ReturningUntil Nov 18
Chipotle Mexican Grill · Mesquite-Smoked Brisket
A limited-time meat option made with Responsibly Raised beef seasoned with smoked serrano and chipotle chili peppers, seared and mixed with a smoky sauce.
Every smoky menu item, by chain and by year
Which US restaurant chains put smoky on the menu, when each launch ran, and who got there first.
Key data
MenuLaunches has tracked 7 smoky menu launches across 5 US restaurant chains between 2026 and 2026, peaking in 2026-09. The chains that use it most are Chipotle Mexican Grill, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
- Launches
- 7
- Chains
- 5
- Years covered
- 2026–2026
- Peak month
- 2026-09
Launches by month
When chains actually put this on the menu.
- 526-09
- 226-10
Who launched smoky first in 2026
Ordered by announce date.
| # | Chain | Item | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panda Express | Cantonese BBQ Brisket | September 2, 2026 |
| 2 | Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Smoky Bacon Steakburger Taco | September 4, 2026 |
| 3 | Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack | September 4, 2026 |
| 4 | Dairy Queen | Ghost Pepper Dip | September 14, 2026 |
| 5 | Culver's | Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger | September 22, 2026 |
| 6 | Chipotle Mexican Grill | Smoked Brisket | October 26, 2026 |
| 7 | Chipotle Mexican Grill | Mesquite-Smoked Brisket | October 27, 2026 |
All launches
Limited-time offerEnded Oct 11$8.49
Culver's · Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger
A limited-time burger featuring a hickory-smoked cheddar fried cheese curd topper on a Deluxe ButterBurger with mayo, pickles, raw onion, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted buttered kaiser bun.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Dairy Queen · Ghost Pepper Dip
A dipping sauce described as fiery, bold, smoky pepper heat, offered as part of the new MVP Dip Lineup for chicken strips.
Limited-time offer5 days left
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers · Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack
A burger with two patties, sharp cheddar, four slices of bacon, and grilled onions with Smoky Fry Sauce.
Limited-time offer5 days left
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers · Smoky Bacon Steakburger Taco
A taco with bacon-flavored steakburger wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla.
ReturningWhile supplies last$2.25
Panda Express · Cantonese BBQ Brisket
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.