Vote for the Schlotzsky’s Bun Run T-shirt

 

Vote now! We have three great designs and we need your help to narrow them down to one! The winning design will be featured on thousands of Bun Run T-shirts. Click HERE to vote!

Want to join in the fun on race day? Head to http://www.bunrun.com for all the details and to get signed up! With a 5K, 10K and Kids’ K, there’s an option for everyone!

 

 

Richer Fillings

For sandwich sellers, more is better as premium products rule

By Jonathan Maze
As published in: Franchise Times – June-July 2012

Like many sandwich chains, Wisconsin-based Cousins discounted its way through the recession—a year ago, its restaurants were selling sandwiches for $2.99. This year, the company stopped discounting, and started making its sandwiches better, adding 50 percent more steak to its Cheesesteak line.

The result: Same-store sales are up 5 percent this year, and customers are switching from the cheaper sandwiches to the bigger ones. “Instead of discounting, we increased the product in our sandwiches, made it more premium,” said Joe Ferguson, vice president of development for Cousins. “They’re trading off to more premium products.”

Cousins isn’t the only chain beefing things up right now. In the midst of a highly competitive sandwich market, concepts are improving their menus, redesigning their restaurants and developing new financing options in an effort to break through the crowded field.

Thanks to their portability and flexibility, sandwiches are perhaps the most popular menu item in the restaurant industry. According to market-research firm NPD Group, the number of sandwich-chain units—a number that includes burger concepts—has grown 26 percent since 2011, an annual growth rate of about 2.4 percent.

Yet that growth has slowed since the onset of the recession, to less than 1 percent in each of the past two years. Some prominent sandwich concepts have struggled more recently, such as Denver-based Quiznos and Scottsdale, Arizona-based Blimpie.

Meanwhile, concept leader Subway keeps finding places for new restaurants—it had 24,449 U.S. restaurants at the end of 2011. St. Louis-based Panera Bread, the leader of the bakery-café sub-sector, also keeps growing, with 1,541 restaurants. Chains such as Champaign, Illinois-based Jimmy John’s and Jacksonville, Florida-based Firehouse Subs have also been adding units at a nice clip.

As they try to play catch-up, smaller and mid-sized concepts such as Cousins, McAlister’s Deli, Schlotzsky’s and DeSoto, Kansas-based Mr. Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs are making improvements to get more customers in the door. Some are even experimenting with drive-thrus, which aren’t common outside of burger chains and Arby’s. Based on their sales results, the efforts appear to be working thus far.

Remake for Schlotzsky’s Deli

Reimages are a challenge in the restaurant industry, because in many cases operators are being asked to spend tens of thousands of dollars to remodel a restaurant that is financially weak after years of falling sales. Last year, Schlotzsky’s found a solution—using franchisees’ ad dollars.

Eager to update its stores, the Austin, Texas-based chain handled the full remodeling for more than 300 restaurants. The company went market to market, giving each restaurant a facelift, with new signs, menu boards and paint. The entire-market approach cut the per-store cost of a reimage to roughly $18,000 to $25,000 per unit. “When you paint 300 stores at one time, you get a much better deal on paint,” said Kelly Roddy, president.

When all the stores within a market completed the remodel, the company used ad fund dollars from that market to pay the vendor. The lack of marketing did bring down sales for a time, but Roddy said a post-remodel sales bump more than made up for the loss. “We felt that really helped us drive sales without advertising,” Roddy said. The company is back on the airwaves this year, and same-store sales are up 7 percent.

Schlotzsky’s is also working to add sales to restaurants in two other ways: through multi-branding and a drive-thru.

The concept is part of Focus Brands’ portfolio, the Atlanta-based franchise company owned by the private equity group Roark Capital. Fellow Focus-owned concepts Cinnabon and Carvel are being added to many of its locations. The company’s ultimate goal is to add at least a Cinnabon to each of its locations, while new units will have all three.

Multi-branding has been a hit-or-miss franchising plan, but Roddy said the addition of dessert concepts works in Schlotzsky’s case because Cinnabon and Carvel are snack concepts that don’t compete with Schlotzsky’s sandwiches. “From what I’ve seen in cobranding, in most cases you’re selling the same share of stomachs,” Roddy said. “You’re competing lunch against lunch. For us, it’s other dayparts. The same person who orders a Cinnabon may not come in to get a sandwich.”

