To highlight the incredible value and abundance of the latest expansion of the 3 For Me ^® offering, Chili’s has challenged professional eater, Joey Chestnut, to take down a 3 For Lunch™ Combo – and if he doesn’t win, Chili’s guests do! 

DALLAS  /PRNewswire/ — Chili’s® Grill & Bar wants you to skip the drive-thru – and the sad fast food lunches – with the introduction of its new 3 For Lunch Combos. During the week (Monday-Friday) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time (at participating locations), guests can enjoy real value with 11 available options in the new 3 For Lunch Combos, featuring bottomless chips and salsa, choice of entrée and a bottomless non-alcoholic drink, all starting at just $10.99. 

Chili’s new 3 For Lunch Combos include elevated versions of America’s top lunch favorites, like burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and fries. Guests can continue to enjoy Chili’s 3 For Me favorites at lunch, like the Big Smasher Burger™ – with twice the beef of a Big Mac^®* – or Chili’s Chicken Crispers^®, made with hand-breaded chicken breasts in original or sauced flavors, a departure from the sad, misshapen nuggets you’ll find in the drive-thru.  

In addition to those familiar favorites, guests can also enjoy the viral Triple Dipper^® as an entrée option, giving them the chance to show off their cheese pulls during their lunch hour. Chili’s is also updating the Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl, featuring grilled chicken with pico de gallo, greens, Mexican rice, corn salsa, house-made ranch and more, to now come with guacamole – for no extra charge.   

“We believe that our 3 For Lunch Combos are not only better quality but offer bigger portions and more variety than what you’ll find in fast food,” said Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer, George Felix. “This extension of our 3 For Me menu to lunch continues to deliver great value in every sense of the word. We compared our entrées against what’s available in fast food, and we believe that the Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combos stand out – from the quality we offer, to the abundance of food and the price point.” 

To celebrate this new lunch menu and highlight the truly massive amount of food available with 3 For Lunch Combos, the grill & bar is challenging professional eating champion, Joey Chestnut, to find the bottom of one of Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combos – a seemingly impossible feat with the meal’s bottomless chips and salsa and non-alcoholic beverage. On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the results of Joey’s epic showdown of man versus food will be unveiled. If he can defeat one of Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combos, he will win the 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt, which grants him bragging rights and lunch money for a year. And if Joey doesn’t win, you can. Chili’s will offer its guests the chance to win the 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt, including a year of free 3 For Lunch Combos, if Joey loses.   

“I’ve competed in just about any eating contest you can think of, but the Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combo is no joke,” said Joey Chestnut. “This challenge isn’t about speed, it’s about endurance. I’ve pushed my boundaries to the limit this year, beating my personal bests, but Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combo with bottomless chips and salsa? That’s a whole different beast.” 

Fans can watch Joey Chestnut take on a Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combo on X (@chilis) (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, October 1 at 10am CST to see if he or one lucky guest will win the Chili’s 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt and free 3 For Lunch Combos for a year. 

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To learn more about Chili’s 3 For Lunch Combos and find your nearest location, visit chilis.com.  

About Chili’s® Grill & Bar   

Hi, welcome to Chili’s! We are a leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). We are known for our Big Mouth Burgers ®, Chicken Crispers®, full-on sizzling fajitas, and hand-shaken margaritas. We take our food seriously – but not ourselves – because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, our ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across almost 1,600 restaurants in 27 countries and 2 territories. And Chili’s cares. We host local Give Back Events to support kids, education, and hunger and have raised more than $110 million benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through generous Guest donations. Find more information about us at chilis.com, follow us on X or Instagram, like us on Facebook, or join us on TikTok.  

*Big Mac® is a registered trademark of McDonald’s Corporation. The comparison is made based on the Big Mac’s pre-cooked patty weight of 3.2 oz (collectively).  

SOURCE Chili’s Grill & Bar

In a commendable effort to combat hunger across the United States, Darden Restaurants has once again joined forces with Feeding America®, marking the fourth consecutive year of their impactful partnership. Through a generous $2 million grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, the company is donating 10 refrigerated trucks to food banks nationwide, significantly enhancing food distribution efforts for communities in need.

Strengthening Food Distribution Programs

These 26-foot refrigerated trucks are designed to carry up to 12,000 pounds of food, allowing food banks to expand their mobile pantry programs and serve individuals and families facing food insecurity more effectively. The trucks will be delivered to important food banks including:

• Central California Food Bank (Fresno, Calif.)
• Coastal Bend Food Bank (Corpus Christi, Texas)
• Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (Elizabethtown, Ky.)
• Harvest Hope Food Bank (Columbia, S.C.)
• Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (Raleigh, N.C.)
• Middle Georgia Community Food Bank (Macon, Ga.)
• Second Harvest of the Greater Valley (Manteca, Calif.)
• South Texas Food Bank (Laredo, Texas)
• Three Square Food Bank (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• United Food Bank (Mesa, Ariz.)

Rick Cardenas, President and CEO of Darden Restaurants, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Darden is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact in the movement to end hunger. By leveraging our resources, we ensure nutritious meals reach families who need them most.”

Addressing a Growing Need

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 47 million people in the U.S. faced hunger in 2023. The increased rate of food insecurity—13.5% of households—highlights the critical need for reliable food distribution solutions. The ability for food banks to deliver food efficiently and minimize waste is paramount in addressing this growing crisis.

