![]() We like that Kevin Hochman (president of KFC US) was installed as the interim president of Pizza Hut at the end of 2019 based upon a plan that Hochman will replicate his success with KFC’s marketing turnaround (transitioning a stodgy brand into a relevant, contemporary rendition of its former self) by re-establishing Pizza Hut as “America’s Favorite Pizza”. The chain appears to be restoring its core menu equity around innovation as highlighted by the recent intro of 2 new pizzas made with Beyond Meat sausage crumbles. Also, its Pan Pizza was reformulated with a: new pan different cheese blend crispier, buttery crust and more sauce. Product quality initiatives over the last several years included: extra cheese on pizzas menu rationalization (fewer topping options) to help execution and clean ingredient initiatives. Its ongoing repositioning towards a modern delivery concept includes a conversion of dine-in assets to smaller stores optimized for delivery to go with brand upgrades that include: product quality enhancements stronger value offerings (including national price points) increased national ad spend to support value and its sports sponsorships delivery speed improvements and progress with Hut Rewards. The brand has historically been distinguished by its Pan Pizzas, Stuffed Crust products and fun innovation. … And the East Bay restaurant community is such a tight-knit, really great community.Pizza Hut enjoys substantial scale and strong brand equity as the 2nd largest national player in the $1B+ chain pizza segment by domestic system sales. “I’m really happy to be working in Oakland. Weihemuller said that opening night went smoothly, and the Benchmark team is excited to be up and running in Oakland. The On the Down Low cocktail features Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro, Dolin Blanc vermouth, and Fino sherry, while the New Wave Tiki combines Mosswood Day rum, lime cordial, balsamic vinegar, Giffard Crème de Mure, and Amaro Aplomado. Amaro-based drinks are the highlight of the menu. Weihemuller said the “inventive, yet accessible” cocktail menu is designed to reflect the food. While Benchmark’s original location only serves beer and wine, the Oakland location features a full bar with cocktails designed by Tamir Ben-Shalom of Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa. On the menu for fall is a farro and delicata squash salad with pomegranate. Benchmark uses locally sourced, sustainable, and organic produce wherever possible, so there’ll be some seasonal changes to the menu. The Old Oakland location has a bigger kitchen, which allows the Swansons to expand the menu to include more entrees, such as chicken alla diavola and short rib ragu with gnocchi. “We’re not gonna mess with a good thing there, but we’re gonna expand more.” “Peter’s really passionate about his pizza and making housemade pasta every day, so that will not change,” Weihemuller said. Choices range from strozzapreti bolognese to spaghetti cacio e pepe. That pizza will be available at the Oakland location, too, along with a salami and Calabrian chili pizza, a mini charm tomato and fennel pizza, and more.Īside from handmade pizza, Benchmark’s Kensington location is also known for its fresh pasta made from scratch. One of the Kensington location’s most popular pizzas is a fried sage pizza with house-stretched mozzarella, parmesan, brown butter, lemon, and shaved garlic. The pizzas are made with a unique yet temperamental sourdough using a starter that Peter has kept alive for over seven years. Peter calls his style of pizza “Neo-Neapolitan.” It’s Italian-inspired with a few twists. The owners kept the same wood oven from the previous tenant, Desco, but remodeled the space so that the wood oven could take center stage. 4.Īccording to Benchmark’s general manager, Corin Weihemuller, owners Peter and Melissa Swanson originally met in Oakland while working at Oliveto, so they always hoped to open a second location there - and when the Old Oakland space became available, they jumped on the opportunity.Īt Benchmark’s Old Oakland location, everything revolves around pizza - literally. Credits: Photo courtesy of Benchmark Pizzeriaīenchmark Pizzeria, whose original location in Kensington earned praise from the Express in 2016, opened its second location in Old Oakland on Oct.
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