The other improvement is a drive-thru. Schlotzsky’s developed a new prototype with all three brands, plus a drive-thru, and early tests have been strong. A company test saw a 45 percent sales increase, with the biggest share coming from young women. It is attracting more 18- to 32-year-olds, and women represent 52 percent of the customers at new stores, versus 42 percent in the old ones.

The 360-unit chain is opening 35 restaurants this year. Next year, it expects to open 60 units “on the low side,” Roddy said. “We’re going crazy. We’re growing. Things are changing. Things are rolling.”

Source: Franchise Times

3 profitable restaurant models

Schlotzsky’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Sizzler discuss the payoffs of their recent remodeling projects

June 7, 2012 – Mark Brandau

Restaurant brands are getting more than just a fresh coat of paint with their latest efforts to refresh and remodel.

In addition to looking modern and relevant, now a necessity in a highly competitive restaurant landscape, chains are repositioning themselves, expanding into new dayparts and sales layers, and motivating their franchisees and staff through large investments for reimaging.

While major public companies like McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Bob Evans have identified remodeling as a major growth strategy, smaller brands also are targeting significant returns on reimaging investments and renewed growth. Schlotzsky’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Sizzler spoke with Nation’s Restaurant News about how their recent remodels have begun to pay off.

Schlotzsky’s Deli: Tripling down on new positioning

In order to complete the reimaging of its more than 375 restaurants in 2011, Schlotzsky’s Deli invested $40 million in not only refreshing the chain’s décor but also in adding service elements to solidify its positioning as a fast-casual brand.

“Schlotzsky’s had gone through many years of being in between quick service and fast casual, so we repositioned from our marketing, service, and look and feel,” president Kelly Roddy said. “We changed it to ‘Lotz better,’ with new packaging and colors, new signage, and with food runners bringing food to the table. … We saw a significant improvement in customer counts and sales as soon as we finished the reimages.”

The Austin, Texas-based chain, which is a division of Atlanta-based Focus Brands, steadily grew average unit volumes after accelerating the rebrand process in 2011, going from average sales of about $660,000 in fiscal 2007 to about $780,000 by the end of 2011. Year-to-date, average unit volumes are tracking at about $800,000, Roddy said.

Some units even co-branded with other Focus properties, including Cinnabon and Carvel, to expand into dayparts beyond the typical lunch rush, he added. Units co-branded with a Cinnabon are on pace to pay back the remodel investment within nine months, while other Schlotzsky’s locations that simply updated the décor would reach their return in about 16 months.

“We now have a brand that’s more relevant and seated more strongly in the fast-casual position,” Roddy said. “We’re very much a lunch business, so our goal now is to reach beyond lunchtime. We can take some items we currently sell, such as our pizzas, which we’re starting to promote past 3:00 now, and introduce ourselves as a dinner player.”

The ability to fill the restaurant with customers at all points of the day — including for Cinnabon treats in the morning or at snack time and for Carvel ice cream at night — has increased productivity without adding much incremental labor, according to Roddy. He added that franchisees are bullish on the potential of Schlotzsky’s units tri-branded with Cinnabon and Carvel.

“It has re-energized the franchise base,” he said. “They’re starting to grow now, and people who haven’t built stores in a decade are out there expanding. We’re selling a lot of franchises, but we can be particular about who we let into the brand because it’s in such high demand.”

There currently are about 20 tri-branded locations, and Schlotzsky’s plans to open 35 more in 2012, Roddy said.

Source: Nation’s Restaurant News

Cool weekend fitness events

By Pamela LeBlanc | Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 05:25 AM

With three major fitness events lurking on this weekend’s horizon (not to mention that awesome Treeathlon at Barton Springs on Saturday, which I blogged about a few days ago), I thought I’d get a jump start.