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, reflects on the significance of this partnership: “Hunger exists in every zip code in the U.S., and it can affect anyone. Our continued partnership with Darden helps strengthen our efforts to ensure food reaches communities where it is needed most.”

Consistent Efforts Over the Years

Since January 2021, Darden’s partnership with Feeding America has delivered 45 refrigerated trucks to 45 food banks across 21 states, substantially enhancing the capacity of these organizations. Not only do these trucks provide logistical support, but Darden’s Harvest food donation program has also been crucial in addressing food waste, channeling surplus food from their restaurants to local nonprofits.

Over the years, Darden has donated more than 140 million pounds of food, translating to over 118 million meals for those experiencing hunger. This landmark initiative demonstrates a profound commitment to reducing food waste while simultaneously providing nourishment to communities across the country.

Embracing a Future Without Hunger

Darden Restaurants showcases an inspiring commitment to philanthropy through its wide array of dining brands, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation has awarded over $110 million to non-profit organizations since its inception in 1995.

To learn more about Darden’s efforts and their partnership with Feeding America, you can visit Darden Restaurants and Feeding America.

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Together, through these initiatives, Darden and Feeding America continue to take significant strides towards a future where no one in America goes hungry. As we collectively tackle the challenges of food insecurity, it’s clear that impactful partnerships are essential in building a more inclusive and nourished society.

SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.: General

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

Related links:

https://www.feedingamerica.org

https://www.darden.com

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Soda lovers, rejoice! If you’ve been searching for a flavorful refreshment that won’t sabotage your health goals, your quest ends here. Craft soda trailblazer, Jones Soda Co., is stepping into the functional beverage arena with the launch of Pop Jones, a line of all-natural, low-calorie sodas crafted to tantalize your taste buds without the guilt.

Meet Pop Jones: Flavor Without Compromise

Launching next month, Pop Jones is an exciting addition to the rapidly growing functional beverage market. Each 12 oz can contain just 30 calories—making it a standout in a category often dominated by high-sugar options. With five original, artisan-inspired flavors to choose from, you’ll find yourself savoring every sip of Cucumber Watermelon, Pineapple Ginger, Orange & Cream, Strawberry Passionfruit, and Mixed Berry & Kiwi.

But how do they taste so good and remain low-cal? Pop Jones is expertly sweetened with a clean blend of real fruit juice, pure cane sugar, and natural stevia leaf extract. This thoughtful formulation results in only 4 grams of total sugar, including just 2 grams of added sugar—which is half of what many other functional brands offer and a staggering one-twentieth of the sugar found in a standard soda.

A Health-Conscious Beverage Choice

Beyond delicious flavor, Pop Jones boasts functional ingredients designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Each can is infused with apple cider vinegar and agave inulin, both known for their prebiotic properties. The addition of 20% of your daily recommended intake of zinc further enhances immune support, making Pop Jones not just a treat but a smart beverage choice.

And the cherry on top? Pop Jones is shelf-stable, meaning no refrigeration is necessary to keep these remarkable flavors ready for your enjoyment.

A Vision for Modern Sodas

David Knight, CEO of Jones Soda, reflects on this innovation: “Functional beverages with cleaner ingredients and lower sugar content have created a new modern soda category that meets rising consumer demand for tastier and healthier food and beverage choices.” With nearly 30 years of experience in flavor innovation, Jones Soda is in an excellent position to redefine what soda can be.

Expanding the Flavor Frontier

Pop Jones joins an expanding portfolio of creative products from the beloved brand. Alongside their new functional line, you can also explore Jones Minis (7.5 oz cans of classic flavors), Jones+ (with a boost of caffeine), and even Spiked Jones that melds their industrial flavors with hard cider for a refreshing adult twist. New additions, like Jones Craft Cola and Jones Craft Zero Cola, further illustrate the brand’s commitment to variety and innovation in the beverage space.

With the recent growth of the Mary Jones cannabis brand in legal markets, Jones Soda is clearly leading the charge in expanding beyond traditional boundaries—appealing to diverse tastes and preferences.

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A Rich History of Creativity

Founded in 1995 by Peter Van Stolk, Jones Soda quickly rose to prominence, earning a reputation for its unique flavors and unconventional branding. The journey has seen its share of challenges, but with consistent innovation and dedication to quality, the brand has transformed over the years, becoming a staple in craft soda.

From the bold choices of using cane sugar over high fructose corn syrup in 2006 to reimagining flavor profiles today, Jones Soda is all about providing consumers with exceptional beverages that they can enjoy responsibly.

Join the Guilt-Free Soda Revolution!

If you’re ready to refresh your beverage choices with a health-conscious spin, keep an eye out for Pop Jones at select retail locations and on JonesSoda.com next month. Here’s to a new era of soda—where you can indulge in bold flavors without compromising your health.

https://www.jonessoda.com

Join the celebration of taste and wellness with Pop Jones! Explore the delightful range of flavors crafted just for you and raise your can of better-for-you soda in cheers to health, happiness, and creativity. After all, why should quality and flavor ever be sacrificed for health? With Pop Jones, they go hand in hand!

https://www.jonessoda.com/products/myjones-custom-labeled-soda

SOURCE Jones Soda

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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.