Ronald HoldenStarbucks announced at its annual meeting today that it will test a new lunchtime menu of Mediterranean-inspired grab-n-go salads and sandwiches in Chicago next month. It's the latest attempt by the Seattle-based coffee company to crack the fast-casual and quick-serve markets dominated by chains like Chipotle and coffee-shop rival Dunkin Donuts. The new lunch menu, dubbed Mercato (the Italian word for market), will launch in 100 Starbucks stores in downtown Chicago. At the heart of the Mercato concept are full-meal salads like za'atar chicken, seared steak and mango, and turkey with roasted corn. The food will be prepared fresh daily at a central commissary in Chicago; any food left over at the end of the day will be donated to food bank programs.

Source: Forbes March 22, 2017 23:48 UTC