Menu Development: Page 2

  • An image of a happy hour sign at a restaurant.
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    claudio.arnese via Getty Images

    Report: Deals, promotions aren’t driving QSR traffic

    Foodservice deal occasions were down 1% and non-deal traffic was down 2% in the quarter ending September, The NPD Group found in its latest data. 

    By • Nov. 11, 2022
  • A picture of a brown crispy rice treat from Sweetgreen.
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    Permission granted by Sweetgreen

    Sweetgreen enters dessert category

    The salad chain’s Crispy Rice Treat, which costs $2.95, is part of a push to broaden its menu to reach more customers and dayparts.

    By • Nov. 7, 2022
  • An image of Chase Elliot, Nascar racer, with chicken tenders.
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    Permission granted by Hooters of America

    Hooters, Chase Elliott rev up off-premise with virtual brand

    The chicken tender concept developed with the NASCAR driver is Hooters’ newest virtual brand, joining Hootie’s Burger Bar and Hootie’s Bait & Tackle. 

    By • Nov. 1, 2022
  • An image of a a white building with Chipotle signage at night.
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    Permission granted by Chipotle

    Chipotle’s menu price hikes haven’t fazed high-income households

    The chain’s same-store sales grew 7.6% year-over-year as high-income households have increased their frequency, but low-income households are eating out less, CEO Brian Niccol said. 

    By • Oct. 26, 2022
  • McDonald's McRib sandwich sits against a black background and underneath glowing golden text reading, "The McRib Farewell Tour."
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    Permission granted by McDonald's USA

    McDonald’s double dips on nostalgia with ‘Farewell Tour’ for McRib

    Following the success of adult Happy Meals, the brand is dropping a throwback merchandise line celebrating the history of the boneless pork sandwich.

    By Peter Adams • Oct. 25, 2022
  • Chef Scott Rodriguez, Applebee's chief culinary officer
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    Courtesy of https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221024005086/en

    Applebee’s hires Papa Johns, BJ’s vet as culinary lead

    Chef Scott Rodriguez has over two decades of casual dining experience, and helped chains create new offerings through research and development. 

    By • Oct. 24, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Flickr user Jennie Faber

    McDonald’s to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Louisville

    Three doughnut varieties will be available for in-restaurant and drive-thru purchases at nine McDonald’s units starting Oct. 26. 

    By • Oct. 18, 2022
  • A photo of pizza folded that is part of Pizza Hut's new menu launched in October 2022.
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    Courtesy of Pizza Hut

    Pizza Hut adds menu category with Melts

    The launch of handheld Pizza Hut Melts follows a rollout of oven-baked pastas as the chain struggles to reverse same-store sales declines.

    By • Oct. 18, 2022
  • An image of Domino's pizza boxes
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images

    Domino’s to raise pricing on carryout Mix & Match Deal

    Months after raising delivery Mix & Match item prices from $5.99 to $6.99, the chain plans to do the same for carryout because the deal retained value. 

    By • Oct. 13, 2022
  • Four McDonald's figurines designed by Cactus Plant Flea Market encircle a Happy Meal placed on a red table against a sky-blue backdrop.
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    Permission granted by McDonald's USA

    Deja vu? McDonald’s adult Happy Meals raise specter of past promos run awry

    Kotaku pointed to posts from overwhelmed employees on Reddit and TikTok, while a budding resale market underpins strong demand for the meals.

    By Peter Adams • Updated Oct. 10, 2022
  • Pete Davidson for Taco Bell
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell

    Pete Davidson pairs new Taco Bell breakfast item with an apology

    The Breakfast Crunchwrap reflects an effort by the QSR to reach consumers looking for comfort and familiarity in the morning.

    By Sara Karlovitch • Oct. 4, 2022
  • A man and a woman dressed as a chef look at a tablet.
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    Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images

    Report: 31% of restaurants have reduced menu size due to inflation

    Another 38% of restaurants have adjusted the number of food suppliers they use, according to a Toast survey. 

