Showing posts with label seafood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seafood. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2014

What to Expect from Red Lobster’s New Menu



Red Lobster has been known for decades as one of the landmark seafood houses of the nation. In recent years, the growing influence of competitive brands and the diversification of Red Lobster’s menu have led to lower than anticipated sales and a decline in market appeal experienced by many other chain establishments that didn’t change with the times. The restaurant will now focus more exclusively on lobster and seafood to bring back their brand recognition and hopefully their sales as well. 

Focus on Lobster and Seafood: Red Lobster is a lobster and seafood joint and should focus exclusively on their brand offering. At least 85% of their menu will be seafood oriented.

Price Point Options: The new menu will have options at various price points. This will help consumers, no matter what they are expecting to spend, find something off the menu to eat.  

Presentation: American consumers are turning away from pile your plate high and all-you-can-eat offerings. Red Lobster will be changing their plate presentation by putting fish on top of rice versus items side-by-side.

More Pictures: The menu will become easier to understand and provide more pictures to attract purchases and wet appetites. Image and taster are often associated in memory and can lead to a decision to purchase. 

Higher Priced Items: Red Lobster will seek to improve profit margins by offering more dishes with lobster that competitors have a hard time competing against. 

Narrowing the focus of their brand to that which pertains to lobster and seafood can be lucrative if done right. Research has shown that strong brands earn shareholder returns 2% higher than the industry average while weaker brands lag by over 3% (Court, 1999). Those restaurants that can build a solid image are more likely to earn higher profits through brand recognition and customer recall. 

I didn’t see a mention of a health section on their menu or improving the perception of health for a growing sector of society. Offering blacked catfish over steamed wild rice may be an attractive alternative to breaded shrimp. In recent years the benefits of seafood cannot be underestimated in a growing consumer trend. 

Court, D., Leiter, M. & Lock, M. (1999). Brand leverage. Mckinsey Quarter, 2

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Sunset Dining Experience at South Beach Bar and Grill




South Beach Bar and Grill isn’t your run of the mill chain mall dining experience. Located a block from Ocean Beach pier, adjacent to the beach, and less than a mile from the San Diego River entrance it is a seafaring restaurant that boasts a unique dockside experience. Hosting over 22 tequilas, over 40 different craft beers, flat screen TVs on nearly every wall and some of the best Mahi Mahi tacos in San Diego it draws a sizable beach thumping crowd.

Their menu contains many of your standard items like burgers, salads, and steaks but also provides some unique offers more exclusive the restaurant. You may opt for an Octopus Cocktail, Lobster Taco, or the Maui Chicken Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki. If you’re a little adventurous you could try a Shark Taco or Oyster Shooter with Peppered Vodka.

South Beach Bar and Grill is popular with tourists around Ocean Beach. Restaurant experiences contribute to the overall tourist satisfaction of their vacation (Sparks, et. al., 2003). Customers who visit the area often find this popular destination conveniently located next to popular attractions. They may come to socialize with friends, sit down for a meal or have a beer and watch a game.

The theme of the restaurant also fits into the coastal lifestyle of San Diego and its natural history of commercial fishing. Restaurant themes help to create awareness of local cultures and livelihoods (Wood, et. al, 2007).  The type of atmosphere patrons experience at the establishment are likely to be remembered for some time and be recalled when thinking about San Diego.

San Diego boasts a lifestyle many Americans are unfamiliar with. Restaurants like South Beach Bar and Grill provide an atmosphere people will remember. With prices ranging from a few dollars at the low end to $18 at the high end most patrons will find the offerings affordable. If you are in the upstairs bar area you may just get a glimpse of the sunset while sipping on your favorite cocktail.

5059 Newport Ave #104
San Diego, CA 92107

Sparks, B. et. al. (2003). Restaurants and the tourist market. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 15 (1).

Wood, N., et. al. (2007). No rules, just right or is it? The role of themed restaurants as cultural ambassadors. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 7 (3-4)

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Historical Oceanfront Dining at Brockton Villa



Dining in style isn’t hard at the Brockton Villa. Towering over the cliffs you get a great view of the bay, sounds and smells of the ocean, and the fresh outdoor air while toasting the great times. As a historical landmark it is one of those places that offers more than just great food. It is a local icon with its own charm and history. Tourists flock to the restaurant as they walk along the coast and cove. 

The barren site was bought by Dr. Joseph Rodes in 1894 for $165. A great ocean front site with access to the cove and the beach. It was a vacationing home in the bungalow style. Over the years it was inhabited by the “turtle lady” who entertained President Truman and bought by Pannikin coffee to turn into a restaurant. It became a historical landmark and local attraction. 

Seating occurs on the deck, terrace or inside. Within the ancient building is a warm fireplace and table seating. The terrace affords a great view of the oceanfront while the deck has a little more space. Around 40% of all seating has great outdoor viewpoint with adequate star covered nightfall.

The dining experience is strong with friendly staff and a variety of food. The menu is focused more on fish and health due to the demographics of their customers. You may find something exotic like swordfish or something as simple as the epic chowder. Perhaps you want to try the Macadamia Nut Crusted Scallops. Lunch time is busy while late evening is sparser. 

1235 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
http://www.brocktonvilla.com/about/