Red Robin introduces new appetizers, desserts

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers rolled out new appetizers and desserts at varying price points Monday, part of an ongoing plan to build bar sales and boost check averages.

Earlier this year, Greenwood Village, Colo.-based Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. said it was planning a series of traffic-driving initiatives, including a test of new premium burgers, as well as potential add-ons like starters and desserts.

The additions aim to capitalize on trends that began last year, with guests buying more drinks and adding appetizers, which contributed to the 474-unit casual-dining chain’s 1.4-percent same-store sales increase at company-owned units during the Dec. 30-ended fourth quarter.

The appetizers are priced at $3, $5, $7 and $9, and include new items and classic dishes.

The $3 options include a Classic Mini Wedge Salad with blue cheese crumbles, bacon bits, onion straws, diced tomatoes and ranch dressing; and Yukon Chips & French Onion Dip, with fresh kettle chips and a creamy, warm dip.

The $5 appetizers include The O-Ring Shorty, a shorter version of the chain’s classic onion ring tower. Bar Wings ‘n’ Yukon Chips, a half-order of wings tossed with Buzzard or Island-Style Maui sauce and served on kettle chips, is also new.

The $7 appetizers include such classics as the Jump Starter Double, a basket of fried mushrooms, jalapeno coins, onion rings, sweet potato fries, zucchini sticks and cheese sticks, as well as creamy artichokes and spinach dip, the Honest Hummus Plate and Chili Chili Con Queso.

New $9 offerings include Saucy Pork Riblets, smothered in Whiskey River BBQ Sauce or Triple S BBQ Sauce and served on a bed of kettle chips, or a full order of Bar Wings ‘n’ Yukon Chips.

The chain has also added Double Berry Cheesecake and a Very Red Velvet Cake to the dessert menu.

On its beverage menu, Red Robin is featuring a new beer milkshake for spring, with Blue Moon Belgian White Beer combined with Cointreau Orange Liqueur and orange juice whipped with soft-serve ice cream.

Red Robin brought back its spicy 5 Alarm Burger this week as a limited-time offer through June 3, after asking guests to vote on their favorite burger from the past. The 5 Alarm, which features pepper Jack cheese, jalapenos, salsa and chipotle aioli, received more than 56,000 votes, the company said.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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