OAKBROOK TERACE, Ill. -- Many of the restaurants among Restaurant Business' ranking of the Top 100 Independents have been destinations for decades--but that doesn't mean they're resting on their laurels. As at any restaurant, successful menu additions keep guests coming back for more, a key strategy in today's traffic-challenged climate.
So, what are some of the items that moved the needle at $10 million-plus operations? CSP magazine and CSP Daily News' sister publication Restaurant Business asked operators of the highest-grossing independents to share their most successful menu additions of the past year.
Here's a roundup:
1. Continual addition of locally sourced proteins and ingredients.
Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C. (Rank: 3; 2013 sales: $26.7 million)
2. Fried chicken and waffles.
Prime 112 in Miami Beach, Fla. (Rank: 6; 2013 sales: $23.3 million)
3. Lighter entrees paired with soup or salad.
Bob Chinn's Crab House in Wheeling, Ill. (Rank: 18; 2013 sales: $17.2 million)
4. Beefsteak tomatoes layered with smoked bacon, bleu cheese, green-leaf lettuce, croutons and aged sherry dressing.
'21' Club in New York City (Rank: 19; 2013 sales: $17.1 million)
5. New bar bites menu for late afternoon and expanded foodservice in the bar, in general.
Scoma's in San Francisco (Rank: 32; 2013 sales: $15.4 million)
Click through to Restaurant Businessfor the other five items. And click here for the complete Top 100 Independents list.
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