KANSAS CITY — Bacon is popping as a popular topping in new restaurant offerings.

At Jack in the Box, the protein appears in the new Triple Cheese & Bacon Curly Fries, which feature a bed of curly fries smothered in three kinds of cheeses and topped with bacon.

New Loaded Sides at A&W Restaurants also include bacon. Customers may now order fries or onion rings topped with barbecue sauce, ranch, bacon and spicy jalapeños.

Bacon makes an upscale debut in the new Coq au Vin at Mimi’s Café. The dish features a slow-roasted half chicken braised in a red wine shallot sauce and bacon served on a bed of carrots, mushrooms and onions.

View a slideshow of new menu items.