Daphne’s, a fresh and wholesome fast casual known for its nourishing and healthy Mediterranean-inspired offerings, is embarking on a journey to regain footing in a crowded fast-casual segment by rebranding its image to appeal to a new, younger generation of restaurant-goers. The 30-year-old brand has revitalized its menu to focus on contemporary dishes that highlight trending ingredients and can be customized to fit modern day diet and lifestyle preferences. Daphne’s is entering four new markets and two new states in 2019, and will also be strengthening their hold in existing markets with the opening of new locations in Southern California.
The brand’s menu changes were spurred by guest feedback and industry trends that show an increased preference in health-focused dishes and customizable menu options. To meet those needs, Daphne’s has updated its menu to include new Mix-and-Match Plates, a Double Skewer option, and rotating seafood options that will change seasonally. Trending health foods and ingredients will be the focus of Daphne’s quarterly limited-time offers, with turmeric being the main focus for the brand through June 30.
Available now at all Daphne’s locations, the concept has introduced the Turmeric Trio: three turmeric-infused dishes that are meant to broaden the appeal of the spice beyond just one protein and plating option. The Turmeric Trio dishes include:
Spiced Gyro Pita ($8.99)
Hand-carved gyro, lettuce, turmeric-tahini dressing, cucumber tomato salad, turmeric-infused tzatziki, and crispy spiced chickpeas on a warm pita
Turmeric Falafel ($5.99)
Three hand-rolled falafels with turmeric tahini dressing served on a bed of lettuce with pickled red cabbage
Turmeric Mediterranean Salad ($12.99)
Grilled chicken, turmeric-spiced chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, feta cheese, pickled cabbage, kalamata olives, tossed in turmeric lemon tahini dressing
In a larger effort to revive the veteran brand, Daphne’s acquired Mediterranean fast-casual competitor, Noon Mediterranean, at the end of 2018, thus paving the way for entry into the Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Boston markets. Locations in Dallas and Austin have already rebranded and reopened under the Daphne’s Mediterranean name, with the remaining Houston and Boston restaurants to complete their conversions by the end of May. This acquisition launched Daphne’s from a regional brand to a national one that is quickly expanding its reach from coast-to-coast and attracting new generations of customers with its contemporary menu offerings and focus on trending Mediterranean ingredients.
