Monday, October 25, 2004

Thinking about a BLT? Think Again

How about a BLP (Bacon, Lettuce & Pickles)?

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. restaurants are scrambling to find menu alternatives to dishes requiring tomatoes as severe weather in Florida and California have hampered crops and caused prices to more than double.
Restaurant chains like Wendy's International Inc. and Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants Inc., which need large quantities of tomatoes to supply their outlets, are among those making changes to combat the shortage.
Wendy's canceled plans to advertise its Chicken Temptations sandwiches, which are each topped with a slice of tomato. The Dublin, Ohio-based chain said the last-minute switch to promote its Kids Meal and Homestyle Chicken Strips would contribute to a profit shortfall this quarter.