Fulfill Healthy New Year's Resolutions at BLIMPIE(R) Restaurants New Whole Grain Wheat Bread Fits with Updated USDA Dietary Guidelines
ATLANTA, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The most common New Year's resolutions are to lose weight or eat healthier, and in 2006 BLIMPIE(R) restaurants are resolute in helping to make that easier for its guests. To that end, BLIMPIE - which serves fresh, contemporary, deli-style sandwiches - is introducing whole grain wheat bread in its restaurants beginning in January 2006. Developed exclusively for BLIMPIE by General Mills(R), the new whole grain wheat bread is baked fresh on premise and will replace the traditional wheat bread previously served at all BLIMPIE locations.
Whole grain foods are part of the new USDA dietary guidelines which recommend consuming at least three servings of whole grain daily to maintain health and good nutrition. A BLIMPIE 6-inch whole grain bread roll equals one full serving (16.8 grams) of whole grain, and a 12-inch whole grain bread roll equals two full servings (33.7 grams) of whole grain recommended by the USDA Whole grain foods - which provide vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients -have been shown to have an important impact on weight management and in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and some cancers.
According to the Whole Grains Council, sales of whole grain bread have increased 18 percent since the new dietary guidelines were introduced a year ago. BLIMPIE is the first national chain in the QSR sandwich category to switch out its wheat bread with a new whole grain wheat bread.
"We're delighted to welcome BLIMPIE as the 102nd member of the Whole Grains Council," said Cynthia Harriman, director of food and nutrition strategies for Oldways and the Whole Grains Council. "We salute BLIMPIE restaurants' commitment to offering customers the choice of whole grain bread with any sandwich. It's a great fit, because BLIMPIE shares the Council's core belief that whole grains can be both healthy and delicious."
"Ordering a BLIMPIE on fresh-baked whole grain wheat bread provides a healthy choice for our guests, and a great way to get one to two servings of the USDA recommended daily intake of whole grains. Also, all BLIMPIE sandwiches are formulated to contain zero grams of trans fat," said Mark Mears, chief marketing officer for Blimpie International. "Consumers want to eat healthier and take better care of their bodies. Consequently, our New Year's resolution at BLIMPIE is to provide choices for our guests to help keep their resolutions to eat healthy and live well - without sacrificing great taste."
BLIMPIE restaurants are highlighting the new whole grain wheat bread as an option during its 'Hot Classics' promotion from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2006. Ideal meal selections for cold winter days, the 'Hot Classics' line-up features traditional BLIMPIE hot sub favorites with a contemporary 'twist' - Meatball Parmigiana, Peppercorn Steak and Grilled Chicken Marinara. The Meatball Parmigiana features Italian meatballs smothered in zesty marinara sauce and topped with provolone cheese and sprinkled with a four-cheese blend. The Peppercorn Steak includes thinly sliced beef and onions with provolone cheese and cracked peppercorn sauce. The Grilled Chicken Marinara consists of grilled chicken strips with provolone cheese, tomato basil marinara sauce and oregano. All three of these sandwiches are formulated to contain zero grams of trans fat and can be ordered on the new whole grain wheat bread, or any of the other fresh-baked artisan breads offered by BLIMPIE.
The introduction of whole grain wheat bread and other healthy meal options reflects the 41-year-old restaurant chain's position as a pacesetter in the sandwich segment. The new whole grain wheat bread and 'Hot Classics' offer will be supported by Blimpie International via a fully integrated multi-media campaign, including broadcast, print advertising, in-restaurant merchandising and local restaurant marketing activities.
About BLIMPIE(R): Headquartered in Atlanta, Blimpie International Inc. is a global franchisor of several branded quick-service concepts including BLIMPIE(R), the company's core brand. BLIMPIE serves fresh, contemporary, deli-style sandwiches, soups and salads with Real. Fresh. Taste.(TM) Founded in 1964, the BLIMPIE brand has grown to nearly 1,600 franchised restaurants across the U.S. and the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories. For more information about BLIMPIE, visit http://www.blimpie.com/.
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Blimpie International, Inc.
CONTACT: Donia Crime, +1-404-266-7578, or dcrime@webershandwick.com , or
Jennifer Seymour +1-404-266-7558, or jseymour@webershandwick.com, both of
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Web site: http://www.blimpie.com/
Chef2Chef News Desk