News

BJs Restaurants founders launch fast casual hybrid

May 31, 2011

The co-founders of BJs Restaurants opened fast casual eatery STACKED on May 31 in Torrance, Calif.

The 160-seat, 6,300-square-foot restaurant is located across from the AMC theaters at the Del Amo Fashion Center and serves burgers, pizzas, salads and sausages. Guests will be able to design their order in a create-your-own menu format, or choose from signature items built around flavors from across the world.

“We wanted to create something entirely new in the restaurant industry -- a ‘Fast Casual Plus’ dining segment that would really give our guests the unprecedented ability to control their own experience,” said Paul Motenko, co-founder along with Jerry Hennessy, STACKED Restaurants LLC. “Today, people want great food and attentive service but not at unreasonable or exorbitant costs. Our guests will have the luxury of designing their order to include exactly what they want and how they want it prepared, and then pay for only what is ordered.”

STACKED’s menu, replete with topping, sauce and preparation options, includes a selection of certified Angus beef, chicken, turkey, salmon or a vegetarian burger. To “stack” their burger, guests can select from four different buns, dozens of cheeses, and toppings and sauces that range from garlic aioli and Wasabi mayo to caramelized onions and roasted peppers. Signature burgers include The Wake Up Call, which features a fried egg, Swiss cheese, bacon and sundried tomato aioli topped with freshly made potato chips on a pretzel bun.

Also on the menu are beer and wine, plus signature and customizable shakes and ice cream sandwiches. Sides include sweet potato fries, onion strings, fries and coleslaw. The kid’s menu features mini burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and mac’n cheese.

The restaurant also uses proprietary software integrated throughout the restaurant and iPads at each table. Guests will be able to design their meal and order from their tableside iPads or can choose to order more traditionally via a server. They also can store their menu favorites and order in advance for faster service when they arrive.

The restaurant was designed by Jordan Mozer and Associates of Chicago.