BETHESDA, MD—Recognizing that travelers’ tastes evolve and change, Courtyard by Marriott has launched an elevated dining experience that offers a diverse menu infused with fresh ingredients and classic cocktails with a twist—all in a welcoming setting.
The new fast-casual offering, Bistro Bar, was piloted over a year and a half at select properties around the country. And, starting this month, guests can enjoy the new menu offerings at more than 900 Courtyard properties in the U.S.
“The Bistro has always been a place for travelers to enjoy; however, we recognize our guests’ needs are just as varying as their travel. The Bistro Bar allows us to connect with our guests on an elevated level. Courtyard guests have high expectations about how they work, play and live, and it’s our mission to always look ahead to address the needs of next-gen travelers,” said Callette Nielsen, VP and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott.
Throughout the process, guests and associates were polled to best understand what guests are looking for in a dining experience—morning and night, explained Nielsen.
“What we learned is that the entire F&B experience is important to the Courtyard guest—from the staff that greets and serves them to the seating areas, to the way entrees are presented and, of course, the actual entrees and beverages. The new menu offers a variety of American classics, but with a signature twist that differentiates the Bistro experience from other dining destinations,” said Nielsen.
Curating a menu to cater to the palette of next-gen travelers, the Courtyard by Marriott team focused on items that evoked the characteristics of “flavorful” and “fresh” to satisfy guests’ appetites during the day and night.
“In addition to full entrees, the Bistro Bar features Bite & Boards, an ideal pre-dinner or social snacking option, as well as a full bar. Our core guests, especially the business traveler, tends to be very predictable. To satisfy their needs, we chose a classic American menu—that features many of today’s trendy options, but with a unique twist,” she said.
Bistro Bar menu offerings include the following:
- Skillet meatballs with Pomodoro sauce, ricotta and parmesan cheeses served with artisan toast
- Mediterranean grain bowl with grilled chicken, roasted broccolini, lemon-dressed arugula, goat cheese, tomatoes and almonds over quinoa and brown rice
- Three-cheese grilled cheese and tomato soup with white cheddar, gruyere and parmesan on artisan bread and served with classic tomato soup
- Warmed dark chocolate and sea salt cookie
- Black cherry old fashioned
- Seasonal margarita
- Southside
At the Bistro Bar, the goal is to connect over good food and drinks. The brand team created this F&B program for guests who enjoy new places, new experiences and meeting new people while traveling. It serves as an extension of the Courtyard’s public spaces.
“The Bistro Bar is designed to accommodate groups at the communal tables or single seating for those who want to re-energize from their busy day,” Nielsen said. “The environment, culture and classic American menu with a contemporary twist makes the Bistro Bar an ideal evening experience for this traveler.”
