Late last week, Red Robin restaurants announced plans to go cage-free. The gourmet burger chain, which operates over 300 company-owned locations and 130 franchised locations, plans to utilize only cage-free eggs by the end of 2010, with at least 1/3 of its egg use exclusively cage-free by the end of July 2009.
“Red Robin’s high standards for quality and unsurpassed Guest service remain our top priorities,” said Susan Lintonsmith, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “We recognize that the elimination of battery cages in egg production has become an increasingly important issue in the communities we serve.”
The move comes shortly after Red Robin began working with the Humane Society of the United States, and follows the recent announcement by fast food restaurants Wendy’s and McDonald’s to pursue a cage-free menu.
While some may consider it a small move for such large food corporations, I always think of Chef Michael Chiarello’s comment from the ‘Farm to Fork’ demonstration – “Love my evolution.” Kudos to those companies making more eco-friendly moves – whether big or small.
~Jennifer Heigl