Hog's Express delivers to the increasing demand for convenience and versatility
As the smaller footprint of the traditional Hog's Steakhouse, Hog’s Express provides the latest technology which includes a fully interactive customer ordering system, as well as power and charging devices storewide for customers dining in.
QSR Media: Tell us about the new quick service model Hog's Express.
Hog’s Express is a smaller footprint proposition that complements our standard 300-seat restaurants. It takes the form of both a static offering in shopping centres, service stations, airports and similar locations, as well as mobile food trucks.
QSR Media: What prompted the launch of the on-the-go concept?
People are leading increasingly busy lifestyles so we wanted to offer our customers the option to grab Hog’s on the go if they don’t have time to dine in. It’s also imperative to keep innovating in the hospitality industry and with Hog’s Express, we’ve created a new brand with its own identity which affords us the opportunity to be more versatile and take our product to more locations and a much broader audience.
QSR Media: What consumer trends have you observed in the industry?
Life is busy and people want quick and accessible options, but they also want them to be of high standard and great value. This is why Hog’s Express is such a valuable brand for us as it allows us to offer all of this to our customers. There’s also an increasing need to cater to a range of dietary requirements, and to stay abreast of technological advances that offer added convenience to consumers, such as apps and online ordering options. Drive thrus and home delivery will also continue to be areas of importance to us, again to cater to our audience that values convenience.
Having said all of the above, our traditional restaurants will continue to be the lifeblood of our group as there will always be a market for a full-service restaurant experience.
QSR Media: What would be the focal difference of the new concept store with the traditional stores of Hog's Steakhouse? (e.g., store design, menu offerings)
We’ve retained the Hog’s personality of a fun and unique atmosphere, but the store design is very sleek and modern with the latest technology, including a fully interactive customer ordering system via ipad, as well as power and charging devices storewide for customers dining in. Our menu at Hog’s Express is also new and obviously more suited to a quick service model. We have a unique selection of burgers that includes Mac & Cheese, Pork Belly, Southern Chicken, Calamari & Whiting, Tex-Mex and Crispy Vegetarian. Also on the menu are selection of sliders on Pretzel Rolls, ribs and wings, salads and a special menu for the kids. We have kept a few Hog’s favourites too, like curly fries and onion rings.
QSR Media: Any other big news for the year?
We will have many more announcements over the coming year as we continue to launch new Hog’s Express locations, with a plan to open 10 over the next 18 months. We also have a Mexican concept, Funky Mexican Cantina, which is currently in Queensland and Western Australia and we’ll continue to explore opportunities in other states. Hog’s Steakhouse will also be announcing a national charity partnership in the next few weeks which we’re extremely excited about as it’s a charity that’s close to our heart.
