Food

Chipotle and Outback among major chains making big menu changes

Tonya Costoff Medeiros

27 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

Other big fast-food chains, such as Burger King, Starbucks, and Wendy's, are also announcing changes that go farther than just the menu. ©Image Credit: Wikicommons

If you're tired of the same old menu items at your favorite fast-food restaurants, you may be in luck. A handful of chains, including Chipotle and Outback Steakhouse, are making menu updates and improvements their priority.

It's all about the new items

There's clearly a trend happening in fast-food chains right now, and that is new menu items. Many of the biggest and most popular chains are jumping on the bandwagon, offering limited-edition and new permanent flavors and creations.

Chains are looking to create a sense of FOMO that drives customers to their restaurants.

Specific plans announced

Not every chain has made its plans known. Chipotle is choosing to be up-front and publish its "Recipe for Growth" plan.

The chain will increase its protein-heavy options to appeal to current trends, improve its back-of-house operations and equipment, and push its online ordering option.

Burger King has announced renovations at some locations and a more aggressive marketing campaign. Starbucks will focus on new products and improving its in-store experience.

Meanwhile, Outback Steakhouse will be closing some locations and focusing on stronger branding. Wendy's launched "Project Fresh" late last year, which included closing underperforming locations and loosening the rules on breakfast hours.

Renovations and closures are also being announced

New menu items may not be enough to save some locations that are struggling to make a profit. Customer habits have changed, inflation is hitting hard, and people's budgets are tight.

Several chains have announced renovations and closures, all in the hope of reviving their business.

On the flip side, there are chains that are going back to their roots. They are embracing what made them unique, and what they did right in the past in hopes of recreating that success and buzz.

Customers are the winners here

Despite some closures, all-in-all, you walk away the winner here as the customer. You'll have more menu variety, renovated locations, better online ordering experiences, and hopefully, better value.

Source: Restaurant Dive

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