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ATLANTA, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The most common New Years 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.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050323/CLW002LOGO )
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.
"Were 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. Its a great fit, because BLIMPIE shares the Councils 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
Years 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 chains 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 companys 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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