Wetherspoon's Steak Menu Shake-Up: Gourmet Burgers Arrive
Wetherspoon's, the UK pub chain beloved for its budget-friendly food and drinks, is making a significant menu change. Starting May 14, 2025, steak, mixed grills, and gammon are being axed, much to the dismay of some loyal customers. But fear not, burger fans! This change paves the way for a new "gourmet" burger range and Korean-style chicken options.
The New Gourmet Burgers
Three new burgers are set to tantalize taste buds: The Big Smoke (pulled BBQ beef brisket, American cheese, maple-cured bacon); the Buffalo Burger (fried buttermilk chicken, blue cheese, naga chilli sauce, American cheese, and a spicy chicken wing skewer); and the Cheese Meltdown (American, Emmental, and Cheddar cheese). All come with chips and onion rings, and a drink. Both The Big Smoke and the Cheese Meltdown offer a choice of beef or chicken patty.
Why the Change?
Wetherspoon's CEO, John Huston, explained the decision via email to staff, citing increased meat costs and the fact these dishes had become the "biggest loss-makers." While some customers are understandably disappointed, the chain remains confident in its diverse menu and value-for-money options. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve profitability amid rising costs and post-COVID recovery.
What’s Next?
Besides the new burgers and Korean chicken, Wetherspoon's is also introducing new draught beer. This menu revamp aims to refresh the chain's offerings and attract new customers. While the removal of classic dishes may cause grumbling, the introduction of exciting new items might win over even the most devoted steak lovers.
The decision to cut these popular items has not been taken lightly, with insiders noting the rising costs of meat have rendered them unsustainable. The company has faced challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing for profitability across its pubs, with wage increases looming as well.
"Following the drinks launch, we will be making changes to the food menu. The main addition will be the new gourmet burger range and the introduction of a 6oz burger patty as the standard size burger," Huston stated during his communication to staff. According to sources close to the chain, the announcement confirms long-standing rumors about the changes.
Despite this upheaval, Wetherspoon's believes the new offerings can thrive, claiming, "Wetherspoon is confident its menu provides variety and value-for-money meals," according to company representatives.
The Broader Industry Context
With inflation driving ingredient prices up dramatically, Wetherspoon's has found itself adapting quickly to demands for affordability without compromising on quality. The current environment is reportedly very harsh on operators with fixed costs rising and competition for customers remains fierce.
"It’s been rumored for some time, but CEO John Huston confirmed we are getting rid completely and bringing in new gourmet burgers," shared another insider. "They’re the biggest loss-makers among food items across Wetherspoons. While steak nights have been popular, particularly for budget-conscious diners, the reality is they’ve become less frequent for many customers across the UK."
The removal of such staples as steak and mixed grill is not just about changing tastes but also about making operational changes easier for kitchen staff. These traditional meals require substantial preparation efforts, and making things simpler can help improve efficiency during busy service periods when the demand is high.
Wetherspoon's Response to Financial Pressures
Looking to the future, the new gourmet burger offerings serve dual purposes: catering to customer preferences and, more critically, addressing the challenges of profitability. Every pub is under pressure post-COVID and rising costs, with many operations struggling to flourish as employee wages rise.
"Wetherspoons has struggled since COVID; the big push is getting every pub to profitability, but with wage increases coming, they’re trying to tighten belts," noted the source. This sentiment resonates throughout the hospitality industry as outlets work hard to devise solutions for sustaining their businesses.
The impending changes also coincide with the launch of St. Patrick's Day promotions, where Wetherspoon's is lowering prices on Guinness and other drinks to attract patrons. Customers can enjoy discounts on drinks from March 17, enhancing the chance of drawing crowds as traditional pub favorites change.
While Wetherspoons must navigate these tumultuous waters, the insight is clear: the popular dining establishment continues to adapt to meet the needs of its customers, even if it means saying goodbye to beloved items from their menu. This approach seeks to blend tradition with innovation, balancing what loyal customers cherish with the financial realities of running modern pubs.
Looking at the next steps for Wetherspoon's, improvements to operations could mean fresher dishes, but it remains to be seen how these menu changes will resonate with regulars who favored the traditional offerings.
Through fresh introductions and thoughtful strategies, it seems Wetherspoon's aims to embrace both cost efficiency and customer satisfaction as they face future challenges head-on, hoping to maintain their reputation for affordability and appeal within the hospitality sector.
