PRESS RELEASE (appears here in its entirety from the original source) At noon today, Portland Restaurant Review will be sampling the amazing vegan / vegetarian cuisine that is PDX’s newest restaurant thrill: Veggie Grill. Look for our official review of the new place next week…

VEGGIE GRILL TAPS RESTAURANT PARTNER IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Joint Venture Partner Ed Casey Brings Over 30 Years of Experience to Veggie Grill

Santa Monica, CA (January 11, 2012) — Popular for their delicious, convenient comfort food, Veggie Grill is about to open their first location outside of Southern California in Beaverton, Ore. As they move into the Portland market, Veggie Grill is pleased to announce their partnership with long-time restaurant developer Ed Casey. Based in Portland and an Oregon resident for over 20 years, Casey’s experience is in building upon emerging trends in the restaurant industry. When Casey discovered Veggie Grill, he found the perfect fit for the adventurous Portland consumer: a concept at once healthful, food-centric and fun. Casey didn’t hesitate to join the Veggie Grill team and push expansion forward in the Pacific Northwest.

As a joint venture partner, Casey will develop Veggie Grill restaurants in Oregon, opening the first location in January of 2012 followed by a second in May. “I’m excited to bring the Veggie Grill and this concept to life in my home market,” says Casey, who developed, owned and operated over 25 Baja Fresh Mexican Grill franchises in the Pacific Northwest. Casey previously introduced Oregon to Applebees in 1993 in a franchise venture, and TGI Fridays in 1980. Casey also served as President/CEO of the Counter, a 2008 National Restaurant Association’s Hot Concept winner and was recognized by the Oregon Restaurant Association in 2002 as “Restaurateur of the Year.”

As this is Veggie Grill’s first expansion outside of its home turf in California, this partnership is critical. “Ed’s expertise is invaluable to our introduction into this new market. We are excited to be working with him as we branch out into the Pacific Northwest,” says CEO Greg Dollarhyde who notes that they will open three locations in the Portland area by the end of 2012. They have already started construction on their second location, near downtown Portland.

The partnership between Management Development, Inc. and Veggie Grill will be substantially financed by The Veggie Grill. The first location will open in Beaverton, home to NIKE, Inc., and the second in the downtown financial district. Casey is also currently in negotiations on two other locations in Portland and the surrounding communities, including in and around Washington State.

Since 2006, Veggie Grill has been redefining American comfort food with its delicious 100% plant-based cuisine. The restaurant chain’s mission is to break the stereotype of bland vegetarian food by combining hearty, plant-based proteins with bold marinades and sauces in familiar menu items that people can enjoy every day. Signature menu items include the “Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’” sandwich, “Sweetheart Fries,” and the “All Hail Kale” salad. All Veggie Grill locations offer a kid’s menu and wine and beer selection.

For more information about Veggie Grill visit www.veggiegrill.com, become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/veggiegrill and follow the restaurant on Twitter http://twitter.com/VeggieGrill.

About Veggie Grill

Veggie Grill redefines classic American comfort food with flavorful and craveable 100% plant-based soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and desserts that are made on premise daily. Signature menu items include the “Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’” sandwich, “Sweetheart Fries,” and the “All Hail Kale” salad. Veggie Grill currently has seven locations in Los Angeles and Orange County.

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