Bloomin’ Brands hired a new seafood purchasing director and is upping seafood promotions at its restaurants as it seeks to increase revenue during the current challenging economic situation for restaurants.
The Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.-based operator of Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and other chains, has brought on Paul Jamieson, who was manager of seafood purchasing at Darden from 2000 to 2012, as its new director of purchasing for seafood.
A Bloomin’ Brands spokesperson confirmed the hire in an email to SeafoodSource, but declined to comment further.
Jamieson brings a wealth of seafood purchasing experience to Bloomin’ Brands, most recently serving as vice president of operations for Orlando, Florida-based wholesaler and retailer Bar Harbor Seafood.
Prior to that, Jamieson was executive vice president at Save On Seafood in St. Petersburg, Florida, and also served as director of purchasing at Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill.
Boomin’ Brands has also increased its seafood meal promotions in recent months in an effort to lure customers back to dine in at its restaurants and its to-go food options.
This week, Outback Steakhouse launched new Steak ‘N Mate Combos that highlight shrimp and lobster. The new dish pairings include: Center-Cut Sirloin and Choice of Shrimp (Grilled Shrimp or Shrimp on the Barbie), Filet Mignon & Lobster, Ribeye and Choice of Shrimp, Center-cut Sirloin and Aussie Twisted Ribs, and Center-cut Sirloin and Grilled Chicken.
“Our team members are so excited to serve this new menu to our guests. After operating on a limited menu, we are bringing back some favorite items as well as some new additions, quality improvements, and lower prices,” Outback President Brett Patterson said in a press release.
Bonefish Grill, which operates around 215 restaurants, recently unveiled an expanded menu with new seafood and surf and turf combinations and brought back “guest favorite” dishes.
Bonefish Grill’s new “Perfect Pairings” menu is a curated collection of seafood and surf and turf combinations, including Mahi-Mahi and Shrimp, Georges Bank Scallops & Shrimp, Steak and Crab Cake, Steak and Lobster Tail, and Lobster Tail and Crab Cake, the chain said in a press release. It has also brought back “legacy” menu items, including Saucy Shrimp and Blackened Salmon Pasta.
Bonefish Grill has been offering Family Meal Bundles for several months, which allows customers to take family-size seafood meals with sides and desserts home. On Mother’s Day weekend, the chain offered a Mahi and Shrimp Bundle and a Grilled Salmon Bundle that serves five people and includes salad, cookies, and bread.
Photo courtesy of Bloomin' Brands
