Menu Development: Page 2
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How restaurants can tap into the beverage craze
Young, health-conscious consumers are seeking out innovative non-alcoholic drinks, and well-positioned restaurants can capture that new demand.
By Danielle McLean • May 9, 2025 -
Huddle House pursues drive-thrus, non-traditional growth in rebrand
As casual dining struggles, brands are leaning into a wide array of real estate and menu changes to capture fast casual and QSR diners.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2025 -
Explore the Trendline➔
sam edwards via Getty ImagesTrendlineMenu development
Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
How Noodles & Company beat Chipotle’s Q1 comparable sales
The chain posted a 4.4% increase in comp sales in Q1 2025 even though larger chains like Chipotle and Wingstop posted anemic comps.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2025 -
Krispy Kreme pauses McDonald’s rollout as sales drop
The doughnut chain said it has stopped expanding its McDonald’s presence while it works to assess the profitability of the business model.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2025 -
Shake Shack rolls out digital menu boards, combos to speed up drive-thru
The drive-thru efforts build on five consecutive quarters of improvements to speed of service and order accuracy.
By Bryan Wassel • May 5, 2025 -
McDonald’s to test expanded beverage menu this year
Adding more items to its menu, including energy drinks and coffee, will help the chain compete with sector rivals and boost profitability.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025 -
McDonald’s US traffic slides due to economic uncertainty
Low- and middle-income guests pulled back spending in Q1, but the chain expects improved performance from promotions and the launch of chicken strips.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025 -
Panera is shuttering its dough facilities to speed up innovation
The closures and transition to par-baked bread are part of a brand turnaround effort under its new CEO.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 1, 2025 -
Taco Bell sales surge, KFC will expand Saucy concept
As Taco Bell succeeds in the U.S., KFC’s spinoff could replicate the Cantina strategy that Taco Bell has used to power its menu innovation.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 30, 2025 -
McDonald’s chicken strips mark first permanent menu addition in 4 years
The chain needs a menu win — and a leg up on fast-growing chicken competitors — after last year’s value and LTO successes were offset by an E. Coli outbreak.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 25, 2025 -
Q&A
Zaxbys’ CMO on breaking through the chicken category with ‘sauce’
The chain’s first work from Goodby Silverstein & Partners introduces a brand character that speaks to both signature sauces and cool charisma.
By Chris Kelly • April 23, 2025 -
Retrieved from Wawa.
10 notable c-store foodservice launches this past month
Convenience retailers debuted fresh takes on sandwiches, smoothies and more in March and April. Here’s what caught our attention.
By Brett Dworski • April 21, 2025 -
Taco Bell Nuggets return, teasing more Crispy Chicken menu items
After a strong initial performance, the chain is using the Nuggets LTO as a test run for adding Crispy Chicken to its regular menu next year.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 16, 2025 -
Chili’s pop-up finances fast food meals in latest dig at rising prices
A store emulating payday loan retailers doles out gift cards to “approved” visitors and serves a new burger positioned against the Quarter Pounder.
By Peter Adams • April 16, 2025 -
Portillo’s to break into breakfast with pilot
The fast casual chain will begin testing breakfast on April 15 at five select Chicagoland locations as part of its menu innovation strategy.
By Julie Littman • Updated April 11, 2025 -
Potbelly adds prime rib sandwich to menu
As fast casual chains look to capture new occasions, premium proteins are a prominent part of menu makeovers.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 11, 2025 -
Panera reintroduces brand with focus on dine-in cafe experience
“It Just Meals Good,” the chain’s first work from 72andSunny, captures a variety of occasions for eating at Panera, whether catching up with a kid or an ex.
By Peter Adams • April 10, 2025 -
Wingstop launches NYC pop-up to spotlight tenders
Chicken tenders are having a menu moment and could help the fast casual chain continue its wild sales momentum.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 9, 2025 -
Why First Watch takes 18 months to develop seasonal menus
The breakfast chain goes on “flavor tours” to inspire its LTOs, which it rotates every 10 weeks in order to keep up with evolving diner demands.
By Julie Littman • April 7, 2025 -
Trump installs 10% baseline tariff, country-specific duties
The president said he will levy import taxes on a wide range of countries, based on White House calculations. The National Restaurant Association said tariffs will only exacerbate pricing problems for the industry.
By Philip Neuffer • April 3, 2025 -
Fogo de Chão adds lobster, crab to churrasco menu
The Brazilian steakhouse appended a new slate of seafood to its core offerings in an effort to expand its appeal to more consumers.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 27, 2025 -
Q&A
TGI Fridays CEO says the brand is ready to grow again post-bankruptcy
Ray Blanchette returned to the restaurant chain earlier this year and will help lead future growth, menu innovation and franchising.
By Julie Littman • March 25, 2025 -
The Cheesecake Factory overhauls menu
The chain, which typically updates its menu every year, rolled out an extensive list of starters, entrees and beverages and removed 13 items.
By Julie Littman • March 24, 2025 -
Just Salad serves up dinner plates
Following in Sweetgreen’s footsteps, the fast casual chain wants to boost its dinner daypart with heartier meals.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 20, 2025 -
&pizza pivots to franchising
Pizzas formulated for off-premise dining could help &pizza escape the problems of the fast casual pizza sector as it grows beyond the East Coast.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 20, 2025