Creating Smiles for 50 Years
An American restaurant pioneer in fast casual dining, Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants this year celebrate 50 years of offering the quintessential buffet dining experience, and to mark the landmark occasion will thank its loyal guests with several special promotions and giveaways.
Teaming up with Dr. Pepper®, another American classic, Ponderosa Steakhouse has created a keepsake coupon book filled with discounts totaling $50.00 that can be redeemed throughout the end of 2015. The coupon book, which features nostalgic photos of Ponderosa moments, will be given to guests with a $10.00 purchase, while supplies last. During the summer months, all participating Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants will also feature a beverage promotion, offering signature nostalgic drinks in a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Mason Jar. To cap off the anniversary promotions, guests who share a photo and special Ponderosa memory at www.facebook.com/ponderosasteakhouse, with the hashtag #Happy50thPondo, will be entered to win one of 50, $50 gift cards.
“For 50 years, Ponderosa Steakhouses have been a home away from home, a place where generations of friends and families have gathered to enjoy great American food classics, creating smiles and memories that last a lifetime,” said Tom Sacco, president and CEO, Homestyle Dining LLC, parent company of Ponderosa Steakhouse Restaurants. “As we reflect back as a guide into our next 50 years, we want to thank our many loyal guests, both young and old, for their patronage all these years. These special promotions are our way of showing our sincere gratitude as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future as Ponderosa Steakhouse continues its brand refresh, national expansion and culinary revitalization.”
With Sacco’s leadership, the company began a rebranding initiative to refresh the Ponderosa Steakhouse concept, with expanded menu offerings on the food bar and across the entire entrée line-up. The new menu meets the needs of today’s guests, who crave longtime favorites and who also want to explore more relevant offerings including healthier options such as: Grilled Center Cut Top Sirloin, Grilled Cilantro Lime Salmon, Quinoa Salad, Citrus Grilled Shrimp, Southwestern Edamame Salad, Gluten-free entrees, Certified Angus Burgers, and all children’s meals now have a choice of a fresh fruit or fresh vegetable option.
“As we continue to make the Ponderosa brand more relevant to today’s diners, it is critical that we don’t alienate our longtime loyal customers. We will remain authentic to our spirit of offering great American food at a great American value.”
Interiors also are receiving enhancements, including a bright new color scheme, lighting, graphics, menu boards and food bar design. Guests are responding favorably to the modifications as refreshed restaurants continue to realize double-digit increases in sales and guest counts.
Ponderosa Steakhouses are also enjoying a renaissance abroad with several recent restaurant openings in Cairo, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Plans are underway to open more international locations, including Europe and Latin America.
“As we start the next 50 years, Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurants is actively seeking both single and multi-unit franchisees, who want to leverage our legacy and our new way forward to bring our upgraded concept to additional domestic and international markets,” said Sacco. “Ponderosa Restaurants perform quite well in smaller suburban and rural areas populated by working-class and middle-income families and individuals, who crave Ponderosa’s unique brand of familiar comfort and value-oriented steaks and foods with downhome, friendly hospitable service.”
Plano, Texas-based Homestyle Dining LLC owns, operates and franchises family-focused restaurants throughout the United States and internationally under the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse brands, where guests enjoy flame-grilled steaks and entrees along with a high-quality buffet featuring an endless selection of salads, soups, appetizers, vegetables, and desserts at affordable prices. The soon-to-debut Bonanza Steak & BBQ in Eureka, Mo., will be a modern casual dining concept that celebrates Bonanza’s American steakhouse heritage and modernizes it with an updated menu including new authentic, Southern-style BBQ offerings, an interior redesign around a butcher house theme, and full-service dining. Homestyle Dining recently introduced Cole’s Backyard Grill, a truly unique experience around a rich, flavorful and creative American menu at fast casual pricing in an eclectic and comfortable environment. The first Cole’s Backyard Grill opened in Lindale, Tex., in May 2014, with plans to open up to 250 restaurants in the next five years.