Latest news with #GarlicParmesan
USA Today
01-08-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Kindling Protein Pretzels do the job, even if they're a bit boring
Protein snacks are having a whole moment, and I'm here for that. In recent years, there's been a swell of healthier-for-you chips, crackers, even donuts that promise the protein to provide gains and minimal calories. Crisps made out of chicken? Wilde's got you. Tortilla chips and peanut butter cups? That's Quest's purview. Pretzels? Well, Crisp Power made a pretty solid impression last year. Now, here comes Kindling. Kindling Protein Pretzels offer the traditional twists you'd get from Snyder's or Rold Gold. Except inside that 120 to 130 calorie serving size is eight to nine grams of protein. It comes in a modest variety of flavors (or "flavours," as the website notes even though the founder is from Nashville). It's ready to go in snack form and looks generally appealing. Let's see what we've got. Note: There is also a dill pickle flavor. Er, "flavour." I absentmindedly ate my lone bag before realizing there weren't any more. It was tangy, slightly sour and extremely dill. Pretty solid! But I don't have enough data for a real review. Honey Mustard: B- Dumping the bag onto the plate uncorks roughly 20 small knots, solidly dusted in dark yellow honey mustard powder and big crystals of salt. The smell is sweeter than it is spicy, but there's a small, lingering protein powder musk lurking underneath. Despite what looks like a proper heap of flavor, Kindling comes up short when it comes to making sure the honey mustard lasts through each bite. It starts off crisp with a solid sweet tang -- the honey outweighs the mustard, for sure -- but after it wears away you're left with a slightly bland pretzel that's left to fight against the chickpea protein powder with which it's been infused. The texture is pretty basic -- not as layered and crisp as Crisp Power or as soft and crumbly as Moore Crunch. Kindling doesn't go above and beyond with its offering. You're getting regular pretzels with a low calorie count and useful amount of protein (130 and eight grams, respectively). But they do it well enough to be worth a few bags. Sea Salt: B- Yep. These are pretzels, all right. That's pretty much it. Salt, bread, crunch. If you like regular pretzels, this will feel a lot like a Snyder's production. Not much to say about that other than they taste like pretzels, even with that extra protein inside. Garlic Parmesan: A- Opening the bag is a vital reminder. If you *can* put garlic on something, you *should* put garlic on something. These smell more appealing than Kindling's other options, even if there's a bit of a stale tinge to the parmesan sprinkled across each twist. The power of Italian staples goes a long way here. While the other varieties are underseasoned, these are full-bodied with tangy flavors that linger through the end of each bite. While there's no doubt my breath is a borderline tragedy after a few of these. It's well worth it. Garlic Parmesan serves as proof Kindling can make a compelling snack as long as it's willing to get a bit creative and find flavors that extend the appeal of otherwise boring pretzels. The honey mustard wasn't enough and the dill pickle was basic. But this cacophony of flavors settles together to give you a garlic bread vibe in a significantly healthier package. And garlic bread, it must be noted, rules. This was a bit of a big swing, but this and a punched-up honey mustard would serve Kindling well. There's potential here, even if the current lineup is a bit boring. Would I eat it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking or eating to my baseline cheap beer. That's the standby from the land of sky-blue waters, Hamm's. So the question to answer is: on a typical day, would I take a bag of Kindling Protein Pretzels over a cold can of Hamm's? A different vibe, certainly. But if we're talking a one-to-one comparison... gimme the Hamm's. This is part of FTW's Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey.
