Orlandosentinel.com - When the restaurant industry needs guinea pigs, it often finds them in Central Florida.

Orlando-area residents have recently sampled new Chick-fil-A salads, a healthy Cracker Barrel menu and Red Lobster's pay-at-the-counter option before most other American diners.

New products or menus often are tried out in Orlando because it's a big city filled with chains, a diverse population and millions of annual visitors. It is also home to several national and regional restaurant companies, which like to test close to corporate headquarters. Continue