Menu Development: Page 2
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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 Julie Littman • Nov. 11, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Nov. 7, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Nov. 1, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Oct. 26, 2022 -
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 -
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 Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 24, 2022 -
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 Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 18, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Oct. 18, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Oct. 13, 2022 -
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 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 -
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 Julie Littman • Oct. 3, 2022 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • Sept. 26, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Sept. 23, 2022 -
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 -
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 -
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 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 -
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 Julie Littman • Sept. 1, 2022 -
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 Julie Littman • Aug. 30, 2022 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • Aug. 25, 2022 -
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 -
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 Julie Littman • Aug. 22, 2022