2008.01.25
Breaking into breakfast
There’s increased pressure for restaurants to suit the morning crowd. Everyone seems to think that they’ll increase sales if they serve egg sandwiches, sausage and gourmet coffee.
As you probably have noticed, more fast food restaurants are getting into the breakfast business. Wendy’s and Subway are some of the newest to break into this market. McDonald’s also has its own baristas to serve lattes and coffee drinks, though it's long had a rather extensive menu of egg mcmuffin sandwiches, hashbrowns and more.
Even in the Roanoke Valley, there are a growing number of local eateries trying to make a dent in the breakfast business. The latest example is the upcoming arrival of Brambleton Blend, a new eatery that’s planned on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke. Its owner, Rob Cantu said he plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with using his barista skills to serve up gourmet coffees and other hot beverages.
Still, other local chains claim to own the breakfast crowd. They include establishments, such as The Roanoker Restaurant and Famous Anthony’s. But these aren't considered fast food dining options.
Is breakfast-to-go a smart business? What are your favorite places to grab a quick morning meal on the run?
I like the local country stores that make breakfast from scratch. I am waiting for one of the big fast food chains to start serving their normal menu during breakfast hours. I also like Sonic for this reason. Their entire menu is availabe all the time.
Comment by Bert — January 25, 2008 @ 8:47 am
Not only does the Roanoke valley need more breakfast options -- fast food AND sit-down -- but they need those that DO offer breakfast to serve it longer. It's ridiculous that, when I sleep in on the weekends, if I want to grab some breakfast after 11am, my choices are virtually nil on Saturday or restricted to overpriced brunches on Sunday.
Comment by Ron — January 28, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Bert and Ron,
I also have heard people complain about not being able to arrive at a restaurant on the weekend early enough for breakfast offerings.
Then again, Bert would rather the entire menu, including lunch and dinner foods, be available all of the time.
I guess the answer is for restaurants to serve all menu items all of the time.
Comment by Jenny — January 30, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
I would like to see more restaurants serving breakfast downtown. There is Tudors and Ernies and maybe Sheila's still, but I think a place on the market or in the market building would be convenient for those walking to their offices where you can quick stop in on your way to work. Tudors is usally packed in the morning and if you order something other than one of their specialty biscuits, it can take 10-15 minutes to get your order - unless you call it in ahead of time. I also waited about 15-20 mintues at Ernies waiting on just a toasted bagel.
Comment by Downtown — January 31, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
For my two cents, the MOJO Cafe has the BEST coffee in town. They serve breakfast, including a basic assortment of Tudor's biscuits. Plus it is one of the only places in town where you can get a sit-down lunch in 30 minutes. Did I mention they have the BEST COFFEE IN TOWN?
Once you try it nothing else will do!
Comment by Brambleton Commuter — February 4, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
You can get a pretty good selection and THE BEST coffee at High Point Coffee in Brambleton Plaza. The egg and cheese on wheat bagel is to die for (I like to add the bacon option)
And lunch items (many from Teaberry's) like soups, salads, chili, sandwiches and more make it idea for the business person on the go!
Comment by Mike — February 5, 2008 @ 7:31 am
Downtown,
I agree the downtown area could use more breakfast options. Mill Mountain Coffee has started serving breakfast sandwiches, and that's a close distance to some office buildings.
Comment by Jenny — February 8, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Zorba's in the Market Sq. Bldg. used to serve breakfast, don't know if they still do. The one time I got breakfast there I just asked for breakfast and he said "meat or no meat." I got it w/ meat and remember that it was good, and I believe it cost five bucks. But, it's been a while.
Comment by Dennis — February 9, 2008 @ 10:12 am