• Brandweek, Thursday, March 4, 2010 10:50 AM

Boston Market is rolling out a "$2.99 Market Meal Deals" promotion today, CEO Lane Cardwell reveals in a Q&A with Elaine Wong. Basically, four popular menu items -- chicken side dishes, meat loaf, soup and salad -- will be available in smaller portions at the bargain-rate price.

The national deal runs through March 21 and "gives people a chance to lighten their economic load," says Cardwell, who bills it as both a promotion and a test. "We're trying to determine if there is a place for a lower-priced group of offerings that would appeal to people on a regular basis on our menu," he says.

In-store banners, posters and e-mail blasts to more than 500,000 Boston Market VIP club members will herald the offer, along with a Web site promotion. "And, deals like this also get picked up on Web sites that feature deals," Cardwell points out.

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