"t.g.i. fridays" news and stories

If you've a fan of "flair" and love potato skins and artichoke dip, you're in luck: T.G.I Fridays recently announced they're doubling the number of locations around the globe, reports the AP. The Minneapolis-based chain is already well-represented in the U.S. and abroad, with 350 restaurants in 60 countries. The ownership group, Carlson Restaurants, says they're planning to open nearly 40 new restaurants in 2011.

Recession? What recession?

If it's not hot enough outside for you, T.G.I. Friday's wants you to take a trip to the Caribbean -- or, eat like you're there, anyway. A couple weeks ago, Friday's introduced their Caribbean-inspired summer menu with fourteen new appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, combo plates, drinks and desserts.

In a statement, Friday's president John Neitzel said that these dishes would "send your taste buds on a tropical vacation...all summer long." After taking a look at the menu -- including Caribbean Rockin' Reggae Ribs, a Tropical Splash Salad and an Island Breeze Sundae -- we realize he's likely not kidding: nearly every item (cocktails and dessert aside) is glazed in a Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum sauce. (Vacation, indeed.)

In order to get this party started, Friday's is now offering a $10 gift card to customers who order two entrees from the Caribbean menu (meaning everything except for the side or lunch salad, appetizer and dessert options), which can then be redeemed at a future visit. (Our recommendation? Cash in on one or more of those Caribbean Cocktails, abounding in -- you guessed it -- rum.)

In an effort to meet growing consumer demands for smaller portions at casual dining restaurants, T.G.I. Friday's has announced the inception of their new 'Right Portion, Right Price' menu. The items will be sold at a reduced price all day, every day, rather than just at select times or for select people, like how Seniors menus currently are.

On the new menu they have introduced six new entrees which will fall between $6.99 and $8.99, including such dishes as Asian-Glazed Chicken with Field Greens, Half-Rack Baby Back Ribs, and Bistro Sirloin Salad. Two of their menu items - Dragonfire Chicken and Shrimp Key West, also fall into their 'Better For You' category, which contains items that total 500 calories or less and have less than 10 grams of fat per serving.

After hearing about the extreme eating debate recently, I'm hoping more restaurants adopt this plan, especially for those of us who find it hard to finish a large plate of food and don't want to simply order a salad every time we go out.

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