Metro
15-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
TGI Fridays overhauls menu in comeback attempt after closing dozens of locations
The popular American casual dining chain TGI Fridays is giving its menu a makeover in an attempt to bounce back from bankruptcy and restaurant closures. TGI Fridays on Tuesday announced it is revamping 85% of its menu as part of its 'ongoing comeback story' as it pushes to keep the doors of its 89 remaining locations in the US open. The chain filed for bankruptcy in November and has shuttered more than a 100 locations over the past year. A TGI Fridays spokesperson said they 'took a hard look' at their existing menu and upgraded ingredients and cooking techniques to boost consistency and speed. TGI Fridays' CEO since April, Ray Blanchette, said it's 'just the beginning' of the chain's overhaul. 'Fridays has a legacy worth celebrating, and we're leaning into that,' Blanchette told on Tuesday. 'We leveled up the flavor on our Mozzarella Sticks, along with nearly the entire menu. Longtime fans will see familiar favorites made better, and first-time guests will get a fresh take on what makes Fridays special.' Some items will disappear from the menu to make way for the new additions. ' TGI Fridays is reworking its mozzarella sticks, which it helped make popular in the 1980s. They will now come sauced with three flavors: RedHot Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and the Whiskey Glaze only. More Trending Other new items include the Big Queso Energy Burger, Loaded Tots and the TGI Sauce that is 'creamy and tangy with a sweet-smoky kick'. The chain is also debuting seven drinks including the The eL.I.T.e, Jack's New Fashioned, Fri-Yay Rita, Turbo Toro, Tito's Thunderbolt, The Late Checkout and Strawberry Henny. TGI Fridays had 270 restaurants in America at the start of 2024, and had 164 left when it filed for bankruptcy near the end of the year. In its heyday in 2008, the chain had 600 locations. The remaining locations are run by franchisees with an 'advisory board empowering and shaping brand-wide decisions', TGI Fridays stated in earlier this year. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Students busted for bizarre TikTok 'Chromebook Challenge' to insert objects in laptops MORE: Urgent recall of soups, rice and porridge mixes over 'life-threatening' risk in US MORE: History of Air Force One as Trump eyes accepting $400,000,000 Qatari plane
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
TGI Fridays plans massive menu changes in hopes of a post-bankruptcy ‘comeback story'
One of America's most nostalgic restaurant chains is getting a facelift. TGI Fridays announced a menu overhaul on Tuesday as part of what they're calling 'TGI Fridays' ongoing comeback story.' The plan for bankruptcy bounce-back involves changes to a whopping 85% of its menu, with multiple new items launching nationwide Wednesday, May 14. Advertisement When making the adjustments, the brand 'took a hard look' at the previous menu to remove some items, upgrade ingredients and make cooking techniques more efficient for faster service and consistency, reported. 5 TGI Fridays announced a substantial menu overhaul on Tuesday. wolterke – The spruced-up menu comes after the fast-casual restaurant filed for bankruptcy in November 2024, which led to a significant decrease in locations across the U.S. Advertisement According to a spokesperson, the chain now has 89 remaining locations — compared to the start of 2024 when there were triple that, around 270. 5 TGI Fridays' new Big Queso Energy Burger. TGI Fridays Ray Blanchette, who took the helm as the company's CEO in April, told that the menu overhaul is 'just the beginning' of changes to come to TGI Fridays. 'Fridays has a legacy worth celebrating, and we're leaning into that,' Blanchette said. Advertisement 'We leveled up the flavor on our Mozzarella Sticks, along with nearly the entire menu. Longtime fans will see familiar favorites made better, and first-time guests will get a fresh take on what makes Fridays special.' TGI Fridays helped popularize mozzarella sticks in the 1980s, and now the chain is modernizing the beloved appetizer with three different sauces — one of which is only available at the restaurant. 5 TGI Fridays updated mozzarella sticks, which they helped popularize in the 1980s. Center Reach Group Account / TGI Fridays 5 TGI Fridays' upgraded Loaded Tots. Center Reach Group Account / TGI Fridays Advertisement Here are the new menu items that patrons will find at TGI Fridays: TGI Sauce: The chain is launching a new all-purpose signature sauce, which they describe as 'creamy & tangy with a sweet-smoky kick.' The chain is launching a new all-purpose signature sauce, which they describe as 'creamy & tangy with a sweet-smoky kick.' Mozzarella Sticks: The beloved item can now come sauced in three different flavors: RedHot Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and the Fridays-only Whiskey Glaze. Of course, customers can still opt for the original with all three sauces on the side. The beloved item can now come sauced in three different flavors: RedHot Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and the Fridays-only Whiskey Glaze. Of course, customers can still opt for the original with all three sauces on the side. Big Queso Energy Burger: A messy burger that comes with lettuce, pico de gallo, roasted jalapeños, cheddar cheese, poblano queso and a side of even more queso. A messy burger that comes with lettuce, pico de gallo, roasted jalapeños, cheddar cheese, poblano queso and a side of even more queso. Loaded Tots: The revamped app now comes fully loaded with bacon, cheese, green onions and the new TGI Sauce. TGI Fridays is also introducing 'sips that slap' — or, for those who don't care for slang, seven new signature drinks. 