Menu Development

  • A black and purple restaurant exterior.
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    Duane Prokop via Getty Images
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    Taco Bell, Taylor Farms Cyclospora case count hits 6K

    The vast majority of the individuals sickened in the outbreak fell ill before Taco Bell and Taylor Farms removed potentially contaminated lettuce.

    By • Aug. 6, 2026
  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Burger King sales surge, but Popeyes faces uphill battle

    While Burger King’s revival has gained momentum in recent months, Popeyes has continued to struggle despite its turnaround efforts — but RBI has hope for the chicken chain’s sluggish sales.

    By • Aug. 6, 2026
  • A sign on a Chipotle restaurant.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Chipotle pulls some jalapeños over Salmonella concerns

    The brand, which has a long history of food safety scares, said its ingredient tracking system identified a batch of peppers that may have been affected.  

    By • Aug. 5, 2026
  • Six drinks, all colorful, comprising the vanguard of McDonald's post-CosMc's premium drinks lineup.
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    Courtesy of McDonald's
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    McDonald’s CEO blames US traffic drop on execution problems

    The Golden Arches is acting with urgency to correct value issues and operational inefficiencies in the U.S. after a sales miss, executives said.

    By • Aug. 4, 2026
  • BJ's Restaurants' new chicken sandwiches
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    Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
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    BJ’s posts strongest traffic gains in 4 years

    The chain’s turnaround — aided by value plays, menu innovation and marketing spend — is nearing an inflection point as it prepares to expand.

    By • Aug. 3, 2026
  • A rendering of a KFC next-generation restaurant that includes pink neon lights and black facade.
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    Permission granted by KFC
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    Yum bids Pizza Hut farewell, overhauls KFC

    Yum Brands is ushering in a new era for KFC through a global brand transformation, while Pizza Hut is shifting to new ownership.

    By • July 31, 2026
  • A smiling worker hands someone a ceramic mug of coffee.
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    Starbucks remodels, service tweaks are paying off

    The coffee giant gained same-store sales momentum in the U.S. market with its third consecutive quarter of comps growth.

    By • July 30, 2026
  • Two people stand in a bar looking at a tablet. One person is wearing a beige apron while the other is wearing a green dress.
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    Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Quality without compromise: What restaurant operators really need in 2026

    Consistent commitment to the best ROI can help eateries level up their business despite challenging consumer trends, writes Stacey Kinkaid, VP of product development and innovation at US Foods.

    By Stacey Kinkaid • July 29, 2026
  • A quick service restaurant.
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    Courtesy of Church's Texas Chicken
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    Church’s Texas Chicken CEO says new funding will boost remodels, expansion

    An equity investment from Golub Capital will help the chicken chain convert its brand turnaround into renewed U.S. store growth.

    By • July 28, 2026
  • A view of a Taco Bell restaurant on February 06, 2025 in Dublin, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Taco Bell tied to Cyclospora outbreaks in 4 more states

    While the chain removed potentially contaminated lettuce by July 17, the long incubation period of the parasite — upwards of two weeks — means new cases may continue into early August.

    By • July 27, 2026
  • Taco Bell is testing a new design for its Go Mobile stores, pictured here.
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Pizza Hut
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    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
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    Courtesy of Panera
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    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
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Jollibee
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    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.
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    Permission granted by Sheetz
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    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.
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    Permission granted by Clementine
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    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.
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    Permission granted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe
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    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
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    Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Freddy's
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    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.
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    Courtesy of McDonald's
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    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.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    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
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    Courtesy of Smoothie King
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    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