Welcome to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen! Our lunch menu shines with tasty, affordable options. With over 180 locations in 29 states, Cheddar’s is known for quality, scratch-made meals. We focus on American and Southern flavors.
Looking for the best lunch menu? Or lunch specials near me? Cheddar’s has something for everyone. Enjoy classic dishes, hearty entrees, and light fare. We make sure your lunch is both delicious and satisfying.
Introduction to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen creates a warm place where people and top-notch food meet. It opened in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, as Cheddar’s Casual Café. In 2015, it changed its name to highlight its dedication to fresh ingredients. Now, it has grown to over 185 locations in 29 states, becoming a key player in casual dining.
Last year, Cheddar’s made $751 million, showing its expansion from one spot to a famous chain with about 23,000 workers. The company started with just 10 locations in 1995. Then, it grew fast by offering home-style meals to a wide range of customers. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen focuses on making meals from scratch to provide a tasty and memorable experience.
History and Background of Cheddar’s
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen started in 1979 in Arlington, Texas. It was created by Doug Rogers and Aubrey Good. They wanted to offer great food at affordable prices. Right away, they began to expand in Texas, opening several locations.
By 1995, Cheddar’s had grown to 10 locations. By 2003, it expanded further to 42 locations across 13 states and made $150 million. Revenue soared to $245 million by 2006 with 55 locations. Darden Restaurants, owning Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, bought Cheddar’s in 2017 for about $780 million.
Cheddar’s is famous for its Southern comfort food. Dishes like honey-butter croissants and the chicken pot pie are beloved. It was named Zagat’s No. 1 Full-Service Restaurant Chain in 2012. Cheddar’s keeps growing, including a new spot in Utah in July 2023, remaining true to its roots.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Founding of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Arlington, Texas |
| 1995 | Expansion to 10 locations |
| 2003 | Growth to 42 locations and $150 million in revenue |
| 2006 | Revenue reaches $245 million with 55 locations |
| 2017 | Darden Restaurants acquires Cheddar’s for $780 million |
| 2023 | Open first location in Utah |
Cheddar’s Lunch Menu: A Culinary Overview
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen brings a wide range of lunch options that focus on both taste and affordability. They use fresh, daily-sourced ingredients. This shows their commitment to quality and freshness. The menu features dishes that honor Southern cooking traditions but also add new flavors. Guests will enjoy unique dishes like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders and homemade Onion Rings for a memorable meal.
Menu Highlights
The lunch menu includes amazing sandwiches and sides for all tastes. These dishes are not only tasty but also made with fresh ingredients. They show Cheddar’s dedication to creating nourishing meals. Some top choices are:
| Item Name | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Basket | Hand-breaded chicken tenders served with choice of sides | 727 | $14.39 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | Juicy cheeseburger with fresh toppings | 830 | $8.59 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | Creamy chicken pot pie with flaky crust | 940 | $9.49 |
| Grilled Salmon Bundle | Grilled salmon with seasonal sides | 3,690 – 8,590 | Price varies |
| Grilled White Fish | Seasoned white fish served with rice and two sides | 340 – 350 | $10.49 |
| Monte Cristo Sandwich | Sandwich filled with ham and turkey, fried to perfection | Estimated calories based on customization | $16.79 |
| Mac and Cheese | Classic creamy macaroni and cheese | Calories based on serving size | $4.19 |
| Family House Salad | Large salad with fresh greens and toppings | 1,050 – 1,840 | Price varies |
Made-from-Scratch Philosophy
Cheddar’s focuses on making food from scratch, which ensures their lunch menu is top quality. Each dish is made fresh daily. This practice shows their dedication to a great dining experience. By blending traditional and modern flavors, Cheddar’s satisfies those looking for comfort and authenticity. This approach emphasizes both the delicious food and the passion that goes into making it.
Appetizers: Setting the Stage for Flavor
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen offers a variety of appetizers. They awaken your taste buds. They also make you look forward to an unforgettable meal. Their menu has popular choices and special items, meeting many tastes.
From well-loved appetizers to new starter ideas, Cheddar’s knows how to begin a great dining adventure.
Popular Appetizer Choices
The Homemade Onion Rings and Texas Cheese Fries are fan favorites. They are known for their rich taste and big portions. The Onion Rings are a crispy treat with 1,550 calories.
