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Daphne's updates menu as part of rebranding efforts

April 10, 2019

Daphne's,a  California-based chain specializing in Mediterranean-inspired offerings, is rebranding its image to appeal to a new, younger generation of restaurant-goers. 

The 30-year-old brand has revitalized its menu to focus on contemporary dishes that highlight trending ingredients and can be customized to fit modern day diet and lifestyle preferences, according to a company press release. 

"Daphne's has earned a reputation for its healthy and thoughtful fare over the last three decades, but we wanted to take the menu to the next level by adding in trending, buzzy ingredients like turmeric and seasonal seafood, which are largely unseen in our fast casual competitors," said Michael Nakhleh, president of Daphne's parent company, Elite Restaurant Group. "Unveiling a newer, contemporary menu perfectly aligns with the timing of our expansion and rebrand, and as we continue to grow into new markets across the U.S., we're eager to introduce Daphne's healthful offerings to new communities."

Guest feedback and industry trends inspired the menu changes, which include  Mix-and-Match Plates, a Double Skewer option, and rotating seafood options that will change seasonally. Trending health foods and ingredients will be the focus of Daphne's quarterly limited-time offers, with turmeric being the main focus for the brand through June 30, Nakhleh said.

The first LTO, Turmeric Trio, is now available and features three turmeric-infused dishes. They are:

• Spiced Gyro Pita, a hand-carved gyro with lettuce, turmeric-tahini dressing, cucumber tomato salad, turmeric-infused tzatziki, and crispy spiced chickpeas on a warm pita.
• Turmeric Falafel, three hand-rolled falafels with turmeric tahini dressing served on a bed of lettuce with pickled red cabbage.
• Turmeric Mediterranean Salad, grilled chicken, turmeric-spiced chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, feta cheese, pickled cabbage, kalamata olives, tossed in turmeric lemon tahini dressing

The chain, which has 24 units, is entering four markets and adding two states this year and also strengthening its hold in existing markets with the opening of locations in Southern California.

In a larger effort to revive the veteran brand, Daphne's acquired Noon Mediterranean at the end of 2018, thus paving the way for entry into the Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Boston markets. Locations in Dallas and Austin have already rebranded and reopened under the Daphne's Mediterranean name, with the remaining Houston and Boston restaurants to complete their conversions by the end of May, according to the release.