Breakout Brand Focuses on Children’s Nutrition with Healthy Menu Items

Charlotte, N.C. (March XX, 2014) – Known for its’ Classic American cuisine infused with bold flavors, fresh herbs and spices, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has joined the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program to help families make healthy dining decisions.

The National Restaurant Association developed Kids LiveWell in collaboration with Healthy Dining, whose team of registered dietitians work with restaurants to identify and validate the qualifying menu selections. The items must meet specific nutrition criteria based on leading health organizations’ scientific recommendations and include the USDA Dietary Guidelines.

“Parents are seeking healthful menu options for their entire family, and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has stepped up to the plate with a strong commitment to children’s nutrition,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “We are pleased to welcome Firebirds into the industry’s Kids LiveWell program, which is helping restaurants nationwide highlight a growing number of innovative, better-for-you menu items.”

In addition to the Firebirds’ Kids Menu items such as the Kid’s Sirloin and Wood Grilled Salmon, new Kids LiveWell selections include the Grilled Chicken Breast, Fresh Veggies, Green Beans, Carrot Chips, Fresh Fruit and one percent milk.

Firebirds also gives every family member an opportunity to help fight childhood cancer through its partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a national fundraising movement to find cures for all kids with cancer. For every Firebirds Fresh Squeezed Lemonade purchase, $1 will be donated to the organization.

“We have become a top dining destination for families and remain committed to providing healthy menu options for our valued guests,” said CEO Mark Eason of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. “We fully support the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program and encourage families to lead a healthy lifestyle by selecting nutritious meals.”

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill was named as a 2014 Top 10 Breakout Brand by Nation’s Restaurant News, and is open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Guests can register for Firebirds’ E-Club to receive exclusive offers, promotions and a birthday gift.

About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a Classic American restaurant known for its authentic wood fired entrees infused with bold flavors, fresh herbs and spices. Based in Charlotte, N.C., Firebirds has a collection of 30 restaurants throughout the U.S. The polished casual restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, and feature a selection of aged steaks that are hand-cut in the restaurant, fresh seafood, chicken and ribs seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood. Since 2000, loyal guests have craved signature items such as Firebirds BLT Salad, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Chile Rubbed Delmonico, Wood Grilled Salmon, Lobster Spinach Queso and Creme Brulee Cheesecake. The award-winning FIREBAR™ hosts a selection of private Firebirds’ label wines and specialty cocktails such as the Double Black Diamond Martini infused with natural, fresh pineapple for 21 days. From the delicious flavor to the ambiance of the relaxing fireplace and exhibition kitchen, Firebirds provides a memorable experience.

For more information or to find a location near you, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com and find us on Facebook and Twitter @FirebirdsGrill

About National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 990,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 13.5 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We operate the industry's largest trade show (NRA Show May 17-20, 2014, in Chicago); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart); as well as the Kids LiveWell program promoting healthful kids' menu options. For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find us on Twitter@WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.