Overview
Turquoise Grill & Bar was a Mediterranean restaurant located in Sugar Land Town Square, Texas. The restaurant previously operated an additional location in Houston but decided to focus solely on the Sugar Land establishment, which closed October 1, 2016. Known for its fresh Mediterranean flavors and vibrant ambiance, the Sugar Land location emphasized memorable dining experiences with live music.
Ratings and Reviews
The restaurant maintained a positive reputation across various platforms, with a consistent rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Facebook based on 221 reviews. On Yelp, it received a slightly lower rating of 3.8 stars from 255 reviews, indicating varied customer expectations and experiences.
Historical Context and Operations
Turquoise Grill & Bar offered online ordering for catering through its website, providing convenient access to its Mediterranean cuisine for events. Its closure before the pandemic was a strategic decision to concentrate resources.
Leadership and Management
Managed by Yilmaz “Jim” Dokuyucu, Turquoise Grill & Bar’s operations were consolidated in Sugar Land. Hamid Fatemi was also noted as an owner, indicating overlapping brand ownership and management strategies.
Market Position and Competitors
Faced with competition from other local Mediterranean cuisine offerings, the restaurant was part of Sugar Land's competitive dining scene. Its key competitors included:
1. The Prophet Bar (Dallas, Texas)
- Revenue: $5M to $10M
- Employee Range: 20 to 49
- Known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere, having strong community engagement.
2. Marco Polo Restaurant (Locations: Brooklyn, NY, and Summit, NJ)
- Revenue: $1M to $5M
- Employee Range: 5 to 9
- Specializes in Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, offering diverse dining experiences.
3. Olive Tree Restaurant (Locations: Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, and Berkhamsted)
- Revenue: $1M to $5M
- Employee Range: 10 to 19
- Expands across various cuisines with significant grocery retail presence.
4. Buraq Restaurant (Locations: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and Regina, SK, Canada)
- Focuses on local cultural dishes, particularly Indian cuisine.
5. Digby's Bar & Restaurant (Location: Armagh)
- Employee Range: Family-run with a focus on tradition and community presence.
Online Presence and Public Perception
Turquoise Grill & Bar maintained an active online presence primarily through Facebook, engaging audiences with updates and promotions. It was also integrated into digital ordering and reservation systems via platforms like OpenTable and Postmates, increasing customer accessibility.
Strategic Insights
To stay competitive, Turquoise Grill & Bar emphasized its unique Mediterranean offerings and vibrant dining atmosphere. Strategic actions included leveraging local and cultural uniqueness, engaging in community events, and highlighting exclusive offerings through targeted marketing.
- Action Points:
- Emphasize authentic dining and cultural uniqueness through marketing.
- Engage in community events to build brand loyalty.
- Highlight unique offerings and events to attract diners.
