TGI Fridays recently announced its partnership with plant-based trailblazer Beyond Meat and the chain has added the plant-based burger, called the “Beyond Burger” to the menu at its 450 U.S. locations nationwide.The restaurant chain is also leveraging the global popularity of Meatless Monday by joining forces with the Monday Campaigns, a non-profit public health organization behind the Meatless Mondays movement.
A 2017 survey conducted by DDG Research for the Monday Campaigns found that 29 percent of 1,000 survey respondents would like to see Meatless Mondays at fast food and quick service restaurants. Twenty-seven percent indicated that they wanted Meatless Mondays at sit-down restaurants.
“Appealing to a more food-forward consumer is a key priority for Friday’s in 2018,” said David Spirito, executive culinary director for 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. With Beyond Burger, diners will have a sensory experience of a traditional burger without sacrificing taste,” Spirito said.
“We’re excited that TGI Fridays, an iconic global restaurant brand, is leveraging Monday as a day to attract consumers to try Beyond Burger and TGI Friday’s other plant-based selections, without taking meat off their menu. Our research shows that choosing meatless options, even one day a week, can help make a difference in our personal health and the health of our planet,” said Dana Smith, Meatless Monday campaign director.
