Chain restaurants have been making McDonald’s look like a diet option lately, so we’re glad to see that at least one is offering a menu of smaller portions at smaller prices. We can never finish restaurant portions, ever. From the Center For Science in The Public Interest:

“In a world where appetizers, entr

es, and desserts at a chain restaurant can top 2,000 calories apiece, I’m pleased that T.G.I. Friday’s is listening to their customers and recognizing that it can play a role in improving the public’s health,” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. “Since Americans now get about one-third of their calories from restaurants, the increased availability of healthier, portion-controlled options is a real benefit to calorie-conscious diners.”

TGIF claims that consumers are demanding smaller portions:

“This is a category issue stemming from consumer demand. The category needs to listen,” said Richard Snead, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent of T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants. “We are listening.”

TGIFriday’s still doesn’t provide nutritional info in restaurants or on its website. The smaller portions aren’t exactly “healthy”, either, but that may be a blessing. If we’re going to eat something bad for us, we should eat less of it. —MEGHANN MARCO

T.G.I. Friday’s “Right Portion, Right Price” is Right Direction, Says CSPI (Press Release) [CPSI]
T.G.I. Friday’s

Restaurants Take Leadership Role with Portion Control(Press Release) [PRNewsire]
(Photo: Eric Martinnen)

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