News

Barbecue chain vows to maintain offerings, prices despite high pork costs

April 15, 2014

The cost of pork is up 45 percent since the beginning of the year, a rise attributed in part to an anticipated pork shortage across more than half the U.S., according to the Chicago Board of Trade. With some restaurant establishments examining alternative protein options to keep costs down, Shane's Rib Shack is committed to serving high-quality pork menu options at a value price to its customers, said Shane Thompson, president and founder of Shane's Rib Shack.

"For many restaurateurs and chains, the pork cost increase has led to menu changes and increases and tense discussions with distributors," he said in a company press release. "Two of our signature menu items are our baby back ribs and pulled pork, and we intend to continue providing these and other pork menu items at the same value to our customers. Promotions such as our customer favorite Rib Giveaway will resume as planned."

To send a reaffirming message to its customers and the industry, Shane's plans to give away 7,000 half racks of barbecue ribs to celebrate National Barbecue Month in May. The annual Rib Giveaway is May 17, and the first 100 guests at each location will receive a free half rack of slow-cooked baby back ribs, a 20-ounce beverage and special edition Rib Giveaway T-shirt, according to the press release.

Success at the local level

In addition to negotiating food costs and keeping abreast of industry trends, Shane's Rib Shack continues focusing on the current franchisees in the system as well as the local communities that the restaurant locations serve, Thompson said. This philosophy has led to increased average unit volume numbers and positive growth for the brand.

"When I began franchising the restaurant, I vowed to provide restaurant owners with the opportunity to create their own Shane's Rib Shack experience in communities across the country," he said. "By focusing on growing our current locations and practicing selective evaluations of new franchisees interested in our brand, we have been able to enhance the customer experience in-store, leading to increased profitability, sales and foot traffic."