Case Study: Lentils Anchor New Bowl Platform at Casual Dining Chain, 99 Restaurants

Founded in Boston in 1952, 99 Restaurants brings classic pub food to customers at great prices with 93 locations across seven states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Serving over 11 million guests every year, 99 Restaurants, or The Nines, caters to families, sports lovers, and those looking for great food.

When you think of pub fare, you may not think of lentils, but the humble pulse has landed a major role on The Nines latest core menu update. On October 19^th, 2026, 99 rolled out their Fall menu featuring comforting classics but more interesting was the launch of a new selection of Bowls to fill the gap of healthy, everyday favorites.

99 Restaurants new Bowl platform features three bowl flavor builds, each which you can customize with a protein of choice (grilled chicken, crispy chicken tenders, fried shrimp, seasoned salmon, or crispy cauliflower). All bowls are served on a base of jasmine rice, red lentils, fresh arugula, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, diced avocado, and fresh jalapenos, and topped with scallions and chili crisp sauce. Bowl flavors include:

• Lentil Power Bowl – packing with protein and fiber! Even more lentils, feta cheese crumbles, pickled red onions, and hard-boiled egg. $17.99
• Korean BBQ Bowl – Kimchi coleslaw, pickled red onion, and hard-boiled egg. Topped with Korean BBQ sauce and sesame seeds. $18.99
• Southwest Bowl – Mesquite seasoning, sauteed onions and peppers, and Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. $17.29

Lentils pack in the protein to the base of bowls, adding 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber in just one half-cup cooked serving. That protein/fiber combination creates a satiating effect, curbing hunger and keeping you full for longer. Combining lentils and rice in the bowl base also creates a complete protein, without even adding additional protein toppers, making these bowls extraordinarily nutrient dense. Nutrient density is something consumers are looking for heading into 2027 – according to Innova Market Insights¹, nutrient density, including protein and fiber, takes the top spot in terms of consumer desires in their 2027 food and beverage trends report.

Bowls as a platform are continuing to trend – 72% of consumers want to find lentils in power bowls when eating out at restaurants², over all other platforms.

Lentils pack big protein while allowing operational ease in the execution of the bowl builds at 99 Restaurants. The team is utilizing a pre-cooked lentil option that does not require refrigeration or freezer storage. This allows the team to mix and go, without creating any additional complexity while still adding nutrient density at an affordable price.

Looking to put lentils to work on your menu, or looking for simple operational lentil products? Reach out to the Lentils.org team at info@lentils.org and we would be happy to help.

¹ Innova Market Insights, 2027 Food & Beverage Trends Report, as referenced in Food Business News.
² Lentils.org Lentils on the Menu, U.S. Foodservice Consumer Insights