T.G.I. Friday's® Finds Younger Generations OK with Double Dipping

CARROLLTON, Texas, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When compared to older age groups, younger generations are far less uptight about double dipping – the practice of dipping food in a communal sauce, taking a bite, and then dipping again. A recent survey commissioned by T.G.I. Friday's found that 67 percent of people ages 18 to 34 say it is OK to double dip while only 28 percent of people ages 55 and older say it is acceptable.

This announcement comes on the heels of a new Friday's menu introduction that includes a basket of Warm Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dipping sauce. This delectable appetizer pairs thick, warm pretzels and a creamy beer cheese sauce made with regionally crafted beer and topped with bacon. For those looking to celebrate National Pretzel Day on April 26, it is the perfect dish to satisfy the craving.

"The sign of a great dish is when guests can't wait to dunk their next bite," said Alison Delaney, vice president of menu innovation for T.G.I. Friday's and Carlson Restaurants. "The majority of Millennials are comfortable double dipping when out with friends or family. While it may not be an appropriate action in every restaurant setting, we encourage guests to enjoy our new soft pretzel and beer cheese appetizer with friends and family, even if it leads to an extra dunk here and there."

When – if ever – is it OK to double dip? Of those who say it is sometimes acceptable to dip more than once, 32 percent of respondents say it's a fine practice when in the presence of family and 13 percent say it's not a problem when out with close friends. However, think twice before you dunk your soft pretzel when out on a date; 94 percent of respondents say that a romantic setting is no place for double dipping.

When specifically asked about soft pretzels, 82 percent of people indicated that they prefer to have a dipping sauce of some kind. Some preferred mustard, both yellow and honey, while others indicated cheese sauce as their preferred dip. Interestingly, men preferred mustard as the dip of choice while women leaned in favor of cheese.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive between April 19-23, 2012 among 2,211 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About T.G.I. Friday's

T.G.I. Friday's restaurants offer authentic American food and exciting drinks in an atmosphere that provides an energizing Friday feeling – any day of the week. Friday's® guest recognition program, Give Me More Stripes®, rewards our loyal guests with great deals and fun events year-round, creating an engaging customer experience. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's differentiates itself with a unique point of view which promises to exhilarate its guests with the feeling of Friday. T.G.I. Friday's, which operates more than 900 restaurants in more than 60 countries, is also famous for its knowledgeable and charismatic bartenders, approximately 8,000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the World." For more information, visit www.fridays.com.

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SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's