Sweet Tomatoes' Vancouver location served as a “test kitchen” recently, when the company added meat to its traditional menu of salads and sandwiches.
The eatery gave away free meals on March 30 so current and potential customers could try its new entrees. The new items will remain on the Vancouver menu for a time, to see how customers respond. If the innovations are successful, the chain may change the Menus throughout the Portland area.
The CEO of Sweet Tomatoes, John Morberg, said the company had met with focus groups in California before instituting the test in Vancouver. The findings from these groups indicated that customers really wanted to have animal-based protein available at the restaurants. Morberg's uncle lives in Oregon, so Morberg is familiar with the area's reputation as a place full of knowledgeable diners. The presence of so many foodies, Morberg said, would allow the company to get a good feel for whether or not meat would be a good addition to the menu.
Morberg said it was never his company's intention to create a buffet with many meat offerings, where protein sits under heat lamps. Instead, when a customer chooses a protein, the sandwich or entree will be cooked to order.
Managers at the Vancouver location might have some fun with the new items, and create Banners to hang at the location referring to the changed menu.Get a Free Quote for Banners Get a Free Quote for Menus
