You might want to know where the chicken fingers went if you like going to Steak ‘n Shake a lot. Where did the chicken fingers go, and are they going to come back to the menu?.
These are common questions as many customers are worried about Steak ‘n Shake having discontinued this popular option. As the chicken fingers have always been a popular pick on the Steak ‘n Shake menu for many customers.
Keep reading to find out why Steak ‘n Shake discontinued the chicken fingers and whether or not they are gone for good.
Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to remove chicken tenders from their menu sparked confusion and disappointment among loyal customers. As a classic American fast food chain known for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Steak ‘n Shake had cultivated a beloved following. The crispy, juicy chicken tenders had become a menu staple for many. Their sudden discontinuation left people wondering: what happened?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind Steak ‘n Shake’s controversial choice and the impacts it has had on the company and its customers.
The Backstory: Challenging Times for Steak ‘n Shake
To understand the chicken tender removal, it helps to first look at the broader context. In the late 2010s, Steak ‘n Shake hit a rough patch, with declining sales, increasing debt, and rising operational costs. This led parent company Biglari Holdings to initiate major restructuring efforts aimed at turning things around.
As part of the restructuring, menu options were streamlined and made easier to find. The goal was to make the kitchen run more smoothly, cut costs, and strengthen Steak ‘n Shake’s core brand identity. But chicken tenders didn’t fit with that brand like burgers and shakes did.
The Strategy Behind Cutting Chicken Tenders
The decision to cut chicken tenders aligned with a strategic shift to focus on core menu items. Specifically, it aimed to:
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Improve efficiency – Fewer menu items means faster prep and service
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Reduce waste – Less food waste with a more limited ingredient selection.
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Lower costs – From streamlined inventory/supply chain management
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Enhance brand focus – Reinforce their reputation as a burger and shake shop.
Essentially, it came down to the idea that “less is more” – that paring down the menu would help address rising costs and operational challenges. While unpopular with customers, it was likely seen as crucial for the company’s survival.
Wider Menu Cuts Beyond Just Chicken Tenders
And it wasn’t only chicken tenders that got cut. Steak ‘n Shake trimmed down the menu substantially:
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Specialty burgers like BBQ and bacon ranch were nixed.
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Many side dishes were removed, like baked beans and mac & cheese.
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Some milkshake flavors got axed, like banana and mint.
The smaller menu resulted in a simpler operation though at the cost of reduced customer choice. For chicken tender lovers especially, it stung to see that item specifically cut when few alternatives remained.
Mixed Customer Reactions: Disappointment but Some Understanding
As expected, the disappearance of the chicken tenders generated significant backlash and negative sentiment on social media. Many customers expressed frustration and pledged to take their business elsewhere.
Some loyal fans, on the other hand, felt bad for the company and were ready to accept the change if it would help Steak ‘n Shake stay in business. It looked like the chain was having trouble, so tough choices had to be made.
Seizing the Opportunity: Competitors Jump In
Steak ‘n Shake’s loss became competitors’ gain. Chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A jumped at the chance to get customers who were upset to try their own chicken tenders.
Targeted social media ads and in-store promotions rubbed salt in the wound for Steak ‘n Shake. Losing customers to rivals made rebuilding market share even more of an uphill battle.
Behind the Scenes: Supply Chain Issues a Factor Too?
While menu streamlining was the primary driver, some speculate supply chain disruptions may have also influenced the chicken tender cut. From shortages to cost inflation, supply issues plagued the food industry during the pandemic.
Limited availability of key ingredients or pressure to keep prices low could have made chicken tenders less viable. But concrete evidence for supply chain impact is lacking.
Financial Impacts: Hard to Quantify but Brand Image a Concern
The tangible financial impact of dropping chicken tenders is difficult to quantify based on available data. But the bigger issue may be damage to brand image and customer perception.
Negative sentiment and loss of patronage to competitors are definite threats to sales and revenue over the long-term. How much direct impact the chicken tender cut has had on Steak ‘n Shake’s bottom line remains unknown.
