Applebee’s is extending its value-positioned line of Sizzling Entrées with two new beef dishes in the latest installment of the chain’s ongoing menu-improvement strategy.
The Kansas City-based casual-dining chain said Tuesday that two new offerings will be added to the Sizzling Entrée line, which was last expanded in April.
The new additions include:
• Sizzling Double Barrel Whisky Sirloins: Two 4-ounce steaks flavored with blackened seasoning, garlic and thyme over mashed potatoes topped with red peppers, mushrooms and onions caramelized in bourbon whiskey
• Sizzling Cajun Steak & Shrimp: A 7-ounce sirloin grilled with blackened seasoning and served over sautéed onions and red peppers, topped with blackened shrimp and Cajun gumbo with okra, with a side of red beans and rice with andouille sausage
The Sizzling line starts at $8.99, a price point company officials say has worked well as the brand strives to combine value and innovation to reverse slumping sales.
In the third quarter ended Sept. 30, Applebee’s domestic systemwide same-store sales slid 0.3 percent after more than a year of positive sales trends.
In an earnings call with analysts last month, Julia Stewart, chairwoman and chief executive of Applebee’s parent company DineEquity Inc., expressed optimism that the new additions to the Sizzling Entrée line would be a hit, given that few competitors were likely to promote beef-based entrees at such an attractive price point because of high food costs.
The new entrees join existing options of Sizzling Bourbon Street Steak and Sizzling Chicken & Spicy Queso Blanco.
Watch a commercial for Applebee’s Sizzling Entrées; story continues below
Applebee’s has also continued to offer its popular two-for-$20 deal.
Over the past 18 months, Applebee’s has revamped more than 80 percent of its menu.
“We’re continuing to find new ways to enhance the flavor of our food while keeping it affordable for our guests every day,” said Shannon Johnson, chef and executive director at Applebee’s. “Our sizzling meals are a concept we’re perfecting — they’re hot, smell and taste great, and won’t break the bank.”
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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