Article

Pat & Oscar's rolls out new menu items

The menu additions are being rolled out systemwide after a six week test led to an 11% average-check increase.

August 6, 2009 by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Since launching a series of new menu additions six weeks ago, Pat & Oscar's locations in the company's test market have experienced an 11 percent check-average increase.

The menu additions, created by company executive chef Greg Schroeppel, include a Bangkok Chopped Chicken Salad and several new side items.

"I've always been a fan of Asian ingredients personally," said Schroeppel in regard to the Bangkok salad. "I believe they lend a lot of flavors that are unique and bold, and that's something that we're going for."

The Bangkok chicken salad was tested for six weeks in two of the company's 19 units and is now being rolled out systemwide.

The remaining side items — creamed corn with roasted poblano peppers, creamed spinach, garlice rice, mac and cheese and coleslaw — are still in the test phase.

All of the items also are part of a company initiative to bring in more exotic and seasonal flavors, such as Thai and Vietnamese, that could become part of a rotating menu. The first menu item launched under the company's new menu vision was the Chipotle Pistrami Melt, introduced in early 2009.

"We want to keep fresh items coming all of the time," Schroeppel said. "And it's within our vision to stay innovative and creative."

Pat & Oscar's also extended its family-meal line with "Meals for 6," something not previously seen on the menu, and added a dessert item, The Big O cookie.

The Big O is a large fresh-baked cookie topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate syrup and is intended to complement the restaurant's existing menu choices of brownies or cinnamon breadsticks.

"The way we dine out has dramatically shifted over the last few years and we want our menu to reflect that. By adding five new side dishes, a shareable category and other meal options, we are able to continue to expand the reach of the brand and value to diners of all types," said John Kaufman, Pat & Oscar's president and CEO.

Food & Beverage