Proprietors: Simon and Rhona Connelly
Location: North Shore, Blackpool
Blackpool hoteliers Simon and Rhona Connelly are laughing all the way to the bank – and a huge part of their success by the seaside is down to the demand for Big Al’s Burgers.
Such is the impact of the tasty snacks that one couple from Scotland who sampled them on an impromptu visit to the New Guilderoy Hotel decided there and then to book in for a week in the high season!
And proud Simon, whose North Shore hotel is rated No.1 B and B in Blackpool on the Trivago hotel price comparison website, said: “It’s a fact. People are coming back and making bookings purely on the strength of Big Al’s Burgers.
“One punter who really took a liking to the Big Al’s 6oz flame-grilled burger posted a message on the internet, describing the size of it as being like ‘half a cow’. That may be a little over the top, I know, but he was happy and that’s what matters in the catering and hotel business. If the customer is happy you are on to a winner.”
Simon and Rhona, who have worked hard to build the business up to its present busy state since buying it seven years ago, insist Big Al’s Burgers and Big Al’s Mesquite Chicken Wings are definitely winners and have helped boost profits in a big way.
Simon, who does all the cooking, explained:
“I buy the Big Al’s burgers in bags of 20-plus. A bag costs between £11 and £14 and the burgers therefore work out at around 55p. The total cost for a burger in a bun with chips is around £1, yet I can charge £3.45 for the snack and that’s a massive mark-up.”
Big Al’s Flame Cooked range of frozen pre-cooked beef burgers, chicken grills, BBQ pork ribsteaks and chicken wings provide quality but convenient menu option.
The range reheats from frozen in less than two minutes and features a unique flame-cooked taste and appearance, perfect for times when customer demand is high and you need to turn around a quality product quickly.
Even better news for licensees is the fact the Big Al’s range is ideal for premises which do not have kitchen facilities or employ a chef.
All you need is a microwave and staff who know how to use one. Why not offer burgers as a late night snack for guests returning from an evening out – it’s the perfect way to add those important extra touches to their stay. And, because the range is frozen, there is no waste.
Kepak Foodservice’s Business Development Director Aoife Kenny said:
“The story of Simon and Rhona’s success underlines what a smart investment the Big Al’s range can be for the person with a nose for good, healthy profits.”
“Feedback from customers at hundreds of outlets that have taken the Big Al’s range is excellent and businesses with limited facilities for food should try the Big Al’s range for a tasty profit-boosting experience.”
The Big Al’s range is backed by posters and menus enabling stockists to set their own profits.
