“Shifting from a multiunit full-service restaurant to a fast-casual concept has been internally challenging from an operations standpoint, [as has] communicating to our customer base that although our offerings and in-restaurant experience may have changed, we are still the same brand that customers have come to love,” Seymour said.
Describing the brand as “new American comfort,” Lil’ Sweet Chick introduced an all-day menu, a first for the brand. The breakfast menu has, of course, chicken and Belgian waffles along with a variety of chicken and biscuit options. The lunch and dinner menu remains similar to the original with chicken sandwiches and chicken and waffles as well as the classics from the former casual-dining spot: lil’ shrimp and grits and a bucket of fried chicken.
All five units — including the two opened in collaboration with rapper Nas in Los Angeles and Long Island City, Queens — have been converted to the new fast-casual format.
“I have big plans for the brand this year and am considering franchising nationally, as long as I can attract the right partners who share our vision,” Seymour said.