By: Katie Belflower
In this edition of Concepts to Watch, Restobiz and Technomic highlight three innovative restaurants across the country: Hudsons Canada’s Pub, Nickels Deli, and Meltwich. Competition in the foodservice industry is fierce, so knowing how to stand out from the crowd is crucial. Being clear about your restaurant concept and creating a menu that reflects your brand will help to attract attention and get more people through your doors.
Hudsons Canada’s Pub
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Image Source: Hudsons Canada’s Pub Instagram
Facebook: 15,949 likes | Instagram: 12,500 followers
Locations: 6 (Alberta and Saskatchewan)
Concept characteristics:
- Full-service pub that aims to celebrate and reflect the Canadian spirit
- Brews house-made Henry Hudsons beers
- Core value is to treat everyone like family
- Offers bookings for corporate packages, celebration packages, cocktail parties, and fundraisers
Menu snapshot:
- Focuses on serving Canadian-sourced meats, cheeses, and produce
- Selection of poutines includes Traditional Quebec Poutine and Nashville Chicken Poutine
- Dishes up house favourites such as Prairie Top Sirloin and Bale House Fish & Chips
- Each location serves local beers on tap
- Menus a curated assortment of Canadian whiskies
Nickels Delicatessen
Smoked Meat on Rye
Image Source: Nickels Delicatessen Instagram
Facebook: 5,704 likes | Instagram: 625 followers
Locations: 10 (Quebec)
Concept characteristics:
- Casual-dining chain serving comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Specializes in smoked meats, but serves many other options including burgers and sandwiches
- Franchise opportunities are available
- Interiors feature retro elements such as subway tile and neon signs
Menu snapshot:
- Menus pancakes, French toast, crepes, and waffles in varieties such as banana Nutella and caramel apple
- Montreal smoked meats come on sandwiches such as the Reuben and BBQ Jack, with barbecue sauce and Monterey Jack cheese
- Other sandwich choices include the Philly Steak Sub, Salmon Wrap, and Cajun Chicken Wrap
- Serves other classic comfort foods such as steak, pasta, and pizza
- Pours a variety of wines and beers alongside classic cocktails
Meltwich
Vegan Mushroom Melt
Image Source: Meltwich Instagram
Facebook: 4,156 likes | Instagram: 2,079 followers | Twitter: 1,369 followers
Locations: 35 (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan)
Concept characteristics:
- Fast-casual concept focused on melts and grilled cheese sandwiches
- Committed to using the highest-quality ingredients possible
- Core values include honesty, transparency, innovation, and service excellence
- Franchising opportunities are available
Menu snapshot:
- Burgers are made with beef that is raised without antibiotics and is halal-certified
- Offers seven different types of cheese including jalapeno Monterey Jack and vegan mozzarella
- Signature grilled cheeses are fully customizable and come in varieties including the Mac Attack with macaroni and cheese, and The Godfather with prosciutto and balsamic glaze
- Offers a large selection of sides such as tomato bisque soup, coleslaw, onion rings, macaroni and cheese bites, and potato tots
- Poutine options include Red Hot Buffalo Chicken, Classic and Spicy Steak
- Menus both bottled and draft beer
Concepts 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.
Concepts to Watch feature image via Meltwich Facebook
