News

Burgerville pilots nutritional-information program

September 3, 2009

As menu-labeling legislation continues to be pushed nationwide,Burgerville is testing a system that will put personalized nutritional information on each customer's cash register receipt. The system, developed by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Nutricate, is being tested at the chain's location in Oregon near the Portland Convention Center.

According toan article in The Packer, the systemwill tally an order's nutritional content, taking into account special requests, and also will provide suggestions for healthier alternatives. Both pieces of information will be included on the receipt.

From The Packer story:

"Menu labeling laws want calories on the menu, but probably 80% of our guests customize their orders," Nagy-Nero said. "Calories on the menu boards are only for standard menu items."

Oregonpassed a menu labeling law in June, and restaurants with more than 20 locations will be required to include nutrition information in a brochure in their restaurants by the end of the year. Burgerville operates 25 restaurants in the state.

"We already knew it (nutrition on receipts) wasn't going to be accepted as a substitute, but we thought it's a great way to educate customers," Nagy-Nero said.