Matchbox introduces a new elevated menu based on feedback from its customers in McLean, according to Thompson Hospitality.
Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ET
MCLEAN, VA — Matchbox recently rolled out a new elevated menu at its McLean location, featuring a selection of premium steak and seafood dishes catered to the tastes of its customers in McLean.
“The great thing about Matchbox as a brand is that even though we have 12 restaurants, we want to be uniquely different in every neighborhood,” said Mumia Fatiu, vice president of operations at Matchbox.
Since its beginning as a neighborhood restaurant in 2003, Matchbox tries to listen to the community and find out what type of menu they’re craving, according to Fatiu.
“Throughout the day, we asked customers, ‘How are you enjoying your meal? Is there anything else on the menu that you would love to see?’” he said. “Without a doubt, steaks and seafood were two of the items they wanted to see.”
The new Matchbox Prime menu includes Lobster Cobb Salad, Chimichurri Steak, Atlantic Halibut, Truffle & Wild Mushroom Pizza, Branzino, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
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“USDA Prime cuts, expertly seasoned and finished with the brand’s signature garlic butter,” according to a Thompson Hospitality release. “Each steak is served with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and grilled asparagus, creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent meal.”
“We've listened to our guests and we came to a realization that although we have 12 Matchboxes, each one of them has a little bit of their own nuance in the community,” said Alex Berentzen, Thompson’s chief operating officer, during a new menu tasting on Thursday night. “We wanted to introduce Matchbox Prime to offer a little bit more elevated menu items. You've got Matchbox favorites along with some prime seafood, prime steak and truffle pizza.”
In addition to Matchbox, Thompson owns 18 brand concepts and operates 65 restaurants in the DMV, including Milk & Honey, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza and Big Buns. The company typically introduces two menus a year at each of its restaurant locations.
“There's always something going on in our restaurants, usually seasonal, and then we have special menus around the holidays — St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day,” Berentzen said.
During the second week in April, Thompson is rolling out a universal loyalty program across all of its brands.
“You can start earning points by going to all of our different brands with different layers of unlocked benefits,” Berentzen said. “Towards the end of the year, we're launching a paid membership program, so we're very excited about that.”
Patrons can try the new prime menu at the Matchbox located at 1340 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.