The Texas Cheese Fries come loaded with toppings. They have an impressive 1,990 calories. Starting with these promises a satisfying meal experience.
Unique Offerings to Try
Cheddar’s also has unique appetizers like the Santa Fe Spinach Dip and Buffalo Chicken Nachos. The Spinach Dip is great for sharing. It has 1,200 calories. The Nachos offer a mix of flavors. They add up to 1,350 calories.
These dishes show Cheddar’s creative side. They’re perfect before the main meal. They make dining more enjoyable.
| Item Name | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Onion Rings | 1,550 | $6.99 |
| Texas Cheese Fries | 1,990 | $7.99 |
| Santa Fe Spinach Dip | 1,200 | $8.99 |
| Loaded Nacho Dip | 1,350 | $9.99 |
| Buffalo Wings | 1,050 | $10.49 |
| Triple Treat Sampler | 2,130 | $14.99 |
| Chicken Fajita Quesadilla | 1,440 | $9.49 |
Cheddar’s lunch deals make the meal special. Each appetizer prepares you for a tasty journey. They have both popular and special dishes. This makes Cheddar’s great for both sharing and solo meals.
Soups and Salads for a Light Option
Looking for light options at Cheddar’s? They have tasty soups and fresh salads. Each one shows Cheddar’s focus on quality and flavor. Enjoy hearty, healthy choices like homemade soups and bright salads.
Signature Soups You Can’t Miss
Cheddar’s makes their soups to be comforting and filling. The Baked Potato Soup is a crowd-pleaser, rich in taste. Also, the Chicken Tortilla Soup mixes a strong broth with colorful veggies. These choices are warm and healthy, great for those wanting nutritious meals.
Fresh Salad Varieties for Every Taste
Cheddar’s salads are impressive. They’re full of fresh ingredients. Choose from Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad for protein and crunch or the zesty Southwest Salad. For something light, try the Side House or Side Caesar Salad. Pair any salad with a soup for a tasty lunch combo.
| Item Name | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Potato Soup | 330 | $3.79 |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | unknown | $3.79 |
| Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad | 620 | $11.99 |
| Southwest Salad | unknown | unknown |
| Side House Salad | 250 | $3.99 |
| Side Caesar Salad | 290 | $3.99 |
Delicious Sandwich Selections
Cheddar’s lunch menu has a wide range of sandwiches to suit all tastes. Favorites include the Monte Cristo and Maple Bacon Chicken Sandwich. These sandwiches are packed with hearty ingredients and great flavors. Cheddar’s lets customers change their orders to fit their tastes. This makes sure every dining experience is unique.
Top Sandwich Picks
| Item Name | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monte Cristo Sandwich | 1,100 | $9.99 |
| Maple Bacon Chicken Sandwich | 850 | $9.29 |
| Philly Cheesesteak | 900 | $10.49 |
| Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich | 850 | $9.29 |
| Classic Chicken Sandwich | 680 | $8.59 |
| Club Sandwich | 890 | $9.49 |
| Buffalo Chicken Wrapper | 780 | $8.49 |
| Veggie Philly | 670 | $8.59 |
| Classic BLT | 600 | $7.99 |
| Tuna Melt | 650 | $8.29 |
Customization Options Available
Cheddar’s offers many ways to customize your meal. This means you can find the perfect sandwich to match what you’re craving. You can add extra toppings or choose a different bread. Everyone can make a sandwich they’ll love.
Cheddar’s Lunch Specials: Affordable Dining
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is famous for its weekday lunch specials. These specials are offered Monday to Friday until 3 PM. They provide a variety of options at great prices, with meals ranging from $8 to $15.
Weekday Lunch Specials Overview
At Cheddar’s, guests can enjoy many lunch specials that are both tasty and affordable. Favorites include the Classic Cheeseburger and Veggie Philly. These meals show Cheddar’s commitment to fresh, budget-friendly dining.
