Casual-dining chains, which have witnessed sluggish sales as consumers pinched by gas prices and credit-card interest rates have cut back spending, are not sitting still. A number of chains including Orlando-based Darden Restaurants have rolled out promotions.
Red Lobster, owned by Darden, is offering an endless shrimp special for $15.99. Not to be outdone, Olive Garden, also owned by Darden, is offering a “never ending pasta bowl” for $7.95.
In a conference call with stock analysts last week, Darden executives said the promotions are designed to draw in customers looking for value.
Darden’s rival Applebee’s, in turn, is calling on celebrity chef Tyler Florence of Food Network fame to create four menu items that will be available at its restaurants starting today. The chain will trumpet the new dishes, which include a bruschetta burger and an herb-crusted chicken with an Italian country salad, in a national ad campaign. By the end of the year, Applebee’s said, it expects to have its menu revamped with 20 new or improved items.
Bennigan’s also introduced a new “bar bites” menu, offering cost-conscious customers a selection of $4 appetizers and $3 drinks in the bar area. The menu is being tested in Florida and certain markets in Texas with a national rollout expected this year.
No comments yet.