Which US restaurant chains put bbq sauce on the menu, when each launch ran, and who got there first.
MenuLaunches has tracked 15 bbq sauce menu launches across 9 US restaurant chains between 2026 and 2026, peaking in 2026-09. The chains that use it most are McDonald's, Noodles & Company, Red Robin, Panda Express.
When chains actually put this on the menu.
Ordered by announce date.
| # | Chain | Item | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burger King | Special Savory Sauce | August 27, 2026 |
| 2 | Panda Express | Cantonese BBQ Brisket | September 2, 2026 |
| 3 | Slim Chickens | Barbecue Ranch | September 9, 2026 |
| 4 | Jack in the Box | Spooky Simpsons Sauce | September 11, 2026 |
| 5 | Jack in the Box | Krusty Burger of Terror | September 11, 2026 |
| 6 | Jimmy John's | Sweet & Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich | September 14, 2026 |
| 7 | Jimmy John's | Hickory Brown Sugar BBQ Brisket Sandwich | September 14, 2026 |
| 8 | Burger King | Special Savory Sauce | September 17, 2026 |
| 9 | Slim Chickens | Dr Pepper Blasted | September 17, 2026 |
| 10 | Slim Chickens | Dr Pepper Blasted Tender Bites | October 6, 2026 |
A seasoned boneless pork patty shaped like a rack of ribs, slathered in barbecue sauce, and served with slivered onions and pickles on a toasted cornmeal-dusted roll. Available at select locations where operators choose to offer it.
A ramen twist on the longtime guest favorite Spicy Korean Steak Noodles, pairing ramen noodles with marinated steak, napa cabbage, red cabbage, and spinach in a sweet and spicy Korean-style gochujang barbecue sauce, topped with cucumber, scallions, and cilantro.
Grilled chicken breast finished with a choice of ancho marinade, Whiskey River BBQ sauce, teriyaki glaze, or blackened seasoning, served with steamed broccoli.
Slow-roasted, smoked brisket cut into bite-sized chunks and wok fried with Char Siu-style BBQ sauce, offered as a limited-time protein option available in combo meals or a la carte.
A burger with a quarter pound of chargrilled Angus beef topped with slow-smoked pulled pork, American cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce between slices of Frisco bread.
Bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a dry rub flavored with Dr Pepper, applied after frying to keep the coating crispy.
A dry seasoning made with Dr Pepper's 23 flavors, dusted by hand onto Slim Chickens' hand-breaded chicken tenders, tender bites, or wings after frying, at no additional charge.
A new dipping sauce combining creamy, tangy, and lightly spicy flavors with barbecue seasoning, ketchup, garlic, onion, and black pepper, paired with upgraded nuggets.
A sandwich on toasted French bread with mesquite-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, crispy onions, lettuce, and mayo.
A sandwich on French bread with slow-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet 'n Spicy Barbecue Sauce, onions, Jimmy Peppers, lettuce, and mayo.
A beef patty with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Spooky Simpsons sauce, a smoky BBQ ketchup, on a toasted custom sesame seed bun inspired by The Simpsons; also available as Double or Triple.
A smoky BBQ ketchup sauce created exclusively for the Simpsons collaboration, featured on the Krusty burgers and chicken sandwiches.
A housemade ranch dressing flavor featuring barbecue, currently on the menu as part of Slim Chickens' monthly Ranch Remix program.
Slow-cooked beef brisket cut into bite-sized pieces, seared in a wok, and tossed in a Char Siu-style BBQ sauce. Costs an extra amount over a regular entree when ordered as a bowl or plate.
A dipping sauce released alongside the new chicken nuggets, tasting like a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, herbs, and spices.