Heartfelt Giveback Campaign in April Aims to Support Organization for Autism Research (OAR) during Autism Awareness Month

April 03, 2023 // Franchising.com // DALLAS - BD’s Mongolian Grill (BD’s) is kicking off Spring with several new menu items, including a spicy addition to the brand’s popular signature stir-fry line-up.

Available March 30 through June 20, BD’s guests can enjoy the limited time Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Bowl. Featuring seared shrimp with BD’s signature spice blend, the bowl includes baby spinach, carrots, bamboo shoots, and green onions tossed in Gochujang miso sauce and served on a bed of white rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

“At BD’s we are always putting a twist on our flavor profile to elevate the guest experience and offer an element of surprise for our fans. This is absolutely a worthy addition to our stir-fry lineup because of the high-quality ingredients and robust flavors,” said Gregg Majewski, Chief Executive Officer. “Last year, we introduced a variety of new bowls to our Chef-crafted Signature Stir-Fry lineup, to give our guests something options apart from building their own bowl, and we got a phenomenal response almost immediately. We continue this year to elevate our guests’ experience with exciting bowls like this one.”

BD’s is also introducing a brand-new frozen drink to their popular bar offerings, just in time for Spring. For just $6 for a limited-time only, the Frozen Watermelon Mojito includes Bacardi™ limon rum, watermelon, lime and fresh mint.

To start the perfect BD’s meal, BD’s is introducing the General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts, flash-fried prepared with Fresno peppers and a homemade sweet sriracha honey sauce. They’re garnished with green onions, crispy bacon and toasted sesame seeds.

But the most meaningful portion on the brand’s spring will be its commitment to a cause focused on addressing the social, educational and treatment concerns of autistic people, parents, autism professionals and caregivers. BD’s is partnering with OAR, or the Organization for Autism Awareness, to spread awareness for the organization and the need to raise funds for autism research. Launching the partnership officially on April 1, the start of National Autism Awareness Month, BD’s is hosting a fundraiser for its guests which involves the brand matching total donations up to $50,000. Guests who participate in the fundraiser by donating (minimum $1 donation) will be able to add a sunshine pin-up modeled after OAR’s signature emblem with their name in a dedicated area around BD’s grill.

There was a kickoff event for the campaign on March 31 at the brand’s Naperville, Illinois location.

The partnership’s origins date back to the summer of 2022 when nine-year-old Maddox Yates-Benter and his family traveled from more than an hour away to visit his favorite restaurant, BD’s. However, the restaurant’s forced closure due to a burst pipe nearly kept Maddox from participating in his favorite activity at the restaurant, hitting its iconic gong. When Kirsten Simmons, general manager of the BD’s location, sprang into action and opened the restaurant for Maddox and his dads to hit the gong, the day was saved for the entire family. The kindness from Kirsten prompted Patrick Dalton, Maddox’s father, to reach out to BD’s to share their appreciation. Touched by his email, Majewski and his leadership team took further action and gifted Maddox and his family a free trip to Disney World and then gifted Kirsten and her family the same thing.

“We are so honored to be partnering with OAR during a key timeframe for families and organizations committed to the cause,” said Majewski. “This campaign has been in the works for a long time, and we are looking forward to seeing it come to life this April. Obviously, this great cause is made even more meaningful to us because of our close relationship with Maddox and his family.”

BD’s is a casual but elevated Asian-fusion experience, honoring its history as a create-your-own concept from 80+ fresh ingredients, but also recently introducing chef-crafted bowls, craft cocktails and delicious starters and desserts. The brand offers fans broad appeal and caters to various flavor preferences and lifestyles by offering keto, gluten-free, low-carb, vegan and vegetarian options.

‍

Original article: https://www.franchising.com/news/20230403_bds_mongolian_grill_spotlights_creative_menu_innovation_this_spring_with_tr.html