The game changers: Dan CoudreautThe game changers: Dan Coudreaut

By Fern Glazer

This story is part of an online preview of "The NRN 50: Game Changers.” In this special report, NRN highlights some of the people, ideas, technologies, concepts and trends pushing the restaurant industry in new directions. The full report is available exclusively in the January 23 issue. Subscribe to Nation’s Restaurant News.

In the last few years McDonald’s has been the innovation leader of the quick-service pack, churning out a broad range of new menu items that resonate with consumers and help the chain continue to grow same-store sales in its more than 14,000 restaurants. Dan Coudreaut, McDonald’s executive chef, is the visionary behind such blockbuster introductions as the Asian Chicken Salad, oatmeal, Snack Wraps and ...