Source: https://www.nrn.com/family-dining/shoney-s-overhauls-breakfast-bar-offerings

Family-dining restaurant operator expands all-you-can-eat platform

Shoney’s, the family-dining operator, has overhauled its all-you-can-eat breakfast bar offerings, the company said this week.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Shoney’s, which first introduced the breakfast bar in the early 1980s, has rolled out new items on the “All You Care to Eat Breakfast Fresh Food Bar, after consulting with its own research and development teams, its franchisee partners, supplier partners and customers.

David Davoudpour, Shoney’s CEO and chair, said the new items play on Shoney’s strengths, such as strawberry pie, and offer new versions of the brand’s classics.

“I like sweet in the morning with a cup of coffee,” Davoudpour said in an interview Monday, “but that bacon and cheddar cheese grits — it’s magnificent. It’s a classy Southern dish that you can’t ignore.”

Breakfast bar prices depend upon location and can range from $9.99 to $14.99, he said. The all-you-can-eat bar is in all Shoney’s unit, he added.

Besides the Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Grits, new breakfast bar items include:

• Biscuit & Gravy Strata with sausage, spinach and cheese.
• Blueberry Muffins.
• Cinnamon rolls with traditional icing.
• Churro Donuts.
• Strawberry Trifle that features biscuits layered with whipped topping and sliced berries.
• Sausage Skillet Hash with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
• Egg Frittata Cups in two varieties including bacon-cheddar and red bell pepper-spinach.
• Sweet Heat Crispy Chicken Biscuit with Shoney’s Hot Honey sauce.

The new items tap into Shoney’s heritage. The brand was founded in 1947.

“We’ve been famous for our strawberry pie since 1947,” Davoudpour said, “so we know one or two things about the strawberry pie. We got a strawberry trifle out there, and it’s a beauty.”

Shoney’s units in the largely franchised system are open at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., and serve the breakfast bar until lunch, Davoudpour said. It then switches to lunch. Most units close at between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., depending on the location, he said.

Gill Duff, chief marketing officer for Shoney’s, added in statement: “Nothing is better than when innovation and collaboration are in unison and this was proof. We have dramatically improved the already industry-leading breakfast option.”

Davoudpour’s Royal Hospitality Corp., an affiliate of Atlanta-based Royal Capital Corp., acquired Shoney’s North America in 2006.

Shoney’s has 65 restaurants in 17 states.

Contact Ron Ruggless at Ronald.Ruggless@Informa.com

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

The Best Breakfast in Town® About to Get Better Due to Innovation and Collaboration Among Shoney’s Partners and Guests

Value, Quality and Delectable Flavors – Always Shoney’s brand Standards – Get a Shot in the Arm to Solidify its Category Leadership for what Most Say is the Most Important Meal of the Day

AMERICA, September 1, 2023 – The Best Breakfast in Town ® is getting better next week thanks to the King of Breakfast: Shoney’s.

       With a perfect collaboration and input from all stakeholders in its beloved brand, Shoney’s has upped the ante on its famous All You Care to Eat Breakfast Fresh Food Bar, adding as many as 10 new items under the careful consideration of its company’s leadership, expert culinary counsel, research and development teams, its franchisee partners, supplier partners and of course Shoney’s valued guests and fans.

“The saying goes, ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,’ said Shoney’s CEO and Chairman Mr. David Davoudpour. “Not on my watch, ever. We are
already the best breakfast in town yet we knew we could get better and we have. We listened to all and have acted on all and without a doubt,
Shoney’s will continue to be the category leader for breakfast. As we say around here, ‘Let’s Eat’”

In order to maintain Shoney’s morning dominance, Mr. Davoudpour leaned on many and listened to all, including its valued franchise system. Shoney’s also received counsel from its supplier partners to ensure value was maintained for Shoney’s guests for which Shoney’s is famous.

“No corners were cut here,” said Mr. Davoudpour. “The goal was am even better breakfast and we nailed it. Loyal fans will still have their
favorites and more, while new guests will be completely mesmerized by the amazing options, both signature staples and new items.”

Proof follows, all new:

• Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Grits: Savory grits with cheddar, bacon, and green onions – a tasty delight
• Biscuit & Gravy Strata: Hearty breakfast strata with biscuits, sausage, spinach, cheese, and creamy gravy
• Blueberry Muffins: Delicious blueberry muffins – a sweet treat
• Cinnamon Rolls: Classic cinnamon rolls with traditional icing – a sweet indulgence
• Churro Donuts: A twist on traditional churros topped with cinnamon sugar. Try it with a drizzle of our Shoney’s Chocolate Topping
• Fresh Strawberry Trifle: Buttery biscuits layered with fluffy whipped topping and juicy fresh sliced strawberries
• Sausage Skillet Hash: Delicious skillet hash with sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies – a flavorful breakfast treat
• Egg Frittata Cups: Two varieties available. One is Bacon/Cheddar and the other is a Veggie option with red bell peppers, and spinach.
• Sweet Heat Crispy Chicken Biscuit: Spicy chicken biscuit with Shoney’s Hot Honey sauce – a perfect combo

       To perfectly complement its new breakfast offerings, Shoney’s it’s leaning on its valued beverage partner Minute Maid® to bring its
signature Orange Juice and or Apple Juice to America’s dinner table.

“This is a game changer for the Shoney’s brand in a game we are already winning,” said Gill Duff, chief marketing officer for Shoney’s.
“Nothing is better than when innovation and collaboration are in unison and this was proof. We have dramatically improved the already industryleading breakfast option. The best breakfast in town just got even better.”

And it’s apparent with early guest feedback, with taste, aroma, texture, appearance, temperature and intent to purchase, all evaluated to
what equated to an exemplary report card, as in straight As.

“This is big deal for Shoney’s,” concluded Mr. Davoudpour. “I am not a ‘rest on your laurels’ kind of guy. I love this brand, bought this
brand and am absolutely committed to having it be the go-to for value, friendly service, a smiling face or a well-meant handshake and the best breakfast you’ve ever had in your life. Until tomorrow morning, of course.”

For more than 75 years, Shoney’s has collected industry accolades, beginning from day one. Shoney’s is consistently recognized as the
premiere family dining restaurant, praised for having the best rating for value among all family dining chains while also being hailed for its service, menu variety and diners’ recommendations. It was most recently recognized as one of the most iconic diner chains in America.

Since acquiring the great American eatery in 2007, Mr. Davoudpour has been on a driven and spirited mission to reinvigorate and
revitalize Shoney’s, a family-friendly, southern-style restaurant brand. Shoney’s is one of the first, and has always been one of the most popular, family casual dining concepts in the United States.

In order to get back to what Mr. Davoudpour confidently calls Shoney’s “Glory Days,” the brand is now growing through franchising,
following an extensive revitalization effort. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates.
Price and participation vary. Items may vary by location and day of week.

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About Shoney’s
Shoney’s is headquartered in Nashville, operates in 17 states and is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. For more than 75 years, guests have enjoyed Shoney’s family-friendly, casual dining experience. Visit www.shoneys.com for more information on restaurant hours, locations and special offers. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. You can also follow Shoney’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube