T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants Make 'Right Portion, Right Price' Permanent Part of Menu (Press Release)

Friday's restaurants celebrate one-year anniversary of 'Leadership Role in Portion Control' with three new entrees and mini desserts.

-- Chain Leader, 5/5/2008 9:48:00 AM

CARROLLTON, Texas, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- T.G.I. Friday's(R) restaurants, which shocked the restaurant industry over a year ago by introducing smaller portions at lower prices, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its wildly successful "Right Portion, Right Price" menu by announcing the selection of entrees will become a permanent part of the company's menu at its 600+ US restaurants.

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"A year ago, the industry thought we were nuts when we announced smaller portions at lower prices across the menu, all day every day. They said it was a crazy idea and it would not work," said Richard Snead, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent of T.G.I. Friday's. "Providing value and choices is our business. T.G.I. Friday's was the first to take a broad position on portion size and it's a leadership position we won't relinquish."

Friday's announced three additions to its "Right Portion, Right Price" menu, bringing the total number of RPRP entrees to eleven, which include two low-fat options and one low-carb entree. All are priced for value from  $5.99 to $9.99. 

Two brand new choices are: Petite Sirloin, a tender and flavorful 6-oz. cut of America's favorite steak served with a side of creamy white cheddar jalapeno macaroni and cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Sausage & Chicken Penne, hot Italian sausage and chicken served over penne pasta and tossed with creamy roasted red pepper sauce and sauteed red onions, finished with shavings of Parmesan cheese. Another is being brought back by popular demand: Strawberry Fields Salad with Chicken, sauteed chicken served over mixed greens, Parmesan cheese and glazed pecans tossed in Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, topped with fresh balsamic marinated strawberries and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Guests can also end their meal in moderation with Mini Dessert Shots, a selection of two shots from the following flavors: Rocky Road, Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip Mint and Orange Cream.

"Not only is 'Right Portion, Right Price' here to stay, the number of entree choices is growing and we've expanded the platform to include mini desserts," continued Snead. "We've taken a holistic approach to portion sizes and value and we'll continue to lead the way."

In the first year since adding "Right Portion, Right Price" entrees to its menu, T.G.I. Friday's guest counts have outperformed the casual dining industry as measured by Knapp Track, the casual dining index. The average check, which had been predicted to decrease, a risk of reducing portions and lowering prices, has also increased, due in part to the increase in appetizer and dessert sales. 

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality, travel and marketing industries. As of May 2008, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.