“Kids’ programs are some of the most overlooked areas of casual dining,” said restaurant consultant Aaron Allen of Aaron Allen & Associates. Family-friendly options at legacy chains have stagnated, he says — “these placemats and coloring pages have been the same for decades” — but others have built their brands with Millennial families in mind.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
At Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, based in Charlotte, N.C., the children’s menu is nearly as eclectic as the adult fare. Fish and avocado tacos are offered alongside classic kid favorites like mac and cheese and chicken fingers for an average price of $7 per entrée.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds’ executive chef Steve Sturm introduces younger guests to more adult menu options. “Kids are a lot more adventurous than they used to be,” he said.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds, a casual steak and seafood chain with 49 locations, offers “mix and match” entrées and two side dish options, allowing for more meal customization for kids and their parents.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Children have a lot more to choose from at some restaurants these days. “They’re exposed to more varieties of foods than past generations were,” Steve Sturm of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill said.
Cicis Pizza
Cicis Pizza, the Coppell, Texas-based, 550-unit pizza buffet chain, draws families by focusing on the overall experience and offering budget-friendly deals like 99-cent kids’ buffets on Tuesdays.
Cicis Pizza
“Family meal” was the top dining occasion cited in the 2018 NRN Consumer Picks survey by those who had recently visited Cicis. “Our key fundamentals have always been value, variety and fun in a welcoming environment,” CEO Bill Mitchell says.
Tender Greens
At Los Angeles-based fast-casual chain Tender Greens, the $7 “little plates” are curated in almost the same way as the regular menu: Kids choose a protein — such as salt-and-pepper grilled chicken, steak or fried chicken — which is then served with healthful side dishes like mashed potatoes and fruit.
