Are Ethnic-Infused American Restaurant Concepts the Wild 2019 Trend?

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Restaurant owners involved in creating outlet chains overseas are following USA entrepreneurs who are always on the lookout to expand their concepts.  This year the standout trend on both sides of the ocean follows the American movement of ethnic- influenced American dishes in classic casual multi-unit diners.

Frankie’s Burgers, one of the UK’s leading fast casual dining brands recently launched a new store in Blackburn emphasizing  American-influenced, fast-service hamburgers. The completely renovated site now features  American inspired décor and menu.  A rustic theme is punctuated with splashes of red color in keeping with its brand identity but also follows the American regulation of “red” to increase a diners appetite!  With one successful branch up and running in Yorkshire, the company plans to open many more.

The restaurant serves authentic burgers, peri-peri chicken, healthy grilled options, desserts and shakes on their casual menu.  There are plans to include gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.  Frankie’s uses premium and fresh products including grass-fed beef and free-range chicken.

Peri-peri adds an exotic ethnic touch.  A natural preservative, it is also known as the African Bird’s Eye Chili, and key in the popular, flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken.  Grown in African soil, Peri-Peri chili seeds are rich in Vitamins A, B, and C.  Additionally, they contain capsaicin, a known mood enhancer because they cause an endorphin rush that raises metabolic rate.

The company is so confident that the concept will work, five more openings are planned by 2020.  This Frankie’s is located at Pitcher’s Bar, Salford, Blackburn, BB1 5BD, 01254 926749.  For more information and hours, please visit: //frankiesburgers.co.uk

Located in DTLA, Fry Madness, already known for its creative ethnic-influenced options such as gyro, Buffalo hot wings, Hawaiian BBQ and pastrami fries, takes on an American favorite (initially created by Belgians) with the mission of making them, “Gourmet style.” At the same time, the tray of fries in sauce resembles the cult favorite, French-Canadian.  Fry Madness initially started as an experiment that became a hit throughout Los Angeles. Fry Madness plans to add vegan options, vegetarian options, and gluten-free options to the menu.  

At the more formal end of the spectrum, Velas Resorts in Mexico is upping their small bites ante, influenced by the  “animal style”  concept created by the famous California chain In-N-Out.  The fast service, single-owner outlets offer customers an “insider” way to personalize their burgers and fries. “Animal style” means  adding extra items off the menu like mustard grilled patties, Thousand Island spread, cheese, or with their over-the-top Secret Menu items.   The Velas luxury resort collection, in the same manner, offers its guests the opportunity to take their “guac” to the next level with traditional Mexican delicacies such as crispy grasshoppers, ants and worms. The toppings, some painted in gold and silver, are offered in addition to the traditional favorites like red onion, tomatoes, an assortment of hot sauces and cotija cheese. Prepared tableside, the “enhanced” guacamole can be paired with a choice of tequilas or mezcals from an extensive menu.

Included in the resorts’ nightly rate, the gourmet guacamole for adventurous foodies comes on the heels of Velas Resorts’ $25K Taco, Insect Basket Challenge and Guacamania. Velas hosts a month-long fest honoring the avocado’s flavor and nutritional value with dedicated menu items and avocado-inspired cocktails.  Animal-Style Guac is available at the Grand Velas resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta.

For Velas Resorts information, please visit //www.velasresorts.com.

It took two years for McDonald’s India to develop a paneer cheese fillet firm enough to withstand deep-frying, yet remain creamy. They premiered the McSpicy Paneer in 2011, starring a thick slice of crispy, breaded paneer. Indian flavors entered into the American-based McDonald’s chain. McDonald’s India’s McSpicy Paneer was so popular once it was introduced that it regularly sold out.  Today the chain goes through over 120 tons of paneer a month.

Since then, other fast food chains in India have added their own paneer items, such as Taco Bell’s potato paneer burrito and the Paneer King Melt at Burger King.