CMC and Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes Partner
Press Release | December, 2008
(SAN DIEGO) December 2, 2008 – It is hard to believe that a small berry, the size of a dime, contains powerful anti-oxidants that can prevent premature aging and heart disease, as well as provide protective antibacterial agents and other nutritional benefits. Because of the healthy nature of cranberries and its signature tangy taste, Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes, voted one of “America’s Healthiest Restaurants” by Health magazine, has formed a partnership with the Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC), a committee established by the federal government that works to promote and inform the public about the benefits of U.S. cranberries. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes restaurants will feature several cranberry-filled recipes on their December menu to celebrate the partnership.
To bring awareness to the benefits of cranberries directly to restaurant guests, Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes is collaborating with the CMC to provide all 111 Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes’ restaurants with literature about cranberries’ natural nutrients and health benefits, feature Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes cranberry recipes on the CMC Web site and partner in future promotional efforts.
“Americans often only eat cranberries on Thanksgiving – where 20 percent of all cranberries nationwide are consumed in one day – and too often forget that these berries are beneficial in their everyday diet,” said Toby Stapleton, marketing director of the Cranberry Marketing Committee. “Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes is helping us educate the public that cranberries can be a delicious and healthy addition to meals throughout the year.”
During the month of December, all Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes restaurants will roll-out several cranberry-inspired recipes, including Chipotle Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette, Sweet Orange and Cranberry Muffins and Cranberry Apple Cobbler. Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes will also offer Cranberry Crush Green Tea in addition to its regular menu items.
“Not only are cranberries naturally low in sodium, cholesterol free, fat free and a good source of fiber, but they help bring a great holiday flavor to Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes’ menu offerings,” said Joan Scharff, executive director of brand and menu strategy for Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. (parent company of Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes). “Partnering with the Cranberry Marketing Committee for this promotion was a natural fit for us because of its reputation and the informative materials it provides for our guests.”
About Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes
Celebrating 30 years, Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes was founded in 1978 in San Diego and currently operates 111 salad buffet-style restaurants across the western, southern and eastern portions of the United States. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes features a daily selection of made-from-scratch soups and salads and hand-crafted muffins, focaccia and breads and tasty desserts. The concept is built around freshly made, great-tasting, recipes with a salad bar full of seasonal vegetables and tossed salads prepared exhibition-style every 20 minutes. Restaurants are open daily for lunch and dinner and also for a special Sunday Breakfast featuring a variety of wholesome morning favorites in addition to regular selections. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes provides its guests with an excellent value by offering unlimited access to its entire menu of high quality fresh items at a fixed price. For more information, visit www.souplantation.com or www.sweettomatoes.com.
About the Cranberry Marketing Committee
The Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) was established as a Federal Marketing Order in 1962 to maintain favorable supply and demand equilibrium for the US cranberry industry. In 1992, the Marketing Order was amended to allow the CMC to promote the sale and use of cranberries and cranberry products. And, in 1999 the CMC launched an international promotion program which was followed with a domestic program in 2002. Currently, CMC conducts generic promotions in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Europe. For more information, visit www.uscranberries.com.
Editor’s Note: Interviews with Joan Scharff, executive director of brand and menu strategy for Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., and Toby Stapleton, marketing director of the Cranberry Marketing Committee, to discuss the benefits of cranberries and Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes’ decision to feature the berries on the December menu, along with Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes cranberry recipes, are available upon request.
