Boston Market Brings BBQ Back For Summer

Boston Market has introduced their Summertime BBQ selections.

The new items are available in individual meals, family meals or via Boston Market Catering. You can get a gallon-to-go of lemonade or iced tea for only $2.99 when you purchase a Family Meal.

“Boston Market is known for home-style food that friends and families can enjoy together,” said Judy Cantrell, Boston Market chief brand officer. “Our new BBQ menu provides even more great ways to enjoy Boston Market – it’s perfect for summer gatherings like a family reunion, quick dinner or even a company picnic.”

The new items are (as described by Boston Market):

• Boston Market’s signature Rotisserie Chicken and new Beef Brisket, brushed with a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with hints of smoky molasses and brown sugar.
• Sandwiches including the Whole Rotisserie BBQ Chicken Carver® and the 1/2 Rotisserie BBQ Chicken Carver® Combo, available on Boston Market’s $5 Menu.
• A selection of fresh and delicious summer side dishes, including Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Fruit Salad and Potato Salad.
• Two classic American desserts, Apple Pie and Chocolate Cake, will be brought back later this summer and remain on the permanent menu.

The new items will be available through August 31, 2009.

Boston Market to Offer In-Flight Fast Food

American Airlines will be offering Boston Market sandwiches and salads for sale on some of their flights.

Fast Food has long been available in the airport, but now you can buy it in-flight, too.

"We are pleased to partner with Boston Market to provide our customers with quality inflight food options from a reputable brand name that they recognize," says John Tiliacos, American's managing director, onboard products.

Customers traveling on Hawaii flights, Chicago flights to and from Los Angeles and to and from Miami, and transcontinental flights departing after 10 a.m. can purchase a Boston Market sandwich beginning this Friday for $10, the meals include:

• Boston Market Chicken Carver: All-white meat chicken, cheddar cheese, leaf lettuce, sliced tomato and Dijon-mayonnaise served on an artisan roll with Miss Vickie's chips.
• Boston Market Beef Brisket Grinder: Tender beef brisket, provolone cheese, mesclun greens, mild giardiniera relish, and Tuscan-mayonnaise served on an artisan roll with Miss Vickie's chips.
• Boston Market Italian Grinder: Salami, smoked ham, provolone cheese, mesclun greens, sliced tomato, and olive-parmesan spread on an artisan roll and served with Boston Market's light balsamic vinaigrette on the side and Miss Vickie's chips.

On July 1, the sandwiches will be offered on additional routes.

Boston Market's Military Discount Partnership

Instead of offering a discount to active-duty military personnel who present their military ID card, Boston Market is offering a discount only to members of "Veterans Advantage," a 'membership card' program that costs $59.95 per year.  (Even the 30-day trial membership carries a $4.95 "processing fee.")

from Boston Market's press release:

To thank and honor those who served our country and their families Boston Market announces a partnership with Veterans Advantage. Through this partnership, members of Veterans Advantage will receive a 20 percent discount at any Boston Market restaurant nationwide when they show their membership card.

“Boston Market is proud to give back to those who bravely serve our country,” said Rick Arras, President and CEO of Boston Market and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “Veterans Advantage serves thousands of families each year, and we’re excited to offer discounts on our wholesome meals as a member benefit.”

Well sure, it is a great deal if you find yourself eating more than 43 meals a year at Boston Market. That's how many $7 meals you'd have to eat at Boston Market for your 20% savings ($1.40 per $7 meal) to add up to the $60 for an annual membership in "Veterans Advantage." ($7 for a meal at Boston Market is an arbitrary number I picked for the math.)

Boston Market's new $5 menu

Boston Market has introduced their new $5 menu. There are 11 meals for $5 on the new menu.

"The $5 price point is an important part of the new vernacular in the restaurant industry," said Judy Cantrell, Boston Market chief brand officer. "It’s become a price point that consumers respond to, and we see an opportunity to increase the quality of choices with our slow-roasted rotisserie chicken meals."

The items on the $5 menu are:

• 1/4 Rotisserie Chicken with a gourmet side and cornbread
• 1/4 Rotisserie Dark Chicken with 1 regular side
• Rotisserie Chicken Potpie
• Whole Rotisserie Chicken Carver
• 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken Carver with 1 regular side and drink
• Whole Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich
• 1/2 Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich with 1 regular side and drink
• Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
• 1/2 Chicken Salad Sandwich with 1 regular side and drink
• Classic Chicken Salad, Soup & Side Salad
• Three Side Item Sampler

The new menu will be promoted with a TV ad campaign.