Menu Price Ranges
The lunch menu at Cheddar’s is known for its great value. Prices start at just $3.79 for the Side Baked Potato Soup. The most you’ll spend is $13.98 for the Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad.
| Item Name | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Side Baked Potato Soup | 570 | $3.79 |
| Veggie Philly | 610 | $9.99 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | 830 | $10.49 |
| Fish and Chips | 710 | $12.99 |
| Cajun Chicken Bowl | 570 | $11.99 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | 940 | $12.99 |
| Philly Cheesesteak | 960 | $11.99 |
| Grilled White Fish | 340 | $10.49 |
| Crispy Chicken Tender Salad | 750 | $9.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad | 620 | $10.49 |
| Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | 860 | $11.49 |
| Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad | 940 | $13.98 |
| Side House Salad | 250 | $4.79 |
| Side Caesar Salad | 290 | $4.79 |
Signature Dishes That Define Cheddar’s
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is known for its amazing American comfort food. They offer a wide range of flavors perfect for lunch. Each dish is more than a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience.
Must-Try Main Courses
The Chicken Fried Steak is a must-try because of its big portions and homey taste. For a lighter option, the Grilled Salmon is perfect. The Baked Spasagna® is a unique choice, blending pasta with a creamy sauce.
The Key West Chicken & Shrimp is another favorite. It’s tasty and only has 550 calories. This makes it a beloved comfort food.
Comfort Food Classics
Cheddar’s is all about classic comfort foods that people love. The Country Fried Chicken comes with mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s like a taste of home.
The Original Burger is a classic with 700 calories. For those who love meat, the Full Rack Ribs is irresistible with 1,400 calories. Each dish is made to be savored, making Cheddar’s the perfect lunch spot.
Cheddar’s Lunch Menu: Family Bundles and Combo Deals
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen gives you options for family dining that are both fun and memorable. They offer Family Bundles and combo meal deals. These are great for eating out with a group. They fit a variety of tastes, making sure everyone is happy to the last bite.
Great Choices for Group Dining
Looking for a mix of tastes? Try Cheddar’s Chicken Tender Bundle. It’s a hit for just $27.99 and feeds many. It has calories for both small and big appetites, from 4,430 to 9,570. Another top pick is the Rib & Tender Combo, blending different flavors everyone will enjoy.
Value Meal Options
Cheddar’s shines with its value meals that are tasty and easy on the wallet. Take the Grilled Salmon Bundle for $37.99, for example. It’s perfect for those wanting something delicious yet healthy. Cheddar’s makes it easy to enjoy a meal together, savoring a variety of flavors.
Conclusion
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is an ideal spot for those craving fresh, tasty lunch options. It offers a varied cheddars lunch menu summarization that mixes comfort foods with new tastes. Guests will find a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed meal, spread over 170 locations in the U.S. Cheddar’s prioritizes both quality and convenience at every location.
The menu boasts more than 16 unique dishes, from rich appetizers to yummy mains. Choices range widely, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you choose the Chicken Tender Bundle or the Grilled Salmon Bundle, each meal is a treat. Your lunch is sure to be enjoyable.
To wrap it up, Cheddar’s offers an inviting place for a hearty lunch that combines top-notch ingredients with the charm of home cooking. It’s not just food; it’s a chance to relish great cuisine in good company. Next time you want a fulfilling meal, remember Cheddar’s is waiting for you.
FAQ
What types of lunch specials does Cheddar’s offer?
Cheddar’s has lunch specials Monday to Friday until 3 PM. Prices range from to . You can find classic burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials to satisfy many tastes.
Are there healthy lunch options on the Cheddar’s menu?
Yes! For lighter options, try Cheddar’s homemade soups and fresh salads. Choices like Baked Potato Soup and Kale and Brussels Salad are great for health-conscious diners.
Is Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen affordable for lunchtime dining?
Absolutely! Cheddar’s offers an affordable lunch menu that doesn’t compromise on quality. Customers can enjoy delicious food without spending a lot.
Can I customize my sandwich at Cheddar’s?
Yes, customization is welcomed at Cheddar’s. Diners can tailor sandwiches to their liking. This ensures each meal is perfectly suited to individual tastes.
What are some popular items on the Cheddar’s lunch menu?
Popular lunchtime picks include hand-breaded Chicken Tenders and the Monte Cristo sandwich. Don’t forget to try the Homemade Onion Rings and Classic Cheeseburger for a taste of Cheddar’s best flavors.
Does Cheddar’s offer family-style dining options?
Yes, Cheddar’s has Family Bundles and combo meals great for groups. The Chicken Tender Bundle and Rib & Tender Combo are perfect for sharing. They also offer excellent value.