    By • Oct. 3, 2022
  • Four McDonald's figurines designed by Cactus Plant Flea Market encircle a Happy Meal placed on a red table against a sky-blue backdrop.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by McDonald's USA

    McDonald’s repackages Happy Meals for adults with cult streetwear label

    Meant to invoke nostalgia, the menu bundles come with unique art and collectible figurines as the chain tries to align with pop culture tastemakers.

    By Peter Adams • Sept. 30, 2022
  • An image of various pumpkins in green, white, orange and various sizes.
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    IvanMikhaylov via Getty Images

    Report: Pumpkin-flavored menu items flood restaurants

    In the last 30 days, SpotOn’s restaurant clients have added nearly 2,000 pumpkin-flavored menu items, 40% of which are pumpkin-flavored beers.

    By • Sept. 26, 2022
  • An image of a beige building with Pie Five logo on the outside.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Rave Restaurant Group

    Pie Five rolls out biggest menu transformation in its history

    After six months of testing, the company will add individual pizzas to its menu and eliminate large pizzas. 

    By • Sept. 23, 2022
  • A selection of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's food with new branding
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

    Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s refresh brand identity with flavor as inspiration

    The changes will debut in an ad campaign and come months after parent company CKE announced plans for a $500 million brand transformation.

    By Chris Kelly • Sept. 23, 2022
  • Livestock cows in New Zealand
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    Permission granted by Silver Fern Farms

    Report: Beef prices to rise 15% in 2023, poultry costs will fall

    Poultry prices are expected to ease substantially next year, benefiting chicken-heavy brands like Wingstop and Chipotle, according to a BTIG report.

    By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2022
  • Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Starbucks

    Report: Starbucks, Dunkin’ score traffic bump from pumpkin spice lattes

    Placer.ai finds visits at Starbucks and Dunkin’ rose nearly 26% and nearly 10%, respectively, in the week following their fall menu launches.

    By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 20, 2022
  • Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak metaverse
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Chipotle

    Chipotle launches its Garlic Guajillo Steak in the metaverse

    The chain says the menu item, which will debut in the Chipotle Grill Simulator on Roblox, is the first from a restaurant brand to launch in the metaverse.

    By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 13, 2022
  • An image of several plant-based meat items from Baja Fresh
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    Courtesy of Baja Fresh

    Baja Fresh makes plant-based items permanent

    The Impossible Meat taco, burrito and bowl received positive customer feedback during the yearlong test at the fast casual chain.

    By • Sept. 1, 2022
  • A picture of three sandwiches
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Del Taco

    Del Taco adds tortas to its menu

    The addition of Epic Tortas comes nine months after the debut of Del Taco’s 20 for $2 value menu, which helped drive sales during the most recent quarter. 

    By • Aug. 30, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of CKE

    Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s ask Twitch community to help build new menu item

    After polling followers about their favorite ingredients, the brands are sponsoring creator livestreams where people can vote on their preferred meals.

    By Peter Adams • Aug. 26, 2022
  • Brinker International launched its second virtual brand, Maggiano's Italian Classics, in 2021.
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    Retrieved from Maggiano's Italian Classics on August 18, 2021

    Brinker to trim virtual brand menu, hike prices

    The company is rightsizing menus, pricing and kitchen operations for It’s Just Wings and Maggiano’s Italian Classics, which drove 6% of sales in fiscal 2022. 

    By • Aug. 25, 2022
  • Burger King Impossible Chicken Sandwich
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Burger King

    Burger King’s original chicken sandwich goes plant based

    The brand’s Impossible Original Chick’n Sandwich pilot follows two Impossible Whopper launches and last year’s Impossible Nuggets test.

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 22, 2022
  • An image of a table and several plates with a burger and breakfast items
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by IHOP

    IHOP’s new menu serves up customization

    The Choice menu, which includes made-to-order griddle combos, steakburgers and chicken sandwiches, will be available any time of day.

    By • Aug. 22, 2022