SAN DIEGO Following the increasingly common trend of value meals priced at $5 or less, the fast-casual Pat & Oscar’s chain debuted this week a series of individual pizzas with the theme “Five Big Choices, Five Little Bucks.”
The pizzas are available in the chain’s most popular flavors, including Buffalo Chicken, Hawaiian, BBQ Chicken, Meat Lovers and the signature San Diego Pizza with avocado, red onion and feta cheese. For an additional $2 customers can have a combination meal with a 20-ounc drink and a side dish.
“Pat & Oscar’s has always been focused on value and quality family meal options,” John Kaufman, Pat & Oscar’s president and chief executive, said. “We are proud to offer some fantastic meal combinations now as individual selections, expanding on our already popular family-style meals for two, four and more.”
In January, Kaufman and other Pat & Oscar’s executives acquired the 19-unit chain, which is based in Carlsbad, Calif., from Australia-based Pacific Equity Partners.
This year, officials have focused on expanding the menu, adding dishes such as a hot pastrami chipotle melt sandwich and a meatball pizza. More menu choices and value options are planned, Kaufman said.
Other chains to hit on the $5 menu item trend include KFC, which recently began promoting $5 two-piece grilled chicken boxes. Pizza Hut recently added new menu items priced between $5 and $6, and Subway and Quiznos are promoting sandwiches for $5 or less.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