5 The chain has concocted seven new drinks. TGI Fridays The eL.I.T.e: A mega-sized Long Island iced tea and Lemonade hybrid featuring Smirnoff vodka, New Amsterdam gin, Captain Morgan Spiced rum, Grand Marnier, lemonade and a splash of Coca-Cola. A mega-sized Long Island iced tea and Lemonade hybrid featuring Smirnoff vodka, New Amsterdam gin, Captain Morgan Spiced rum, Grand Marnier, lemonade and a splash of Coca-Cola. Jack's New Fashioned: Jack Daniel's whiskey, torched sugar, Angostura bitters and black cherry, topped with a cherry. Jack Daniel's whiskey, torched sugar, Angostura bitters and black cherry, topped with a cherry. Fri-Yay Rita: A 'sweet, sour and a little bit salty' drink with Patrón Silver tequila, Fridays' own agave sour, a splash of Grand Marnier, a half-salt rim and a lime squeeze. A 'sweet, sour and a little bit salty' drink with Patrón Silver tequila, Fridays' own agave sour, a splash of Grand Marnier, a half-salt rim and a lime squeeze. Turbo Toro: Patrón Silver tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit, with a full can of Red Bull Tropical. Patrón Silver tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit, with a full can of Red Bull Tropical. Tito's Thunderbolt: Described as the 'jolt you didn't know you needed,' Tito's Handmade Vodka, lemonade and Owen's Transfusion Mix, over ice and topped with lemon. Described as the 'jolt you didn't know you needed,' Tito's Handmade Vodka, lemonade and Owen's Transfusion Mix, over ice and topped with lemon. The Late Checkout: Bacardi Gold rum, Chambord, passion fruit, lemonade and a splash of grenadine, all over ice. Bacardi Gold rum, Chambord, passion fruit, lemonade and a splash of grenadine, all over ice. Strawberry Henny: Hennessy V.S, Grand Marnier and fresh strawberry purée, topped with a sliced strawberry.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Score 20 FREE Boneless Wings To Go for the 2025 NFL Draft at Applebee's
On April 24-26, enjoy 20 FREE Boneless Wings with any $40 To Go or Delivery Order on or Applebee's Mobile App PASADENA, Calif., April 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applebee's guests can draft their dream meal – and score 20 FREE Boneless Wings – during the 2025 NFL Draft when they order To Go. As the Official Grill + Bar Sponsor of the NFL, football fans who order $40 or more on April 24-26 on or the Applebee's mobile app can enjoy America's Favorite Boneless Wings for free, with the added convenience of pickup or delivery.* To take the 2025 NFL Draft to the next level with 20 FREE Boneless Wings at Applebee's, guests must order online by going to or the Applebee's mobile app to place a To Go or Delivery order. Use promo code DRAFT25 at checkout after totaling at least $40 of tasty menu items in the cart, and then add the 20-piece Boneless Wings to feast like the newest pros in the league! Applebee's Boneless Wings — voted America's favorite in a nationwide double-blind taste test — are crispy breaded pieces of tender boneless chicken tossed in guests' choice of sauce, including Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Garlic Parmesan, Extra Hot Buffalo and Hot Honey Glaze. The fan-favorite dish comes complete with choice of Bleu cheese or house-made buttermilk ranch dressing. "This pick is in – with 20 Free Boneless Wings To Go at Applebee's," said Vicki Hormann, executive director, Off-Premise at Applebee's. "As the Official Grill + Bar Sponsor of the NFL, we're celebrating the 2025 NFL Draft all weekend long with 20 Free Boneless Wings for all $40 To Go orders from and the Applebee's mobile app. Take your watch party to the next level!" To find your local restaurant to dine in, visit To order Applebee's To Go or delivery, visit or the Applebee's mobile app (iOS, Google) For even more exclusive deals and specials, guests can sign up to be a part of the neighborhood. Join Club Applebee's® and receive a welcome offer! *For a limited time at participating locations. Offer valid 4/24/25-4/26/25 for online orders via the Applebee's website or mobile app only. Minimum order of $40 excluding alcohol, tax, delivery and service fees, gift card purchases, and gratuity. Limit one order of 20 free Boneless Wings per order. Not valid on third party delivery sites. Delivery coverage varies by restaurant. Restrictions may apply. © 2025 Applebee's Restaurants LLC. About Applebee's®As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee's franchise operations consisted of 1,567 Applebee's restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 15 countries outside the United States, and 47 company-operated U.S restaurants as of December 29, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee's ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and four Applebee's international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies. Follow us:Instagram: @applebeesTwitter: @applebeesFacebook: BR-APPB View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, email us at media@
