Del Frisco’s Grille

Sister brand of high-end steakhouse taps into growing polished-casual market

Del Frisco’s Grille is operating in a sweet spot in the U.S. economy, appealing to disposable-income-rich, affluent diners, as well as aspirational consumers looking for a more upscale experience.

Capitalizing on the prestigious name of its much pricier sister concept, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, this smaller, polished-casual chain booked $44.1 million in sales at its 11 units open at the end of December 2013, an 83.8-percent jump from the year earlier, when it had five units. Del Frisco’s Grille has opened two more locations so far in 2014, in Burlington, Mass., and Irvine, Calif.

The brand is a bar-centric concept, offering craft cocktails and bar snacks such as cheesesteak egg rolls and ahi tuna tacos, as well as burgers and flatbreads, along with USDA Prime steaks with the usual sides. Mark Mednansky, chief executive of Grille parent company Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group Inc., said the Grille locations in suburban locations handle robust brunch business, too.

“The concept really has proven to have legs in many different cross-sections of the country when it comes to real estate,” he said. He noted that, while Del Frisco’s Grille was planned for urban locations as places where people who entertained corporate clients at the steakhouse could go on their own dime, he has found that it resonates with upscale guests everywhere. In addition, consumers with less of an upscale flair may go to the Grille as a special occasion.

Keys to success:

Multiple dayparts: The brand appeals to consumers throughout the day, as guests frequent the restaurants for brunch, lunch, cocktails, dinner or late-night. “If you just come in for a cocktail, we’re thrilled to death,” Mednansky said.

Local feel: Different designers are used for almost each restaurant to make sure the ambiance appeals to the local community and consumers. Additionally, about 20 percent of the menu is left to local management’s discretion so they may use purveyors in the area or offer dishes they know appeal to locals. Craft beer and local wines are offered, and the wine list is largely left to local management’s discretion.

Great real estate: As part of the larger parent, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, the Grille brand has the clout and resources to locate and hold on to great locations, including the chain’s flagship restaurant at Rockefeller Center in New York, as well as a location in Santa Monica, Calif., across from the well-known and often-visited pier.

Strong corporate culture: “We empower our general managers to run the business the right way,” Mednansky said. “They’re responsible for every aspect,” he added.

Staff is also retained with benefits including free health insurance — not only for managers but also for hourly workers who work more than 25 hours per week. Hourly employees pay for part of their insurance until they’ve been with the company for two years, when Del Frisco’s picks up the full cost. Del Frisco’s also offers 50-percent matching funds for 401(k) retirement accounts for employees who have been with the company for a year or more.

“The happier our employees are, the happier our guests are,” Mednansky said.

Back

What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

    Sincerely,

    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!