Some classics only get better with time. On Thursday, Sept. 17, two of casual dining’s most beloved brands, Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale, will celebrate National Monte Cristo Day with a buy-one, get-one-free World Famous Monte Cristo at participating locations.
This year marks major milestones for both brands, with Bennigan’s celebrating 50 years and Steak and Ale marking 60. Connecting the two is one signature dish: the World Famous Monte Cristo, a longtime Bennigan’s favorite that has found a home at Steak and Ale as well.
It’s a fitting example of what Legendary Restaurant Brands CEO Paul Mangiamele calls “new-stalgia” — bringing the traditions and crave-worthy flavors guests remember together with fresh experiences, while delivering the generous portions and exceptional value diners are seeking today.
“Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale have a combined 110 years of history, and we’re incredibly proud to keep those Legendary traditions relevant,” Mangiamele said. “For longtime fans, one bite of the World Famous Monte Cristo can bring back memories from decades ago, while new guests are discovering it for the first time. National Monte Cristo Day gives us a chance to celebrate that legacy with the made-from-scratch food, warm hospitality and exceptional value our guests have come to expect.”
Bennigan’s created National Monte Cristo Day in 2015 to honor the sandwich that has become synonymous with the brand. The World Famous Monte Cristo layers honey wheat bread with tender ham, roasted turkey, Swiss and American cheeses before it is batter-dipped, gently fried, dusted with powdered sugar and served with red raspberry preserves for dipping. The sandwich averages $16 at participating locations.
The Sept. 17 celebration also falls halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, giving guests another reason to gather with friends, raise a glass and enjoy a taste of the Irish hospitality that has been part of Bennigan’s DNA for over five decades.
The celebration comes as Bennigan’s embraces the familiar flavors guests remember while continuing to give them something new to discover. This fall, two favorites are back by popular demand: the Reuben Burger, a half-pound burger layered with chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye; and Beer Cheese Soup, a creamy, savory classic topped with cheddar cheese, housemade croutons and fresh parsley.
Guests can pair those returning favorites with three new seasonal cocktails and the return of a quintessential fall beer, available for a limited time:
- Spiced Bourbon Berry Smash: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, DeKuyper Apple Pucker, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, fresh blackberries and orange, finished with cranberry juice
- Autumn Morning Breeze: Ole Smoky Peach Tennessee Whiskey, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, fresh lemon juice, Monin Stone Fruit Syrup and Q Ginger Beer
- Cinnamon Roll Irish Coffee: Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and gourmet coffee topped tableside with fresh, handcrafted whipped cream and cinnamon sugar, served with a cinnamon sugar rim
- Samuel Adams Octoberfest: The seasonal Märzen-style lager featuring notes of caramel and toffee balanced by German Noble hops
The Oktoberfest-inspired food and beverage lineup is available at participating Bennigan’s locations through Oct. 8. Beverage prices vary by location and average approximately $10 per cocktail.
The buy-one, get-one-free World Famous Monte Cristo offer is available Sept. 17 only at participating Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale restaurants. Prices and participation may vary.
