Inside MenuMasters 2026: Winners, Trends & Inspiration

What happens when the restaurant industry's most innovative chefs, operators, and culinary visionaries gather in one room? In this special Menu Talk episode, Brett Thorn and Pat Cobe recap the highlights from MenuMasters 2026, celebrating the year's most groundbreaking menu innovations and honoring industry legends including Douglas Keane, Candace Nelson, and Hall of Fame inductee Grant Achatz. From inspiring acceptance speeches and unforgettable culinary creations to discussions about AI, hospitality, mentorship, and the future of restaurants, this episode captures the energy and excitement of one of the industry's premier events. 00:00 Introduction & MenuMasters Overview 01:56 Behind the MenuMasters Culinary Collaboration 04:18 Douglas Keane on Technology & Hospitality 05:35 Grant Achatz's Inspiring Hall of Fame Speech 09:02 Burger King's Fan-Created Whopper Innovation 09:24 Smoothie King's Food Expansion Success 09:38 Jollibee's Cultural Collaboration Win 10:01 Maggiano's Premium Menu Evolution 11:00 Final Thoughts on MenuMasters 2026 ---------------------------- Visit our website: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com _________________ Or follow us on: Facebook:   / restaurantbusiness   Twitter:   / rb_magazine   LinkedIn:   / about   Instagram:   / restaurantbusinessonline   TikTok:   / restaurantbusiness