Friday's augments Atkins menu, adds low-carb wine

Nation's Restaurant News, August 2, 2004

CARROLLTON, TEXAS -- T.G.I. Friday's added five new low-carbohydrate options to the Atkins-approved menu at its more than 530 domestic dinner-houses. The chain also is offering a low-carb Chardonnay and Merlot.

Ranging from $7.59 to $12.49, the new items are a Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad, Fire Roasted Salmon, Key West Citrus Grouper and Chicken La Boca, featuring sauteed chicken breasts with oregano chimichurri rub served with steamed spinach, fresh tomato, basil and marinated artichoke. The chain also added a low-carb New York cheesecake, $3.79.

Parent company Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, whose T.G.I. Friday's system has more than 820 locations worldwide, has a multiyear contract with Atkins Nutritionals Inc. of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., to develop menu items with the chain's own research staff.