Back in February when I visited Applebee’s Headquarters in Kansas City for the first Applebee’s Blogger Summit, there was some exciting chatter about Applebee’s teaming up with Kids LiveWell this summer. This morning, at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, Applebee’s announced the company is officially joining the Kids LiveWell program.
If you aren’t familiar with the Kids LiveWell program, it’s a program that helps parents and kids make more healthful menu selections when eating out. Kids LiveWell items must meet qualifying nutritional standards from leading health organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The program was started by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining.
Dedicated to providing healthy entrees, Applebee’s already offers a terrific selection of healthy menu options on their U550 and Weight Watcher’s menu.
“Applebee’s serves nearly 1 million guests a day – including many families with children – at our nearly 1,900 neighborhood locations across the country,” said Jessica James, Applebee’s executive chef. “Our new grilled chicken sandwich for kids lets the entire family eat out while keeping their calories and portions in check. We’re leading the casual dining industry with lower calorie menu options and removing the guilt from dining out.”
Applebee’s Kids LiveWell-endorsed entrée is a grilled chicken sandwich with steamed broccoli and 1 percent milk or apple juice. Kids also can enjoy orange juice and a side of applesauce. In addition, Applebee’s offers kids a nutritious mac-and-cheese option. I’m really excited about this healthy addition to the Applebee’s children’s menu and look forward to seeing even more Kids LiveWell endorsed entrees in the future!
This is great! I’m only pregnant w/ my 1st but it gives me confidence bout the future as far as eating out goes-I want him to eat healthy & restaurants providing those options make that alot easier. Awesome article!