Long-Term Outlook: Challenges Remain but Signs of Hope Too
Despite the controversial menu changes, the future isn’t all bleak for Steak ‘n Shake. Parent company Biglari Holdings expresses commitment to reviving the brand’s legacy.
New corporate leadership, restaurant redesigns, and updated technology systems showpromise in improving efficiency and experience. However, stiff competition and lingering customer discontent continue to present hurdles. The path to prosperity won’t be easy.
Will Chicken Tenders Ever Return? Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
As for a potential chicken tender comeback, the odds look extremely slim. Their removal was central to the menu simplification strategy, so bringing them back would seem counterproductive.
Of course, never say never – consumer demand has brought back retired menu items before. But Steak ‘n Shake shows no hints of wavering on their streamlined approach. For now, chicken tender fans will have to look elsewhere.
The Takeaway: Complex Causes, Difficult Decisions
Steak ‘n Shake’s chicken tender discontinuation exemplifies the delicate balancing act of running a restaurant chain. Menu changes that make sense for a company’s bottom line can alienate loyal patrons. There are often no easy answers, but brands must adapt to survive.
For customers, it’s a reminder that our favorite items aren’t guaranteed forever. But in the end, we vote with our dollars. So if we want chicken tenders at Steak ‘n Shake, we’ll have to convince them it’s a sound business decision.
Why Were the Steak ‘n Shake Chicken Fingers Discontinued?
Steak ‘n Shake has discontinued its chicken fingers, enraging many of its loyal customers across the board. It did this as it has been giving its chain a fresh facelift by replacing and removing all kinds of classic menu items.
It has been doing this to try to make its business better, but all it has done is make its customers angry. Especially when it comes to the chicken fingers, which were a fan favorite.
The company has been struggling with financial issues for a while. It has deeply rooted business issues that have caused it to nearly close down due to poor management and its very low prices that just don’t seem to keep the restaurants afloat.
Removing certain menu items has been one of its latest attempts to rebrand itself and create a fresh start. The company hasn’t been very clear about why these decisions are being made, so we have to guess.
It may be trying to cut down processing costs, or it is simply making way for some new menu items. As of right now, it is hard to know for sure, but customers are still very unhappy nonetheless.
Steak ‘n Shake Removed the Chicken Sandwiches
Along with the chicken fingers, the chicken sandwiches have been another menu item to get the boot. This has come as a shock to many Steak ‘n Shake customers as the chicken sandwiches have also been popular options.
It has removed many menu items within a short period of time as it has been altering its entire business. Customer have been very confused by the whole process because it hasn’t said why this is all happening.
The Tragic Downfall of Steak n Shake
FAQ
Why did Steak ‘n Shake discontinue its chicken fingers?
Steak ‘n Shake discontinued its chicken fingers as part of its efforts to give its chain a fresh facelift by replacing and removing all kinds of classic menu items. It has been doing this to try to make its business better, but all it has done is make its customers angry.
What happened to Steak ‘n Shake?
Steak ‘n Shake has discontinued several menu items, including the chicken fingers and chicken sandwiches. People who have eaten at Steak ‘n Shake before have been shocked by these changes. The chicken sandwiches were also very popular. The restaurant chain has been altering its entire business within a short period of time.
Does steak and Shake have grilled chicken?
Steak ‘n Shake offers grilled chicken that is not breaded*. This is it*. Even though the sandwiches are no longer on the menu, you might still be able to find other grilled chicken options. *.
Does Steak ‘n Shake serve healthy food?
Steak ‘n Shake is known for more than just burgers and milkshakes. It also offers healthy options, such as unbreaded grilled chicken, which is a clean and nutritious choice.
What is the controversy with steak and shake?
Why did McDonald’s discontinue their chicken tenders?
Chicken strips were pulled from McDonald’s menus in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, in a broader revamp of its menu aimed at simplifying operations. However, they’ve been requested by fans, and McDonald’s on Thursday announced their return.
Why did Burger King get rid of chicken tenders?
Burger King discontinued its chicken tenders due to quality concerns and a desire to improve their chicken offerings to better compete with rivals like McDonald’s. The original crown-shaped tenders were removed from many locations after a supplier issue potentially compromising food safety was identified.