Allen Brothers Expands Its Catalog Selection

This favorites restaruant serves more than just steak

When most people think of Allen Brothers, they think quality. And tender, tasty USDA prime steak.

But soon, some may think veal lasagna or chicken tamales.

The renowned steak purveyor has incorporated international classics into their products, as a continuing initiative to expand their catalog selections of pre-prepared, heat-and-serve meals.

The company plays to its strength as it marries its premium beef to crowd-favorite Latin and Italian dishes, creating drool-worthy dishes all handmade by their chefs. True to Allen Brothers’ roots, the meat is always the heart of the dish. “The true, natural, high-protein endgame is what we’re all about,” explains Todd Hatoff, president of Allen Brothers. “Our customers expect premium meat, and we prioritize what our customers want.”

The Latin line offers authentic Chicken or Pork Tamales, Beef and Chicken Enchiladas, Latin Shrimp Chowder, Chicken Chili with Cornbread Topping and Chicken Posole Soup. Allen Brothers decided to tap into the popularity of Mexican cuisine since much of it is meat-based; the dishes have been well-received by customers.

The Italian line offers flavor-packed “new” Old World favorites such as Pasta Rotelle, Veal Lasagna, Tortellacci with Bolognese, Beef Tenderloin Marsala, Genoa Minestrone and Crab Stuffed Gnocchi in Brandy Shrimp Sauce. Meatless dishes include Pear Pecan Ravioli in Gorgonzola Cream Sauce and Vegetable Lasagna.

JoAnne Witherall, vice president of Culinary at Allen Brothers, partnered with Executive Chef Marcello Petrini at Stefani Group to create high-end dishes that remain endemic to the region of Tuscany.

“Veal Lasagna is the favorite – if I had to pick,” says Ms. Witherall. “It’s a lovely authentic Tuscan recipe with hand-rolled pasta and veal Bolognese. It’s delicate and not at all like a classic American lasagna. Everyone loves it.” Another favorite, she observes, is the Genoa Minestrone, Italy’s signature soup. “You’ve never tasted minestrone like this,” she says of the green-hued potage, rich with vegetables and basil pesto.

Allen Brothers holds the bar just as high for their heat-and-serve dishes as they do with their famous steaks. They ensure customers receive top quality products with service more than a cut above the competition or what a customer might typically prepare at home.

“We try to give our customers recipes that include a twist, like Wagyu or tenderloin, rather than a lower-end cut of meat that they themselves might tend to use in a recipe,” explains Ms. Witherall. “Then, we also give them [prepared] items that are complicated to create from scratch. It makes their life easier, but they can eat really well.”

The Latin and Italian lines are currently available online and through catalog and phone orders. The company also offers a range of appetizers, comfort food favorites, seafood, chicken, turkey, game hens, desserts and gift assortments.

Ms. Witherall gave TCW an exclusive tidbit on what’s to come in the next few months at Allen Brothers. Besides new cuts for grilling season, the company is launching a Burger of the Month Club; customers can sign up and throughout the year receive 12 different burger blends, ranging from a short rib/brisket blend to lamb, pork and turkey burgers.

“I think our customers are going to be very excited about this,” says Ms. Witherall.

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