KANSAS CITY — Restaurants are tuning into consumer needs when crafting new menu items, offering entrees with transparency, desserts to share and more complex flavors for the whole family.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is meeting consumers’ desire for transparency with its new Sunrise Burger and Ultimate Bacon Burger, both available with the option of a 100% grass-fed patty free of antibiotics or added hormones. The burgers feature cage-free eggs, lettuce grown solely for Chili’s on Arizona and California farms, potato buns from a three-generation artisan family bakery, garlic-dill pickles made in-house and aged cheddar from the city of Adams, N.Y.

Krista Gibson, Chili's
Krista Gibson, c.m.o. of Chili’s

“We know now more than ever, guests want to know what’s going into their food and desire natural ingredients,” said Krista Gibson, chief marketing officer for Chili’s. “We have differentiated our craft burgers with quality and transparent ingredients by offering grass-fed patties and sourcing cage-free eggs. As we continue our food transparency journey, we plan to invest in our core menu categories to offer guests more options.”

At Cicis Pizza, consumers were calling for more shareable options. Answering that call, Cicis is introducing S’mores Dessert Dip. Designed to share in a group of 3 to 4, the dip is a combination of melted marshmallow and chocolate with graham cracker pieces to dip.

Sarah McAloon, Cicis Pizza
Sarah McAloon, c.m.o. of Cicis

“We know our guests love our set, known price point and all the freedom that our buffet brings, but they also told us they were looking for some other opportunities to add something special to their meal experience,” said Sarah McAloon, chief marketing officer of Cicis. “Something to share as a group. Our new S’mores Dessert Dip is crazy tasty and perfect for a group of 3 to 4 to share.”

Chuck E. Cheese’s listened to consumers seeking more culinary offerings and diverse flavors from a place typically known for pepperoni pizza and playtime. Catering to those family-oriented flavor-seekers, Chuck E. Cheese’s is offering Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pizza, featuring a savory buffalo buttermilk ranch sauce, 100% whole milk mozzarella and Colby jack cheese, white meat chicken and sliced red onions.

Chef Gregory Casale, Chuck E. Cheese's
Chef Gregory Casale, senior director of culinary innovation for CEC Entertainment

“We’re always looking for ways to elevate our culinary offerings and integrate food trends into our menu,” said Chef Gregory Casale, senior director of culinary innovation for CEC Entertainment, Inc. “Buffalo chicken and ranch are the perfect combination of adventurous flavors for our newest pizza. On our thin and crispy crust, this is a delicious recipe the whole family can enjoy.”

Click for a slideshow of new menu items.