Operations

Old Chicago's parent company opening 175 virtual locations

Photo provided.

December 16, 2020

Nashville, Tennessee-based SPB Hospitality has launched its first virtual concept, Twisted Tenders, across 175 locations in 33 states, and a news release said the company will continue to expand the brand throughout its footprint nationally.

Much like the virtual wings and burger concepts that Smokey Bones launched last year, SPB said that Twisted Tenders will operate out of its full-service dining restaurants, including Logan's Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant and ChopHouse. The approach is proving successful in keeping struggling dine-in-based brands profitable as pandemic restrictions limit their on-site business.

"During this trying time for the industry, restaurant brands have had to get creative to thrive beyond challenges," SPB Hospitality CEO Jim Mazany said in the release. "Twisted Tenders is an innovative and incredibly tasty way for our brands to generate additional revenue, especially in areas where dining rooms have capacity restrictions or are closed. With a delivery-only concept, we're able to continue to serve guests across the nation regardless of their city's mandates."

Twisted Tenders features a simple menu that focuses on chicken tenders. SPB Hospitality Director of Culinary Chef Tim Griffin said he was inspired by Denver ChopHouse, where chicken tenders are soaked in buttermilk for 24 hours, in creation of the tenders that come as crafted or Nashville Hot varieties along with a choice of 15 like El Cilantro lime Ranch, Voodoo and Tickled pickle Ranch.

The concept also offers a Crispy Chef-Crafted Chicken Tender Sandwich and bone-in or boneless wings.

SPB Hospitality operates and franchises full-service dining restaurants and breweries in 39 states and the District of Columbia.