By Katie Belflower

In this month’s edition of Concept Watch, RestoBiz and Technomic have teamed up again to highlight three standout restaurant concepts featured in foodservice right now. This month, we focus on Bar One, Crepe Delicious, and Burrito Boys, as we explore how they stand out from the crowd in Canadian foodservice.

 Bar One

Variety of appetizers

Image Source: Bar One Instagram

Facebook: 1,900 likes | Instagram: 1,127 followers

Locations: 13 (Alberta and British Columbia)

Concept characteristics:

• Casual dining chain serving classic bar dishes alongside signature cocktails and local beers
• Utilizes fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Billed as the perfect place to gather with friends and family in a welcoming atmosphere
• Offers daily specials on food and drink

Menu snapshot:

• Appetizers include Thai Chile Chicken Bites, Cajun Shrimp Tacos, Dry Garlic Ribs, and Loaded BBQ Chicken Tots
• Sandwich and burger choices such as Jalapeno Kicker Burger, Sirloin Steak Sandwich, and Traditional Turkey Club
• Larger entrées include the Chile-Lime Chicken Rice Bowl, Baked Spaghetti, Fish and Chips, and T-Bone Steak Dinner
• Offers an up-to-date local beer selection alongside domestic and imported bottled options

Crepe Delicious

Tuttie-Fruittie Crepe

Image Source: Crepe Delicious website

Facebook: 7,100 likes | Instagram: 4,932 followers| Twitter: 1,049 followers

Locations: 37 (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan)

Concept characteristics:

• Quick-service concept specializing in made-to-order sweet and savoury crepes for all dayparts
• Passionate about nutritious meals on-the-go
• Often located in shopping malls or centres
• Working on expanding its footprint into the United States
• Franchising opportunities are available

Menu snapshot:

• Utilizes fresh fruits for crepe fillings
• Sweet crepe options include the Tuttie-Fruittie with strawberries, bananas and Nutella, Caramel Apple with caramel, sliced apples and walnuts, and Cookies and Cream with whipped cream and Oreos
• Other sweet crepe fillings include cheesecake, custard, dulce de leche, and cookie butter
• Selection of breakfast crepes including the Good Morning Canada with eggs, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese, and Western Breakfast with eggs, diced ham, peppers, and red onions
• Other savoury crepe choices are available such as the Viva la Crepe with premium chicken breast, portobello mushrooms, and pesto, and Salmon Deluxe with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers

Burrito Boyz

Burritos

Image Source: Burrito Boyz Instagram

Facebook: 1,400 likes | Instagram: 7,339 followers

Locations: 48 (Ontario)

Concept characteristics:

• Quick-service Mexican restaurant serving customizable burritos, naked burritos (bowls), quesadillas, and tacos
• Fresh, high-quality food at great prices
• Apparel such as hats, shirts, and sweatpants are available for purchase
• Franchising opportunities are available

Menu snapshot:

• Burrito, naked burrito, and taco protein options include chicken, steak, shrimp, ground soy, calamari, sweet potato, haddock, and halibut
• Burrito, naked burrito, and nacho toppings include vegan refried pinto beans, black beans, vegan Mexican rice, mango salsa, and chili-lime sauce
• Menus Fryz Extreme, featuring loaded fries with a choice of toppings such as chicken, steak, sweet potato, chipotle salsa, and guacamole
• Tortilla chips and dips are available as a side, with dip options including guacamole, salsa, and nacho cheese
• Mexican drink choices such as Jarritos, as well as Jumex juices, and nectars

Concept Watch is based on restaurant and menu concepts and trends noted by Technomic Inc.

Katie Belflower is Associate Editor for Technomic, a Chicago-based foodservice research and consulting firm. Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions, and results. The company’s services include publications and digital products as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry, including menu trends.

Feature image via Burrito Boyz’ Facebook page.