Flat Top Grill: 20 Years Fresh

CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Flat Top Grill plans to party – all year long. The pioneers of the fresh to order, DIY grill concept will continue to appeal to their customer's tastes by introducing new menu items, redesigning their restaurants and launching a loyalty program that will feature special promotions and discounts to regular patrons (aka "Flat Toppers").

On September 19, 1995, the first Flat Top Grill opened on the north side of Chicago in the Old Town neighborhood on North Avenue. Though the location is no longer active, the Flat Top spirit is alive and thriving. Modeled after the fresh farmers markets of Asia, it remains the company's mission to offer fully customizable, fresh fare, cooked to each customer's preference, hence their motto: "They grow it, you pick it, we cook it." According to CEO, Michael Wozniak, "We wanted to replicate the experience of walking through a market full of fresh, local farmers' goods and picking what you want. At the end of the market, there is a large flat top grill where someone cooks the food according to each person's individual taste."

Staying true to their roots, their mission to offer fresh, fully customizable food has gained them popularity amongst a growing number of customers with special dietary needs and preferences. "It's in our DNA to help people live the eating lifestyle they have chosen or must choose because of allergies or intolerances. What others see as a challenge we see as fun, inclusive, and creative," says Wozniak.

To keep things fresh, they plan to introduce some new menu items to accompany the traditional noodle and rice bowls, soups, and lettuce wraps. The FTG Mighty Burrito (1.5 lbs. of make-it-yourself freshness) and Roti Tacos (on their signature Roti Bread) are now available in all locations and they are preparing to roll out salads and stuffed sandwiches throughout the year. In addition to menu items, they are also updating their restaurant interiors with new paint, tables, chairs, lighting, TVs, and more to reflect a contemporary yet rustic look.

As they prepare for the next 20 years, Flat Top Grill's biggest goal is not additional site selections but the building of their team. "We are looking for people that can deliver our genuine Flat Top Grill experience…those who have a passionate, positive spirit and a real love for people and food."

The past and future success of Flat Top Grill continues to revolve around trust – with their guests, teammates, and vendors. Their new loyalty program, Flat Top Grill Rewards, was designed using information from thousands of surveys provided by their regular guests. The program will provide instant rewards for joining, valuable offers and a special feature called "Your R.O.I" (Random Offers and Info) that will offer unique promotions.

About Flat Top Grill:

Inspired by the open-air fresh market grills of Asia, Flat Top Grill opened its first location on the north side of Chicago in September 1995. They believe each meal should be memorable. Feisty flavors. Stand-up-and-shout textures with ingredients so fresh, your momma will smack them. Customers choose from fresh vegetables and protein while an enthusiastic Flat Top team member prepares the meal precisely to their tastes and preferences, whether paleo, vegan, nut-allergic, gluten-free or just plain hungry.

They grow it, you pick it, we cook it.

www.FlatTopGrill.com