BJ's adds small-plates menuBJ's adds small-plates menu

Lisa Jennings

HUNTINGTON BEACH Calif. Joining a growing number of casual-dining concepts with small-plate offerings, BJ’s Restaurants on Wednesday introduced a new “Snacks and Small Bites” menu category, as well as five new lunch specials.

Smaller-plate options have become increasingly popular among guests looking for both value and fewer calories. Casual-dining operators such as The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Houlihan’s have also debuted new small-plate options in recent months.

At BJ’s, the new category includes items that range in price from $2.95 to $3.95. Among the options: a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad with basil, red onion, parmesan and balsamic glaze; gourmet macaroni and cheese; Hawaiian-shrimp skewers with white onions, red bell pepper, and grilled pineapple served over sticky rice with broccoli; and mini-bruschetta made with grilled focaccia topped with melted provolone, fresh roma and sun-dried tomatoes, onions, basil and roasted peppers with a pesto vinaigrette.

Also on the snack and small bite menu are a chicken fajita quesadilla and garlic-parmesan kettle-style chips served with caramelized-onion dip and buffalo sour cream for dipping.

BJ's new lunch specials start at $5.95 and include options such as a chicken, shrimp or salmon teriyaki with onions, red peppers, Napa cabbage, green onions and sweet baby carrots with teriyaki sauce over rice; chicken parmigiana; or Tuscan tomato bisque with a whole or half grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

BJ’s Restaurants Inc. operates 93 locations under the BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, or BJ’s Pizza & Grill brand names.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].