Test market towns are a key player in how your fast food menu gets built. Let's see what town decides what ends up on menus at Taco Bell and Carl's Jr.
Have you ever wondered how a certain menu item appears at your local fast-casual restaurant? I mean, of course, the quick-serve joints are spending millions on scientists, cooks, researchers, and focus groups to develop their new additions, but there is a little-known last steo: test market towns. For years, snack makers have used certain towns, usually secluded from major urban hubs, to secretly release new menu items and get the residents' feedback after they try an item. Think of it like Nielsen TV ratings but for food.
Ming Avenue: Where Fast Food Gets Found
For fast food aficionados, one particular stretch of Ming Avenue in Bakersfield, California has become a taste tester's mecca. Here, national chains like Taco Bell, Del Taco, Carl's Jr., Panda Express, Wingstop, and Wienerschnitzel test out their latest and wildest creations before unleashing them on a public hungry for new flavors. The town has been a breeding ground for some of the most iconic (and sometimes infamous) fast food items of recent years. From the decadent Cantina Chicken Fully Loaded Nachos at Taco Bell to the ill-fated Sea Dog at Wienerschnitzel, Bakersfielders get to try it all before the rest of the country.
Fast Foodie Road Trip Destination
For those intrepid enough to take a trip out there, the town offers a unique glimpse into the future of fast food. You might just discover your new favorite menu item, or you might end up with a story to tell about a menu item people won't believe.
Whether you're a die-hard fast food fan or just curious about the latest culinary trends, a trip to Bakersfield's Ming Avenue is a fun stop on any West Coast road trip. Just come with an empty stomach and an adventurous spirit.