Bun Run

If the thought of a sandwich spurs you to sprint at record pace, line up for the Schlotzsky’s Bun Run, the longest-running 5K in Austin, which adds a 10K option this year. The races start and finish near Auditorium Shores, with the 10K at 7 a.m.; the Kid’s K at 7:45 a.m.; and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 29. Think your pooch is the fastest in town? Dogs are invited to enter the 5K ($10 per dog). Packet pickup is 3-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Schlotzsky’s, 218 S. Lamar Boulevard, or at Auditorium Shores on race morning. Proceeds benefit the Austin Sunshine Camps. For more information go here: http://www.bunrun.com

Source: Austin360.com

Schlotzsky’s-Cinnabon-Carvel opens in Austin on April 14

The new Schlotzsky’s-Cinnabon-Carvel in Austin, Texas is scheduled to open at 10am on Saturday, April 14.

Get there early, because the first 100 people who buy a Cinnabon 6-pack will get free Schlotzsky’s every week for an entire year! In addition, guests can enjoy our signature sandwich, a small The Original, for just $1.99 all day on Saturday.

We’ll also have special appearances throughout the day from the Austin Toros Basketball team and a live radio remote with KISS-FM, featuring on-air personality, Lunchbox. We’ll also have plenty of games, prizes and fun for the kids, too including face painting and a balloon artist.

On Sunday, April 15, the Stars Ice Girls will be here from noon to two. Be here to win one of four Texas Stars jerseys. And on Monday, join us at 3pm for a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony and more prizes.

The biggest prize of all will be a 2012 Yamaha Waverunner! Head to the restaurant and join our Bun & Fun eClub between now and May 15 and you’ll be entered to win.

Don’t miss the fun! Come see us this weekend at the new Schlotzsky’s-Cinnabon-Carvel at 8300 N. FM 620 Ste. 103.

*Free Schlotzsky’s offer valid for persons 18 years and older. One giveaway per family. 52 small sandwiches; ONE sandwich each week for one year commencing on April 14, 2012 and expiring on April 1, 2013. This offer is nontransferable and is not valid with any other offer. Offer may not be redeemed at any other Cinnabon or Schlotzsky’s location. Void where prohibited. 

**Must be 18 years or older to participate in drawing for Yamaha Waverunner. Drawing will take place on May 15, 2012.

Four Decades of Schlotzsky’s: It’s Time to Celebrate!!

National Promotion Gives Lucky 40 Fans Free Schlotzsky’s for a Year; Shops Nationwide Offer Special Promotion Oct. 4 for Legendary Sandwich

From a small mom-and-pop shop in South Austin to more than 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky’s has been satisfying taste buds with its round, freshly-baked buns for the past 40 years.

Celebrating its anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, Schlotzsky’s invites consumers to enjoy the sandwich that launched the brand’s success…The Original^®. Offered all day long, guests can purchase The Original (small) for a special promotional price of $1.99, with no coupon necessary.** Plus, throughout October, 40 lucky fans will win free Schlotzsky’s for a year by signing up on the Schlotzsky’s Facebook page or at any Dallas/Fort Worth area location.

“This October, we are celebrating where it all began with the sandwich that put Schlotzsky’s on the map—The Original,” said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s. “With a taste of the long-standing Schlotzsky’s tradition, The Original reinforces why our brand has stood the test of time and 40 years later we’re still enjoying them. We are sincerely grateful for our fans’ ongoing dedication and support during the past four decades.”

Launched in 1971 in a small shop on South Congress Ave. in Austin, Texas, Schlotzsky’s was home to only one menu item: an one-of-a-kind sandwich called The Original—an 8-inch freshly-baked sourdough bun stuffed with three meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, olives, and dressing. Inspired by muffulettas in an Italian grocery store in New Orleans’ French Quarter, The Original was an instant hit in South Austin.

Fast forward to today, and the brand has more than 350 corporate and franchise locations worldwide and a menu that offers guests 15 different sandwiches on its famous, unique and round freshly-baked buns, as well as gourmet pizzas made with Fresh-from-Scratch^® crusts, freshly made-to-order tossed salads, and a variety of soups and delectable desserts.

Embracing its past and looking towards the next 40 years, Schlotzsky’s recently launched a bold nationwide reimage campaign to make all locations Lotz Better^® with a refreshed color scheme and a circle theme that reflects the unique round sandwiches offered by the restaurant. The new contemporary design incorporates a fresh, vibrant color scheme, tongue-in-cheek phrases, circular-themed photography as well as a newly implemented service model where crew members hand-deliver food to the tables. Additionally, each new Lotz Better location features a partnership with its sister company, Cinnabon^®. With nearly two-thirds of the franchise system already reimaged, company plans call for all locations to have the Lotz Better look by the end of 2011.

