Maggiano’s Blends Tradition and Innovation in Its Latest Menu Overhaul

Maggiano’s is raising the bar on Italian-American dining with the launch of its latest menu, a curated selection of elevated classics crafted with gourmet ingredients and expert techniques.

According to a press release shared with RetailWire, this rollout, spearheaded by award-winning Chef Anthony Amoroso, marks a new era for Maggiano’s, combining nostalgia with fine dining sensibilities.

Leading the new offerings is “The Grand” Chicken Parmesan, an indulgent reimagining of the fan-favorite dish, featuring hand-breaded chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all paired with Maggiano’s signature Rigatoni Marinara. Also making waves is the introduction of Wagyu Beef Meatballs — a 50/50 blend of premium Snake River Farms Wagyu and high-quality ground beef — boasting rich, savory flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For pasta lovers, the Wagyu Beef Stuffed Shells bring a decadent twist to a classic, filled with ricotta and Wagyu, finished with a spicy tomato cream sauce. The 30-layer Lasagna delivers nostalgia and comfort, while “The Finest” Fettuccine Alfredo elevates the beloved staple with imported Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano cheeses, roasted garlic, and fresh rosemary.

“This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a transformation,” said Amoroso, vice president of innovation and growth. “We’ve taken the most beloved Italian-American dishes and refined every detail, from hand-breading a juicier, more flavorful Chicken Parmesan to enriching our Alfredo Sauce with the depth of imported Pecorino Romano and aged Parmesan. These are the best versions of these classics, crafted with premium ingredients and elevated techniques that you’d typically find in a fine dining setting.”

With this upgraded menu, Maggiano’s reinforces its commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience that honors tradition while embracing culinary innovation. These new dishes are now available at Maggiano’s locations nationwide.

How Fast-Food Price Wars Changed Maggiano’s & Others

Dining out is evolving, and fast food is no longer the obvious choice for budget-conscious consumers. In cities like New York City, the cost of a McDonald’s Big Mac meal or a Burger King Whopper combo has risen to roughly $14.

In response, chain restaurants are giving appealing promotional bargains to attract consumers, such as Chili’s “3 for Me” combo, which includes an entrée, side, appetizer, and drink for $10.99, as well as higher-quality burgers and cuisine for virtually the same costs as fast-food restaurants.

Recent earnings calls with restaurant executives highlighted a harsh environment for the business. Diners, branded as “price weary,” are dining out less frequently, causing numerous chains to carefully approach price increases. Fast-food outlets such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are seeing slow growth in comparable sales, with some even declining. According to William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia, Starbucks’ profitability was particularly dismal last year outside of significant economic downturns such as the pandemic.