This is a lost opportunity, particularly for operators that feature buffets. “Seafood certainly suits brunch buffets, from beautiful fish entrees to peel-and-eat shrimp. I’m sure there are restaurants doing this, but I haven’t seen a lot of chains promoting it,” Mary Chapman, director of product innovation for foodservice consulting firm Technomic, told SeafoodSource.However, some chains are promoting the seafood items offered for their Easter brunch buffets. Buffets, Inc. restaurants in Greer, S.C., which operates Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet and other brands, is featuring butterfly shrimp and peel and eat shrimp on its Easter brunch buffet.
“At Easter, you think about abundance and flavor and coming together with friends and family to have a great meal. At the same time, you think about treating yourself. Offering items like butterfly shrimp and peel and eat shrimp is a way of helping our guests treat themselves and celebrate the holiday,” Alice Crowder, VP of marketing for Buffets Inc., told SeafoodSource.
Meanwhile, Orlando, Fla.-based Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is promoting its three-course Ruths Classics meals, starting at USD 42.95 (EUR 33.51). Guests can choose from main courses such as sea scallops with crabmeat and Chilean sea bass Puttanesca, and then choose a starter and a dessert. Or, guests can order the chain’s surf and turf, an 8-ounce lobster tail with the choice of a 12-ounce ribeye or 6-ounce filet.
Similar to other restaurant chains’ Easter promotions this year, Ruth’s Chris is appealing to kids’ tastes as well. “Little ones can enjoy a special menu priced at USD 13.95 (EUR 10.89), which includes sides and desserts with entrees like Tender Filet Medallion, Oven-Baked Chicken Breast and Broiled Salmon Fillet,” according to a statement from Ruth’s Chris.
Many independent operators are also promoting seafood for Easter. For example, Greensboro, N.C.-based MJ’s Steak & Seafood is offering a special menu on Easter Sunday that includes Crab Cake Eggs Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise and Bacon for USD 15 (EUR 11.70), Shrimp and Grits for USD 14 (EUR 10.92), and Fried Catfish with Stone Ground Grits, Collards and Black Pepper Cocktail Sauce for USD 13 (EUR 10.14).
