MEXICO. Global restaurateur Areas has struck a franchise agreement to operate two Casa Benell restaurants at Monterrey International Airport. The brand, owned by chef and CEO Jesús ‘Chuy’ Elizondo, has seven eateries in Monterrey.
Casa Benell casual-dining venues – catering for up to 20 diners and offering a takeaway service – have opened in Terminal A (74.5sq m) and Terminal B (79.5sq m).
The Casa Benell menu is focused primarily on Northern Mexico-style breakfasts, available throughout the day. The dishes provide a contrast of flavours, with signature items including the Chilaquiles Concha, the Mollete with Fried Egg and Beef Barbacoa.
Areas noted Casa Benell has been named the best breakfast restaurant in Monterrey by several platforms and has collaborated with various restaurants, brands and personalities to create unique events and dishes for diners.
Elizondo opened the first Casa Benell in 2008 and later launched the bakery brand Benell, selling bread and other products, in 2016. The brand is best known for its long-fermentation bread, which improves its structure and flavour and aids better digestion.
The bread is made daily with 100% natural ingredients and is a key component in dishes on the Casa Benell restaurant menus.
Speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report, Elizondo commented: “Today, we serve around 15,000 diners per month and our goal is to increase that number with an expansion plan both in Mexico and internationally, including through more airport openings.
“At Benell, we strive to make you feel at home by paying attention to every aspect of your experience, from the music to the aroma. We aim to maintain quality to make every visit a welcoming, safe, special and memorable experience.”
Describing the positioning for the restaurants, Areas told us: “Casa Benell is new to our hospitality portfolio. These restaurants stand out for their comfortable casual cuisine and the good vibe that surrounds our diners, who are part of the same community and feel at home.
“We are always seeking the best products for our community, the finest ingredients and the brands that care most about offering something special to consumers.
“All Casa Benell products are distinguished by being natural and bursting with flavour.”
Casa Benell describes itself as a socially responsible brand and has created the Pan para Todos (Bread for All) Foundation. Since 2018, with a group of volunteers it has been producing and distributing sandwiches made with Casa Benell bread to vulnerable communities.
“We have built ovens to help communities develop economically by baking bread for consumption and sale,” Elizondo said. 
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