While barbecue chicken pizza is a common sight on menus today, Mississippi-based fast casual Newk’s Eatery takes it one step further with an on-trend regional variation. The brand’s “Q” Pizza features a signature white barbecue sauce, plus all-natural chicken, bacon, mozzarella, chile oil and jalapeños for a kick, and a final drizzle of the white barbecue sauce to finish. Bonus: The white barbecue sauce also does double duty on a chicken sandwich.

American barbecue has never showcased more flavor diversity than it does right now. Across the country, chefs are putting their own spins on the classics while also introducing consumers to the country’s wide array of on-trend regional variations. These sauces are true dynamos, showing up across the menu in everything from sandwiches to pizza and beverages to salads. Plus, a truly successful sauce can be bottled and sold at retail, extending the brand and providing an additional source of revenue. Here, we look at the broad range of flavor builds that are driving barbecue sauce innovation on menus today.