Patricia Cobe

To build a steady stream of traffic, an urban neighborhood restaurant must offer the right menu mix, personalized hospitality and prices that won’t break the bank, say these operators. That’s how they’re thriving in a tough economy.

Menu Talk: The veteran chef also shares his take on the current restaurant climate.

Taste Tracker: Applebee’s, Sonic, Burger King, Shake Shack, Smashburger, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Bojangles, Starbird, HTeaO, Gong Cha and Dutch Bros headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Steak and burgers are in, seed oils and flour tortillas are out, as the government rethinks the way Americans should eat. But how much will this impact dining-out decisions?

With the start of the new year, dozens of protein-packed bowls, beverages, plates and even pizzas launched on menus, as operators follow consumers’ lead and embrace the nutrient as today’s key to healthy eating.

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s Golden Glow menu is designed around nutrient-rich seasonal ingredients that “make you shine from the inside out.”