RISE - Menu Monitor

Buca di Beppo
Headquarters
1300 Nichollet Mall Suite 5003, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 USA
Tel: (612)225-3400 Fax: (612)225-3302
www.bucadibeppo.com
Ownership: Public
Segment: Full Service Italian
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 253,800 239,000 232,000
Company-owned ($000) 253,800 239,000 232,000
Franchised ($000) - - -
U.S. Number of Units 92 93 95
Company-owned 92 93 95
Franchised - - -
International Sales ($000) - - -
International Units - - -
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 2,663 2,545 2,445
Concept Positioning |
Buca di Beppo is a full-service chain featuring Southern Italian-style food served on oversized platters in large portions meant
for sharing. The chain is publicly owned by Buca Inc. and operates 92 company-owned units in the U.S.
Units average about 7,500 sq. ft. with seating for 250-300 guests.Buca di Beppo selects downtown sites, urban districts and
suburban locations for its restaurants.Buca di Beppo is open for dinner only during the week and opens at noon on weekends;
however some locations will open early for private parties. Signature features include an in-the-kitchen table and the Pope’s
Table, which seats 14-18 with a throne-like oversized chair at its head. Old-style Italian décor includes vintage family photos
as well as photos of famous people including Italian and Italian-American icons such as Sophia Loren and Jo DiMaggio . Neon
signs, bathroom kitsch, red-and white-checked tablecloths and music of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra add to the
atmosphere.
Buca di Beppo was founded in 1993 by Philip Roberts and Peter Mihajlov. Buca Inc. completed an initial public offering in
1999 and a secondary stock offering in 2000 . After purchasing the similar concept Vinny T's of Boston, Buca announced plans
to convert most of its 11 units to the Buca di Beppo concept, but in 2006, Buca sold its Vinny T's units to Bertucci's Corp. for
$6.8 million. Currently, Buca, Inc. has no major expansion plans.
Menu Positioning |
Buca di Beppo’s menu features appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrées, Beppo’s Favorites, baked pasta specialties, sides
and desserts. Signature items are family-style portions of Southern Italian-style dishes including red-sauce specialties like
Chicken Cacciatore and a signature version of Spaghetti and Meatballs (three half-pound meatballs over two pounds of pasta).
Also offered are peasant fare such as Rigatoni Positano and seasonal specialties such as Lemon Profiteroles. The menu also
features Per Due items that pair smaller portions of several of its most popular entrée items to suit small parties. There are
also two to three daily specials offered from a list of 70 items. Fettuccine entrées include Fettuccine Alfredo, Fettuccine
Gamberi and Fettuccine Supremo. Other hearty selections include Chicken Cannelloni and Gnocchi Al Telefono. Popular
pizzas include the Neapolitan and the Gamberi. Appetizers include fried calamari, mussels marinara and bruschetta. Sides
consist of meatballs, green beans with olive oil and lemon-and-garlic mashed potatoes. Newer menu items include Artichoke
Spinach Dip, Porchetta Rustica and Chocolate Vesuvio. Menu prices range from $5.99–$19.99. Checks average $17.
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