Speaking to the National Retail Federation convention in New York on Monday, Alvarez said 2006 will bring more "freshly prepared foods, " to the fast-food king's menu, including more spicy chicken items and high-end coffee.

FORBES: It's The Burgers, Stupid

The company went out of its way to cite the "strong" performance of its white-meat chicken items, along with better-than-expected overseas results, in announcing a 5% same-store sales jump in December from a year ago.

FORBES: It's The Burgers, Stupid

The restaurant's most popular items are fried chicken, burgers and spaghetti topped with ham and a sweet tomato sauce.

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But no matter how strong your feelings about regional styles or particular places, I can tell you exactly where you can find the very best barbecue in existence (By BBQ I mean the collection of smoked ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket and related items that Americans collectively refer to as barbecue, not the global definition which includes everything from Argentineans skirt steak to Korean kalbi).

FORBES: The World's Best Barbecue - Really

Thus McChoice, which turns what might have been promotional items, like a Santa Fe chicken sandwich, into regular menu fare.

FORBES: Fast-Food Chess

Though he himself could only afford roadside chicken at a tenth of the cost of the menu items in those restaurants, Lin saw opportunity in their appetite for Chinese cuisine.

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Other premium items are an avocado-and-wasabi burger, a truffle-porcini-and-chicken sandwich and lobster salad.

FORBES: BY BRIAN MERTENS