Menu Innovation & Value Strategy with Lazy Dog Restaurants CEO Chris Simms

About this episode

Pat Cobe interviews Chris Simms about Lazy Dog Restaurants' strategies for menu innovation and value in a challenging dining landscape.

Join Pat Cobe, Senior Menu Editor at Restaurant Business, for an exclusive conversation with Chris Simms, CEO of Lazy Dog Restaurants. Discover how this innovative casual dining chain is navigating 2026's challenging landscape while staying ahead of food trends. 🍽️ What You'll Learn: How Lazy Dog balances affordability with premium dining experiences The strategy behind their $15 Fireside Favorites menu Innovative small plates and bar bites driving customer loyalty Mocktail trends and non-alcoholic beverage innovation Menu development secrets for 51 locations nationwide Key Topics Covered: ✅ Cravable Classics vs. Approachable Innovation ✅ Value-driven menu engineering in challenging times ✅ Small plates strategy (Korean fried chicken bao buns, tikka masala meatballs, garlic chili cucumbers) ✅ GLP-1 diet considerations and portion sizing ✅ Zero-proof cocktails and alcohol-free elixirs ✅ Technology's role in operational efficiency ✅ Upcoming fall menu innovations

People in this episode

Host: Pat Cobe

Guest: Chris Simms

Topics covered

• menu innovation
• value strategy
• casual dining
• food trends
• customer loyalty
• non-alcoholic beverages
• menu development

Keywords

• Lazy Dog Restaurants
• menu engineering
• small plates
• mocktails
• food trends
• dining experience
• customer loyalty

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lazy Dog Restaurants

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