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Florida-based Hurricane Grill & Wings is literally spreading its wings with a new fast-casual concept dubbed Hurricane BTW, the brainchild of chief executive officer John Metz.
The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce in 1995, and has since expanded to more than 80 locations in Florida, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The Florida-based company is best known for its jumbo chicken wings offering more than 35 signature sauces and rubs.
To make it fast-casual, Metz streamlined the menu, reduced prices, offered technology-based ordering systems, and gave the restaurant a beach-easy vibe.
"The younger generation wants their food faster and they want to see it and know what’s in it," said Metz. "At Hurricane BTW, customers can order three ways: in queue, online, or via one of our in-store ordering booths. Customers will be able to order, pay, and get their order within a few minutes – similar to the Chipotle model versus the original Hurricane's sit and serve model."
The menu has also been reduced to just four main categories — wings, tacos, burgers, and salads — in addition to a variety of sides and sauces.
According to Hurricane Grill & Wings chief development office Kevin Kruse, the company plans to open more than 100 Florida locations by the end of 2019, and franchising opportunities are currently being considered. The first company-owned Hurricane BTW will open April 9 in Fort Lauderdale, a 2,400 square foot restaurant located at 5975 North Federal Highway.
To celebrate the launch of the new concept, 100 percent of the restaurant's opening weekend sales from Saturday, April 9 through Sunday, April 10 will be donated to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, one of the state's leading pediatric hospitals.
Like many grand openings, this one will also feature some free grub: The first 150 people to visit the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — and again from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — on Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 will receive complimentary samples of Hurricane BTW's burgers, tacos, and wings.
Additionally, guests dining during Hurricane BTW's official opening weekend will receive a complimentary chicken tender combo meal coupon, redeemable on their next visit (while supplies last).
Hurricane BTW is located at 5975 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 561-932-1075, or visit hurricaneBTW.com.
Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.