The plant-based Beyond Meat burger is now available in more than 450 TGI Friday locations across the U.S. TGI Fridays tested the Beyond Burger at a handful of restaurants in October, and following an extremely successful test, the vegan patty has now become the fastest test-to-table menu offering in the brand's history. The Beyond Burger, which has been backed by Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio, is known to taste, look, and cook exactly like beef - but without the health and environmental downsides, as well as not involving the slaughter of animals. The restaurant chain now features the innovative burger on its menus as 'The Beyond Meat Burger' - it includes a 6oz patty seasoned, grilled, and topped with (non-vegan) white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and Fridays sauce. For a vegan-friendly option, diners can order the dish without cheese and the Fridays sauce. "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." Watch PBN's interview with Beyond Meat Founder Ethan Brown Talking about the restaurant launch, Ethan Brown, CEO and Founder of Beyond Meat said: "I could not be more pleased that an iconic global restaurant brand, TGI Fridays, is adding The Beyond Burger to their menu." He added: "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." Since May, distribution of the Beyond Burger has seen triple digit growth - and is now available at more than 9,000 food service and retail outlets nationwide. The plant-based patty is set to arrive to the UK in the 'first quarter of 2018'. The food tech startup has also recently introduced the Beyond Sausage, which Brown says shows his team’s 'relentless march toward a perfect build of meat from plants'.
Diners at more than 450 TGI Fridays restaurants in the UK will be able to tuck into a plant-based Beyond Meat burger following successful trials at selected outlets in October. The 100% vegan patty is Beyond Meat's quickest test-to-table menu offering. It's been added to the TGI Fridays menu in response to guest "demand for nutritional menu items that fit their lifestyle needs", said Executive Culinary Director David Spirito. Beyond Meat's burger is now available at 9,000 UK food outlets and will be launched in the US early this year. The company also recently unveiled its Beyond Sausage product.