For more information or to find the nearest Schlotzsky’s location, visit www.schlotzskys.com.

** Offer valid at participating Schlotzsky’s locations.

Get a small The Original for $1.99 today in Austin

It’s our 40th birthday and we want to celebrate with you! Come see us at any of our Austin locations (including Georgetown, Bastrop and Marble Falls) and get a small The Original for $1.99.  Offer is good all day, today only! See you there!

 

 

Sourdough buns set Schlotzsky’s apart

HUNTINGTON — In 1971, Don and Dolores Dissman opened a small sandwich shop in Austin.

The first location originally only had one sandwich on the menu, now called the Original, featuring lean smoked ham, Genoa and Cotto salamis, three types of cheese, olives, red onion, lettuce, tomato and mustard on a sourdough bun. They chose the name Schlotzsky’s simply because they thought it was funny.

Today the chain has over 380 franchises (including one in Huntington) spread about over 36 states and some other countries. It also offers a much larger menu including a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, Panini sandwiches, pizzas and salads. The Huntington location has been open since October 1995.

“This is our 40-year anniversary,” David Stuart, franchisee of the Huntington Schlotzsky’s said. “Corporate is planning some promotional items for later in the year. All stores around the country are going to be going through a re-imaging program. We are going to be doing some remodeling. We are planning on putting in some new paint, taking down some old artwork and putting in some new art. We have just received a bid with a contractor which is working with corporate to remodel the beverage station and counter later this year. We are also looking into the possibility of bringing in Cinnabon, which is a sister chain to Schlotzsky’s.”

The Original which is modeled after a New Orleans Muffuleta remains the chains most popular sandwich. A Original sells for $4.99 a small, and $5.99 for a medium.

“I’m from Huntington and was living in Cincinnati and discovered Schlotzsky’s and wanted to open a franchise,” Stuart said. “I originally wanted to open one in Cincinnati, but the corporate office didn’t have any opportunities there. They knew I was from Huntington and recommended I open one in my hometown. We looked at several locations before opening, and initially considered the Huntington Mall but this building was under renovation and it made sense to come here to downtown Huntington.”

In addition to the wide selection of sandwiches, he serves personal gourmet pizzas. The pizzas range price from $4.59 for a Vegetarian Special to $4.99 for a BBQ Chicken & Jalapeno.

“What sets us apart is that all of our sourdough buns are baked from scratch,” Stuart said. “We bake our own pizza crusts using the same ingredients as our bread. The proofing, baking, and seasoning is different. Our most popular pizza is the BBQ Chicken & Jalapeno. In fact nationally we sell two barbecue chicken pizzas for every pepperoni. We also do catering for all types of events from groups as small as five people, to as large as 1,800 people at Cabell Huntington Hospital.”

Schlotzsky’s is located at 844 4th Ave. in downtown Huntington. It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturdays. The store is closed on Sunday. Cash and all major credit/debit cards are accepted. No checks are taken at this time. An assortment of sandwich trays and other catering options are available. For catering orders customers should try to call a day ahead. For catering, carry-out orders and more information call 304-525-8044. A menu and company information can be found online at www.schlotzskys.com.

By Paul Sebert

Source: Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Schlotzsky’s Awards $1,000 to Winner of 2011 Bun Run T-Shirt Design Contest

Mike Hathaway of Arlington, Texas Earns Spot on Thousands of T-Shirts for 5k Charity Event Benefiting Austin’s Young Men’s Business League Sunshine Camps 

AUSTIN, Texas – (April 15, 2011) Austin’s very own Schlotzsky’s, home of The Original^® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch^® buns, today announced it has named Mike Hathaway of Arlington, Texas as the winner of its T-shirt design contest for the 29^th Annual Bun Run^®, the longest-running 5k in Austin’s history. Hathaway will receive a $1,000 check on Sunday, May 1 prior to the start of the race for YMBL’s Sunshine Camps charity.

“Mike is a talented individual and the public clearly loved his work by voting on his design as the winner of our contest,” said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s. “His design is colorful, original, creative and most importantly, best reflects the Schlotzsky’s brand. We appreciate the effort he put forth and look forward to seeing the official print on T-shirts on race day.”

