High-end burger chains that focus on quality over bargain pricing or fast food speed are growing in popularity. Chains like Five Guys Burgers and Fries charge more and require a longer wait than McDonald’s or Burger King, but some believe customers receive a much better burger. Five Guys has opened over 700 locations and is continuing to grow.
Applebee’s is in the process of adding new grilled Sizzling Entrees to their national menu. Options will include Cajun Steak and Shrimp and the Smokehouse Chicken Stack. The chain first introduced sizzling fajitas to their menu in the mid 1980s. The two new Sizzling Entrees will join the existing sizzling meals to bring the total offered by the chain to 5.
Starbucks is known for their brand innovation, and their next marketing move involves appealing to the consumers who have sworn to never step foot in a Starbucks’ store. The company has done so through careful management of their Seattle’s Best Coffee chain, which appeals to a different group of customers. President Michelle Gass instituted re-designed coffee bags and hooked partnerships with airlines and cruise ships.
Max’s Grille, a staple of South Florida cuisine, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founder Dennis Max says that the restaurant’s success relied on its focus towards welcoming service, attention to quality and regular consistency. The menu is a unique combination of Asian and Latin flavors that still has little competition.
The McCormick & Schmick’s buyout offer, started by Tillman J. Fertitta and his company LSRI Holdings, has been extended despite the Board of Director’s disapproval. All outstanding shares in the restaurant company will be purchased by LSRI for $9.25 each in cash. The Board of Directors intends to hold onto the company despite any similar offers.
Red Robin has released a new iPhone App for customers that allow you to customize your meals according to the nutritional value of each menu items. You can use the fun application to plan healthy lunch or dinner ideas, and then save the meals for inspiration when you visit a Red Robin location. The app is free and can be downloaded through the iTunes store.
The National Restaurant Association has decided on the winners of their first Food & Beverage Product Innovations Awards. ConAgra Foodservice won with their new healthy pizza designed for cafeteria use, DrybagSteak was honored for created a safe way to dry age steak in any cold food storage unit and Food Market Merchandising won with the Magic Milk straws that encourage milk drinking.