Boston Market is now offering customers white meat, dark meat, and “red meat.” The restaurant chain today announced it has introduced new roasted top sirloin meals – 5-oz. and 8-oz. lean steak entrees, a BBQ Sirloin & Cheddar Toasted Deli-Sliced Carver‘ sandwich, and a Sirloin Dip Toasted Boston Carver“ sandwich – at its 630 locations across the country.
“We married our rich heritage of rotisserie cooking and roasted meats to create a truly craveable selection of sirloin options that enhance the taste and variety on our menu,” says Michael Andres, president and chief executive officer, Boston Market. “We did our homework to make sure we’re introducing the right quality options at the right time at the right price for our customers. Based on outstanding consumer reaction during early product trials, we’re anticipating a very successful launch for our lean steak entrees and unique sandwiches.”
Developed with the philosophy that taste is king, Boston Market’s lean 5-oz. and 8-oz. top sirloin entrees also pack a powerful nutritional profile. According to Andres, they serve as a “better for you” choice for consumers who crave a steak fix but are also mindful of health. Product characteristics include:
Taste – USDA choice top sirloin meat is aged 21 days and hand-carved to optimize tenderness. Seasoned with a rub, roasted, and served with beef au jus.
Nutrition – An excellent source of protein, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B-12, as well as a good source of iron, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6. The 5-oz. portion has 275 calories and 10 grams of fat. The 8-oz. cut has 445 calories and 16 grams of fat.
According to the Department of Agriculture, beef as a category is 20 percent leaner than it was just 14 years ago, with at least 19 cuts of beef now meeting government labeling guidelines for “lean.” Ranking those cuts in a continuum between skinless chicken breast (as the leanest) and skinless chicken thigh, top sirloin ranks No. 6 (fifth behind skinless chicken breast).
“We know that meat is a quality source of protein, making lean top sirloin a great way to meet the daily requirement for this important nutrient. And, by combining a sirloin entrée with nutritious sides like steamed vegetables and fruit salad, consumers can create a great balanced meal that doesn’t compromise taste,” says Karen Hare, registered dietitian and food manufacturer consultant.
As part of its sirloin launch plans, Boston Market, in partnership with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will distribute coupons for its new meals at blood drives throughout the nation. Consuming an iron-rich diet is necessary to build healthy red blood cells, both before and after donating blood. Studies show the iron in beef is more readily absorbed by the body and may likely contribute to higher quantities of stored iron.
“There’s nothing like a great steak. Fifty-five percent of surveyed Americans who eat red meat report they consume it two or more times per week, and 25 percent say they eat it at least once per week,” says Sid Sumner, beef producer, Bartow, Florida, and chairperson of the beef industry’s Joint Foodservice Committee. “Sirloin is the ‘Cadillac’ of proteins, so when restaurants like Boston Market roll out beef options, they’re satisfying the craving of a widespread and passionate crowd of consumers.”
Catering to a range of consumer meal preferences, Boston Market will also launch two new decadent sandwiches:
BBQ Sirloin & Cheddar Toasted Deli-Sliced Carver‘ – Top sirloin simmered in smokehouse barbecue sauce, topped with cheddar, and finished with crunchy slaw.
Sirloin Dip Toasted Boston Carver“ – Thin slices of roasted top sirloin with balsamic caramelized onions, mayonnaise, and aged cheddar cheese. Served with seasoned beef au jus for dipping.
Prices may vary by location. Average retail prices for Boston Market“ individual sirloin meals, which include two regular sides and cornbread, are $7.99 (5-oz.) and $10.99 (8-oz.). Sirloin a la carte is $10.49 for one pound. The BBQ Sirloin & Cheddar Deli-Sliced Carver retails for approximately $4.29 or is sold as a meal with one regular side and drink for approximately $5.99. The Sirloin Dip Carver sandwich is around $5.99 or sold as a meal for around $7.78.
