Restaurants Roll Out Seasonal Fare

Restaurant chains in various segments have introduced special menu items and offerings for autumn and the upcoming holiday season.

Jamba Juice will roll out on Nov. 15 a limited-time Apple Cinnamon Cheer Smoothie, which the chain is touting as a healthful alternative to sweet indulgences typically offered in the fall.

"We wanted to give our fans something extra to celebrate this season, and what better way than to launch a new healthy holiday treat," Susan Shields, senior vice president and CMO, Jamba Juice Company, said. "Not only do we have delicious, convenient, better-for-you smoothies and food options for breakfast, lunch or a snack, but we can satisfy your holiday sweet tooth with a healthy treat alternative."

Along with the smoothie offer, Jamba Juice also is offering customers a free smoothie with the purchase of a $25 Jambacard gift card to the chain. The promotion runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 3, 2012.

The quick-service operator recently said it plans to test a smaller express prototype called JambaGo, after Starbucks' acquisition of premium juice brand Evolution Fresh.

Jamba Juice has 746 units in the United States.

Meanwhile, T.G.I. Friday's and Mimi's Café have introduced special offers in the casual-dining segment.

T.G.I. Friday's is offering throughout the holiday season new Jack Daniel's Premium Grill items that include a 10-ounce Jack Daniel's Black Angus Rib-eye and Jack Daniel's Norwegian Salmon, served by themselves or with grilled shrimp scampi or crispy Cajun shrimp.

The rib-eye and salmon are marinated in a whiskey brine and basted with Friday's smoky and sweet Jack Daniel's sauce. All items from that line are served with grilled jalapeno cornbread and a choice of two sides.

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The chain is also offering a Langostino Lobster menu line, which includes lobster served with a 10-ounce Black Angus Rib-eye, a 10-ounce Black Angus Sirloin, 8-ounce Black Angus Flat Iron Steak, 7-ounce portion of Norwegian Salmon or a 6-ounce Black Angus Petite Sirloin.

Offerings from either menu line may be topped with a roasted Alfredo sauce that has sautéed cremini mushrooms, garlic, green onion and basil.

For dessert, Friday's is offering a Cinnamon Apple Spiced Crumble, which can be included in its Pick 2 for $10 menu.

The chain also is offering a JackBerry Smash cocktail made with Jack Daniel's whiskey, peach schnapps and blackberries.

T.G.I. Friday's operates more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries.

French-inspired casual-dining chain Mimi's Café has introduced a new seasonal menu called the Tour de Paris that is inspired by the city in France.

"Paris is world-renowned for great food and wine, which is why we are so excited to introduce our newest seasonal menu," Mark Mears, Mimi's president and chief concept officer, said. "Our focus is on providing value by transporting our guests from their everyday to a cozy neighborhood bistro where exceptional food and wine are celebrated and memorable Mimi's moments are shared."

Tour de Paris menu items include Quatre Fromages Quiche, Chicken Madeira Crepes, Parisian Shrimp Salad, and Artichoke and Brie Fondue Dip. Wine pairings are available with the dishes.

The chain also is offering seasonal menu items including a Pumpkin Spiced Muffin, a new Pumpkin Spiced Muffin Sundae and Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes. Seasonal beverages include a Pumpkin Spiced Martini, Pumpkin Pie Coffee and Spiced Rum Cider.

In conjunction with the menu offerings, Mimi's also is running a Chance for France Giveaway through Dec. 31, which offers a grand prize of a five-day, four-night trip for two to Paris, along with smaller prizes such as gift cards and giveaways of its Family Meal To-Go.

RELATED: Bob Evans, Mimi's Café focus on value, new menus

Mimi's Café is owned by Bob Evans Farms Inc. and operates 145 restaurants in 24 states.

Contact Marcella Veneziale at marcella.veneziale@penton.com.