Last fall, the 172-location Beef ‘O’ Brady’s announced the launch of its new restaurant design and branding with a goal of better reflecting its family-friendly sports-centric atmosphere and prioritized upgrading its kitchen equipment to improve consistency, speed and quality. With that said, the three-decade-old FSR is no stranger to change and staying ahead of the curve on industry trends, all while staying true to its loyal customer base.

“At Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, the most important initiative driving sales is, and always has been, capitalizing on value and staying true to our customers. We currently have a 2 for $20 menu out, and we always try to make fun and exciting for the guest. Most recently, we added a drink feature as an additional choice making it 2 for $24,” said Chief Marketing Officer Heather Boggs. “In Q3, we’re looking to take it a step further and add steak to the 2 for $20 menu along with a couple other new items including pretzels and queso and pork rinds.”

In addition to the ongoing 2 for $20 menu, Boggs also emphasizes the importance of the brand’s new loyalty program, which launched earlier this year, and capitalizing on popular holidays such as National Chicken Wing Day, which is celebrated annually on July 29.

“National Chicken Wing Day is always one of our biggest marketing pushes of the year with a 23% increase in sales on that one day,” said Boggs. “So on top of the other ongoing deals, we’re offering a limited-time buy-one-get-one-free deal in increments of six, ten and 16. Our customers love it, so we’re happy to participate in holidays like National Chicken Wing Day and put our own spin on it.”

On the other side, The Brass Tap, while not participating in National Chicken Wing Day, is celebrating some initiatives of its own in the second half of the year.

“The Brass Tap is very locally driven, so each location has the opportunity to really drive their own initiatives by supporting local breweries and distilleries in their community,” said Boggs. “But as a brand, The Brass Tap is celebrating being 10 years old in 2018. In October, we’ll be partnering with Uinta Brewing Co. They brewed a beer specifically for The Brass Tap, so we will be celebrating the special birthday with a special tapping of a Brass Tap-exclusive brewed beer with Uinta across all of our locations.”

The Brass Tap is also excited to continue implementing its Barrel-Aged Bourbon Program across select existing locations and in all new locations.

“We’ve always been kind of known a the craft-beer bar,” said Boggs. “But our Barrel-Aged Bourbon Program gives us the opportunity to cater to an even wider audience and provide another fun option for those looking to explore something new, which is the atmosphere we really wanted to create with the brand going forward.”

Now heading into the second half of 2018, customers of both Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap can look forward to continued upgrades and initiatives.

“The last year has been so exciting for both of our brands,” said Boggs. “There was a lot of time spent at the chalkboard, but we’re confident that we’re heading in the right direction and will continue to do what we need to do to give our customers the best experience possible. There’s a lot to look forward to and we’re always thinking of the next big thing.”