Modern Updates, Contemporary Design Highlight Aggressive 2016 Expansion Plan
Topping a year of solid sales growth and innovative menu additions, Back Yard Burgers, the better burger concept known for big, bold flavors, unveiled an aggressive new push for market share in 2016 through a contemporary redesign of its restaurants. The new design will launch next year, with existing store updates to follow.
The announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Back Yard Burgers that is designed to create a better fast casual experience centered on customer service. The modern design template incorporates contemporary comfort throughout, and the new concept features large windows that let in nearly 50 percent more natural light and create a sense of openness throughout the dining area. Additional updates include a more streamlined drive-thru experience, an open kitchen, and a designated milkshake station near the front entrance.
“These updates will make the entire dining experience at Back Yard Burgers better than ever before,” said Back Yard Burgers Chief Executive Officer David McDougall. “Our focus throughout the redesign process has remained on the creation of a better atmosphere for both our customers and our dedicated employees. This project will increase efficiency in our restaurants and ultimately increase revenue as well.”
The redesign follows more than four months of market research conducted in partnership with Cakewalk Creative, one of the nation’s leading retail branding and design firms. The San Francisco based firm first worked with Back Yard Burgers in 2013, enhancing its menu board to create a more contemporary, customer friendly experience. The store updates are modeled after the success achieved through the menu board updates.
“The new menu board served as the North star on how we wanted to shape the Back Yard Burgers experience of the future,” said Cakewalk Principal and Managing Partner David Zapata. “Our design decisions incorporate more than two months of market research through three separate and distinctly different concepts. We took each of those concepts to the most important critics we have: our customers. The final design was ultimately driven by what is most important to them.”
Cakewalk utilized focus groups to determine which concepts would resonate best with consumers. The results from that diligent research better position the brand to serve its customers more effectively in a more contemporary, comfortable environment than ever before.
“Back Yard Burgers has been focused on feedback from its customers through this process more than anyone else we’ve ever worked with. These modern upgrades will amplify what everyone already loves about this great brand, and help grow a new generation of fans around the latest designs in the fast casual concept,” said Zapata.
The updates and new locations follow steady growth in 2015 for Back Yard Burgers. The brand has created 30 consecutive months of positive comp sales, and plans to open several new locations in the year ahead. Key Back Yard Burgers partnerships, including the availability of the brand’s popular Black Angus Back Yard Burgers patties in select Walmart stores and the addition of popular new in-restaurant limited time offers like the Mediterranean Chicken Burger, Greek Salad and Orange Cream Shake are driving new revenue streams, creating even more new growth opportunities for the brand in 2016.
“Two years ago, our highest priority was repositioning the brand and focusing on our core values of treating our guests with genuine kindness and respect and delivering hot, fresh, delicious food,” said McDougall. “We are proud of our accomplishments, but hungry for more. The innovations driving Back Yard Burgers into the future will help make 2016 the best chapter yet in our story.”
Back Yard Burgers is a fast casual, better-burger concept that takes pride in their uncompromising commitment to “providing custom, flame-grilled variety with care.” The company’s franchise partners and employees are passionate about offering the freshest ingredients, allowing their guests to customize their meals and to serving the same high-quality food that they would offer at home to their own family. Along with offering made-to-order gourmet Angus burgers, Back Yard Burgers’ menu includes delicious grilled chicken sandwiches, fresh and creative salads, hand-dipped milkshakes, and freshly baked desserts. Today the franchise brand operates 60 locations in 13 states.
For franchising opportunities visit: http://www.backyardburgers.com/franchising.