The 12” x 12” colorful design is symbolic of The Original^® round toasted sandwich, as it is shaped in a circle with the city of Austin animatedly drawn in the background, along with the Schlotzsky’s Bobby Bun logo dressed in a sweatsuit as it jogs down a city street into the forefront of the picture. Both “Schlotzsky’s” and the “Bun Run 2011” are captured in the outer portion of the circle surrounding the drawing.

“I was extremely excited to hear I had won the Schlotzsky’s T-shirt design contest,” said Hathaway, who also owns his own business, LMHDesigns. “This is the first time I have ever entered something like this. Well, anything with this big of a payoff! I am proud of my design and thankful to have been chosen.”

Hosting more than 5,000 runners, walkers and joggers, as well as a few four-legged friends, Schlotzsky’s Annual Bun Run began in 1982, with the company’s goal to become move involved in the Austin community. Schlotzsky’s since then has partnered with the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL), raising an average of $50,000 throughout the years with all proceeds benefiting the Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps, a program for at-risk and disadvantaged youths.

“The Young Men’s Business League is a wonderful group of individuals who come together to put on a great 5k race that benefits our youth,” added Roddy. “We couldn’t be more pleased to raise money for the Sunshine Camps.”

The 29^th Annual Schlotzsky’s Bun Run will take place Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. CT atSouth First Street inAustin, nearAuditoriumShores. Additional events during the Schlotzsky’s Bun Run include the race day expo and the Lil’ Bun Run 1k that starts at 7:45 a.m. As an added treat, Schlotzsky’s will stay true to its fun, quirky and unique roots offering a bounce house and face painting for the kids, drinks and snacks for attendees and lots of fun giveaways.

For complete details about the Schlotzsky’s 29^th Annual Bun Run and T-shirt contest, please visit www.bunrun.com.

Schlotzsky’s Kicks Off 29th Annual Bun Run® Registration with T-Shirt Design Contest

5k Charity Event for Austin’s YMBL Sunshine Camps, T-shirt Design Winner Will Receive $1,000

AUSTIN, Texas – (March 14, 2011) Austin’s very own Schlotzsky’s, home of The Original^® round toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch^® buns, has announced its 29^th Annual Bun Run^®, scheduled for Sunday, May 1. The longest-running 5k in Austin’s history will get a fun jump-start with a T-shirt design contest that will reward one lucky winner with a $1,000 check.

Through March 24, 2011, Schlotzsky’s will accept designs for the Schlotzsky’s 2011 Bun Run T-shirt. Judges will then select five T-shirt designs based on the most creative, and which best reflect the Schlotzsky’s brand, to showcase online at www.bunrun.com from March 28 to April 10, 2011. The winning artist with the most public votes will receive $1,000 and recognition on the day of the race, as well as have thousands of race participants and volunteers sporting his or her design on their official, long-sleeve Bun Run T-shirt.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to further engage the Austin community by giving individuals a chance to show off their creative side and be recognized for it,” said Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s.  “We look forward to announcing the T-shirt design winner as well as seeing many new and familiar faces race day.”

Hosting more than 5,000 runners, walkers and joggers, as well as a few four-legged friends, Schlotzsky’s Annual Bun Run began in 1982, with the goal to become more involved in the Austin community. Through a partnership with the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL), the race has raised an average of $50,000 throughout the years with all proceeds benefiting the Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps, a program for at-risk and disadvantaged youths.

“The Young Men’s Business League is a wonderful group of individuals who come together to put on a great 5k race that benefits our youth,” added Roddy. “We couldn’t be more pleased to raise proceeds for the Sunshine Camps.”

The 29^th Annual Schlotzsky’s Bun Run will take place Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. CT at South First Street in Austin, near Auditorium Shores. Additional events during the Schlotzsky’s Bun Run include the race day expo and the Lil’ Bun Run 1k that starts at 7:30 a.m. As an added treat, Schlotzsky’s will stay true to its fun, quirky and unique roots by setting up stations along the race route known as “The Taste of Schlotzsky’s.” The first station will host the brand’s made-from-scratch bread, and the other will feature Schlotzsky’s mouth-watering samples of Cinnabon^® Classic Rolls.

For complete details about the Schlotzsky’s 29^th Annual Bun Run and T-shirt contest, please visit www.bunrun.com.