RISE - Menu Monitor

Houlihan's
Headquarters
8700 Stateline Rd. Suite 100, Leawood, Kansas 66206 USA
Tel: (913)901-2500 Fax: (913)901-2651
www.houlihans.com
Ownership: Private
Segment: Full Service Varied Menu
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 249,310 220,057 208,627
Company-owned ($000) 81,052 70,782 78,257
Franchised ($000) 168,258 149,275 130,370
U.S. Number of Units 90 82 75
Company-owned 31 29 27
Franchised 59 53 48
International Sales ($000) 640 800 664
International Units - 2 2
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 2,991 3,081 2,805
Concept Positioning |
Houlihan’s is a full-service, casual dining chain. The chain is privately held by Houlihan’s Restaurants Inc., which also owns a
number of other concepts including four upscale seafood concepts—all operated under different brand names—and J.
Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks. The chain operates 90 locations across the U.S., 59 of which are franchised.
Some units are freestanding while the rest are located primarily in suburban shopping centers. Units average 2,991 sq. ft. and
seat approximately 220 guests. The typical unit has a large bar and an outdoor patio that seats 50–75 guests. A new unit
design format features modern art and warm colors.
Houlihan’s first opened in Kansas City, MO, in 1972 by Gilbert Robinson. The chain has undergone several ownership
changes through the years. In 1991, its parent filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 and emerged under the control of the
Glazer Group. In 1998, the corporation was purchased by Scoggin Ventures (now HR Group Holdings), the investment arm of
Dan Scoggin, founder of T.G.I. Friday’s. In January 2002, the company sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and brought
in Bob Hartnett, creator of Einstein Bros. Bagels, for a turnaround. It emerged from Chapter 11 in October 2002. New
franchising strategies for Houlihan’s includes plans to launch a series of new restaurants inside of hotels in major metropolitan
areas. The company anticipates the development of at least 50 of the hotel-based units nationwide over the next decade.
Menu Positioning |
Houlihan's is open for lunch and dinner and features appetizers, soups and salads, burgers, sandwiches, beef and pork,
chicken, seafood, noodles, desserts and beverages. Newer items include Thai chili chicken wings and crunchy fish tacos.
Specialty menu items include ‘Shrooms, jumbo mushroom caps stuffed with herb and garlic cream cheese, coated in panko
bread crumbs, fried and served with creamy horseradish sauce; BBQ Salmon Salad, Atlantic salmon with barbecue sauce,
greens, spiced pecans, Mandarin oranges, corn tortilla straws and sweet citrus vinaigrette; Creamy Gorgonzola Burger, with
tomatoes, balsamic onions, Gorgonzola cheese and spring mix on a whole wheat bun; and a Chipotle Smoked Chicken
Enchiladas, filled with tomatillo-marinated chicken, garlic, onions and queso fresco with spicy chipotle-smoked mozzarella
sauce. Desserts include Caramel-Topped Apple Pie and Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. Full liquor service is available and
features an extensive list of beer, wine, liquor and specialty drinks. Kids’ menu is available. Menu prices range from $8.99–
$22.99. Checks average $20.
©Technomic Information Services 2007, CIS profiles may not be copied or distributed in any print or electronic format without a license or written consent.
Technomic believes that its sources of information are reliable, but does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information
published.
315