NORCROSS Ga. Steak-Out Char-Broiled Delivery has added grilled scallops to the menu for Lent, joining several other chains from a variety of segments that have added seafood or promoted existing items in recent weeks.
The special entree or combo item features scallops that are dusted with the 40-unit chain’s signature “mesquite seasoning” before being char-grilled six to a skewer and served on rice pilaf with a honey-mustard dipping sauce and a proprietary Vidalia onion steak sauce. To be offered through mid-April, the promotional meal includes two scallop skewers or a scallop skewer and a shrimp skewer, a mixed greens side salad and a yeast roll. A lunch version also is available.
Prices vary by location, but the average is $8.25 for lunch and $13.95 for dinner, said representatives from Norcross, Ga.-based Steak-Out.
Steak-Out’s menu addition is in keeping with other recent Lenten promotions, such as limited-time seafood options at the 84-unit Souper Salad chain of San Antonio, Texas, including fish tacos, shrimp creole soup, seafood bisque, clam chowder, shrimp and crab Louie salad, and a Fisherman's Kettle Salad. Souper Salad’s sister chain, the 68-unit Grandy’s, is featuring a Lenten special of a half pound of spicy popcorn shrimp, two sides and a roll for $4.99.
The 80-plus-unit Damon’s Grill chain of Columbus, Ohio, last month added two Lent promotional items: a Shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich and a Fisherman’s Platter. Also in February, Louisville, Ky.-based Long John Silver’s killed multiple promotional birds with one stone as it promoted on Mardi Gras a discount of the chain’s Freshside Grille line, including grilled tilapia and shrimp scampi, that put the seafood fare in the marketing spotlight just prior to the start of Lent.
Though they have not specifically promoted them as Lent-appropriate fare, a number of major chains in recent weeks have featured fish sandwiches in TV commercials, print materials or on-restaurant banners, including Carl’s Jr. of Carpinteria, Calif., Jack in the Box of San Diego and Wendy’s of Dublin, Ohio.
“The char-grilled scallop promotion is yet another step in providing our guests with exactly what they want: fresh, different, higher quality menu items,” said Peter Petrosian, Steak-Out's chief executive.
“Our customers can enjoy another affordable dinner option for Lent without sacrificing on taste and budget,” he said of the scallops, which have never previously been offered by the chain of franchised restaurants.
Steak-Out since 2003 has offered specials in keeping with Christian traditions during the 40-day-Lenten season that ends on Holy Saturday, or the Saturday prior to Easter Sunday.
Contact Alan J. Liddle at [email protected].
