CONCEPT & HISTORY
The Keg is uniquely positioned towards the higher end of the casual dining restaurant segment, focusing on customers looking for high-quality steak and prime rib at an affordable price. Great steaks, a casual atmosphere and friendly, very knowledgeable service have become trademarks of The Keg since the first Keg restaurant opened in 1971.
The essential elements of The Keg concept are:
High Quality Steakhouse Menu
The Keg's menu has evolved during the last 30 years, but continues to attract guests with the basics that built it's success- great steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, appetizers, salads and desserts.
The Keg Bar
Further enhancing each guest's dining experience is an integrated yet separate bar, designed to provide a relaxing environment for guests to enjoy a sociable eating and drinking experience.
Friendly, Knowledgeable Service
The Keg complements every dining occasion by providing friendly, efficient and knowledgeable service. The Keg spirit, which is unmistakable in the staff, ensures that guests feel the enthusiasm and energy The Keg's staff bring to work each day.
Comfortable and Lively Atmosphere
The Keg offers comfortable, attractive restaurants combined with a bar that is a fun, inviting destination of its own. Keg restaurants have similar, but not identical layouts and decor, to give each location a customized feel rather than the "cookie cutter" appearance common to many chain restaurants.
Strong Casual Steakhouse Brand
The Keg has earned the loyalty of its guests by avoiding themes, gimmicks and fads. Management believes a focused approach to being a great steakhouse has brought dependability and integrity to The Keg brand. The Keg defines its core guest segment as "Steak Lovers" - people who dine out regularly and love steak.
The Keg History
The Keg concept was created by Vancouver entrepreneur George Tidball in 1971. From the beginning, The Keg was enormously successful. The unique combination of great food, superior service and a comfortable atmosphere allowed it to grow quickly into new Canadian and US markets. The Keg was originally created as a private company and later became public, trading on the Vancouver and Toronto Stock Exchanges.
In 1987, The Keg became a subsidiary of Whitbread PLC, a large British Brewing and Hospitality conglomerate. Over the years, The Keg has also operated a number of non-steak restaurant concepts including The Old Spaghetti Factory, Brandy's Cocktail Lounges, Crock and Block, and others. However, The Keg has always thrived and been at its best when it has focused entirely on its core Steakhouse and Bar concept under entrepreneurial leadership. That is The Keg's situation today.
In 1997, Vancouver businessman David Aisenstat purchased The Keg. Mr. Aisenstat also owns a number of fine-dining steakhouse establishments, including the Hy's Steakhouse chain. He has a long history with The Keg, having been a large shareholder and director of the company prior to Whitbread's purchase of The Keg in 1987. Focused, experienced, passionate and dedicated, Mr. Aisenstat leads The Keg as it enjoys a level of success unprecedented in the company's history.