“Appealing to a more food-forward consumer is a key priority for Fridays in 2018,” said David Spirito, executive culinary director, TGI Fridays. “In answering guests demand for nutritional menu items that fit their lifestyle needs, we saw an opportunity to introduce newly expanded options like plant-based protein. Beyond Meat is leading the way in creating a juicy and delicious product that gives guests the sensory experience of a traditional burger without sacrificing taste.”
TGI Fridays initially tested the Beyond Burger at select locations in October.
“Consumer adoption of our plant-based meats is quickening month over month. Once people learn first-hand that they can enjoy the delicious upsides of meat while capturing the health and environmental benefits of plant-based eating, consistent use comes down to availability,” said Ethan Brown, CEO and founder of Beyond Meat, producer of the Beyond Burger. “I could not be more pleased that an iconic global restaurant brand, TGI Fridays, is adding The Beyond Burger to their menu.”
The Beyond Burger featured on the TGI Fridays menu will contain a 6-oz. patty seasoned, grilled and topped with white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and Fridays sauce. The Beyond Burger patty can be substituted for any existing burger on the TGI Fridays Burger Bar menu.
According to Los Angeles-based Beyond Meat, the Beyond Burger is the world's only burger that looks, cooks and tastes like ground beef from cows but is made entirely from plants, without GMOs, soy or gluten.
TGI Fridays is joining a growing number of restaurants, hotels, colleges, sports teams and grocery stores to carry the Beyond Burger. Since May, distribution of the plant-based burger has seen triple- digit growth and is now available at more than 9,000 foodservice and retail outlets nationwide.
