STULLER INC.’s longevity with STEAK ‘N SHAKE did not afford the local franchise operator license to sidestep all the corporate changes to the brand after all.
The Springfield-based Steak ‘N Shake franchise is scrambling to convert all of its locations to the burger brand’s new counter service format, as well as adopt a stream-lined menu and hours by year’s end.
The move is an about-face after local operators unveiled the new service format at the Prairie Crossing address, but said last month they planned to take a wait-and-see approach before converting any of their other full-service restaurants.
"Corporate informed us we have no choice," said David Bruno, Stuller Inc.’s director of operations, "so we will be transitioning our stores over the next two to three months.
"We as a franchise will be taking additional steps for customer interaction because service is important to us. We will do what we can to extend our hospitality."
Counter service — in which customers seat themselves after placing orders at the counter and filling their own drinks — replaces Steak ‘N Shake’s previous full service where wait staff took diners’ orders after seating them. Runners will still deliver meals to tables, but now customers would be expected to clear tables when they leave.
Bruno said Stuller Inc. is still working out the timetable for the conversions but said work would begin first at its South Dirksen Parkway and Taylorville restaurants.
These conversions will require shutting down dining areas for two to three days to accomplish the remodel, which includes adding drink stations where customers have access.
Bruno said carry-out and drive-through services, however, will continue during renovations.
Other corporate mandates include eliminating breakfast hours and paring down the menu.
Bruno said Stuller establishments will continue to offer a breakfast menu up until locations are renovated as long as supplies last. Operating hours will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. after undergoing renovations, he said.
Corporate Steak ‘N Shake is requiring franchise locations remove salads and chicken sandwiches from the menu, as well as side dishes like baked beans and coleslaw.
Even with these cuts, however, Stuller Inc. locations will continue to offer horseshoes, a full array of chili offerings and chicken strips.
The Springfield company operates Steak ‘N Shake locations at 1580 Wabash Ave., 3184 S. Dirksen Parkway, 2465 N. Dirksen Parkway and 4200 Conestoga Drive, as well as locations in Jacksonville and Taylorville.
Stuller Inc. signed its franchise agreement with Steak ‘N Shake in 1939 — just five years after founder Gus Belt served the first steakburger in Normal. As the oldest Steak ‘N Shake franchise, Stuller Inc.’s contract in the past has allowed for more operational flexibility than those that followed.
The San Antonio, Texas-based BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. purchased the Steak ‘N Shake brand in 2008.
The corporate mandate for these changes to franchise operations comes as many corporate-owned locations have walled off their dining areas indefinitely, such as Steak ‘n Shake locations in Lincoln, Decatur and Bloomington.
THE SPAGHETTI SHOP is adding a south-side location after operating three decades in the Sangamon Center North strip mall.
A sign for the locally owned, fast food Italian restaurant now hangs at the former PIZZA HUT spot at 3114 S. Sixth St. Staff at the original location said this store represents an expansion, but no further details were available.
The original store has operated at 1869 Sangamon Ave. since 1989.
The Spaghetti Shop offers a variety of takes on its namesake, including the pasta and marinara blend with meat sauce or meatballs or baked versions topped with chicken or mushrooms, onions and green peppers.
A variety of pasta dishes, oven-baked submarine sandwiches, pizza breads, salads, family to-go meals and signature garlic bread round out the menu.
LONZEROTTI’S ITALIA RESTAURANT has called the converted Chicago & Alton Railroad depot in Jacksonville home since 1987. Now, customers can relive the location’s history thanks to a recent renovation.
A 30-by-144-inch mural depicting the passenger train’s route from St. Louis to Chicago now hangs over the bar with a Lionel O-Gauge model train running on aerial tracks circling the scenery.
The new installment greeted customers when the Italian restaurant at 600 E. State St. reopened earlier this month after being closed since the statewide dine-in ban took effect in March.
"With the railroad station just being restored as beautifully as they did, we started getting all kinds of train buffs coming in, giving them tours," said Susan Whitney, whose family owns the establishment. "We wanted to emphasize the train history in our decor."
Some unexpected artifacts were uncovered during the renovation, slips of paper slid between panels of the former ticket counter now located in the bar area. The items include a 1910 flier for summer train fares and an offer for $5,000 in accident insurance on the day’s train trip for only a quarter. Whitney said these items also will soon be put on display.
Correction: NPC INC. owns four PIZZA HUTS in the Springfield market. The 3114 S. Sixth St. location listed among its holdings in last week’s column closed in 2019.
The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closing, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.
The Link LonkAugust 28, 2020 at 03:22PM
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A La Carte: All local Steak 'N Shakes to convert to new format - Lincoln Courier
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