range of flavor options and could give the casual chain a chance to take market share from QSR chicken chains.

    By • June 25, 2026
  • Three colorful sodas with white custard cream dribbling down the inside of the cups.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Freddy's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Freddy’s adds dirty sodas with custard cream

    The fast casual burger chain is tapping into consumer desire for premium cold beverages with a new lineup, as dirty sodas take over restaurant menus.

    By • June 24, 2026
  • Six drinks, all colorful, comprising the vanguard of McDonald's post-CosMc's premium drinks lineup.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of McDonald's
    Image attribution tooltip

    QSRs are gaining ground in dispensed beverages

    While c-stores are still leading innovators in the segment, restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Whataburger have stepped up their new releases of refreshers, craft-style drinks and more.

    By Christine Blank • June 18, 2026
  • Taco Bell chalupas and nacho fries with fajita elements.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Taco Bell
    Image attribution tooltip

    Taco Bell teases fajita future with LTO

    Grilled onions and peppers will grace Taco Bell chalupas and nacho fries for a limited time, as the brand tests a QSR version of sizzling fajitas.

    By • June 17, 2026
  • A photogrpah of a beige and green corner building wih several cars parked in front. The facade has a white sign that says Panera Bread.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Panera adds Market Bowls in summer menu update

    In addition to $9.99 bowls, the chain debuted breakfast frittatas, new cold beverages and seasonal salads with premium ingredients such as shrimp.

    By • Updated June 17, 2026
  • Three flatbreads
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Smoothie King
    Image attribution tooltip

    Smoothie King launches flatbread menu category

    The smoothie concept is expanding its food options in hopes of appealing to health-conscious snackers.

    By • June 17, 2026
  • Arby's Angus Cheesesteak, a sandwich made with steak and cheese.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Arby's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Arby’s adds new Angus Cheesesteak to core menu

    With parent Inspire Brands mulling an IPO, Arby’s could be looking for ways to round out its menu and better compete with chains like Jersey Mike’s. 

    By • June 15, 2026
  • A sign on a Chipotle restaurant.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chipotle is testing these 5 things to bring back buzz

    From a crispy chicken to renaming its group meals, Chipotle is considering various operational changes that could help drive sales and traffic.

    By • June 15, 2026
  • A rendering of a KFC next-generation restaurant that includes pink neon lights and black facade.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by KFC
    Image attribution tooltip

    KFC’s global transformation has sauce at the center

    The fried chicken chain’s rebrand will include new sauces and design elements developed through its Saucy spinoff, as well as an expansion of its Kwench beverage platform.

    By • June 15, 2026
  • A photograph of two people in the foreground looking at a chalkboard menu that is blurred
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Menu prices moderate in May despite 3-year high inflation

    Menu prices were up only 3.5%, down from a 4% increase at the beginning of the year. 

    By • June 11, 2026
  • A burger, a soda and a basket of chips.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Chili's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why restaurant value needs to go beyond just price

    Premium add-ons, generous portions and better experiences are helping boost sales at chains like Chili’s, despite the challenging consumer environment.

    By Danielle McLean • June 11, 2026
  • People dressed in yelp sit at a table inside a restaurant and bar eating food and drinking beer.
    Image attribution tooltip
    andresr via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How independent restaurants are leaning into World Cup frenzy

    Of the tournament-themed menu additions, 65% added from March to May were drinks, while 27% were merchandise, according to SpotOn data.

    By • June 8, 2026
  • An image of a McDonald's with a playplace
    Image attribution tooltip
    M. Suhail via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    McDonald’s bets chicken, restaurant improvements will grow sales

    The McDonald’s > NEXT plan focuses on improving food quality and taste, customer experiences, restaurant interiors and hospitality.  

    By • June 2, 2026
  • A close up image of a veggie slider with white bun and jalapeno cheese. There is a orange background
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by White Castle
    Image attribution tooltip

    White Castle to add veggie slider to core menu

    Roughly a year after it added a Crispy Chicken Slider to its permanent menu, the chain will add a Southwest Veggie Slider on June 15.

    By • June 2, 2026
  • An exterior photograph of a Cafe Rio restaurant.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Cafe Rio
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cafe Rio hires &pizza CEO after losing its way

    Mike Burns will oversee an effort to return the fast casual Mexican chain to sales growth with speedy service, better food and cleaner restaurants.

    By • June 2, 2026
  • a sandwhich with tomato, bacon and herbs inside
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Good Foods Group
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Good Foods Group

    What’s driving the shift toward cleaner, simpler menus?

    When Americans are deciding where their next meal will come from, nutrition is just part of the equation.

    May 26, 2026