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Jason’s Deli ® Honored for Variety and Creativity with Turkey Receives National Turkey Federation’s T.O.M. Award

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Chicago, Illinois, May 17, 2009 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Adrienne Richards, National Turkey Federation
202-730-9637, arichards@turkeyfed.org

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) presented Jason’s Deli with its Seventh Annual “Turkey on the Menu” (T.O.M.) Award at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) convention today. The award honors this fast food chain for its wide variety of creative turkey sandwich and salad offerings while promoting health and the environment.

“This chain continues to be an industry leader. They promote healthy, made to order cooking in an earth friendly environment, “said Scott McClarrinon, national accounts manager, Perdue Farms, who nominated Jason’s Deli. “Not only are they providing excellent food, but they are also improving the environment and offering consumers healthier menu options.”

Jason’s Deli is more than just great food. They take a proactive approach to the wellness of their customers and the environment. They have installed solar panels to run their units, were one of the first chains to eliminate trans-fats from the menu and are currently leading the charge to remove high fructose corn syrup.

“Jason’s Deli has launched itself as a chain leader that is devoted to bringing customers healthy fare without emptying their wallets,” said Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF’s vice president of marketing and communications. “In addition, they certainly show how versatile and successful turkey can be between two slices of bread.”

Jason’s Deli was established in 1976 and since then has become the number one fastest growing fast casual restaurant chain with more than 200 stores in 25 states. The T.O.M. Award winner promotes more than 11 sandwiches that feature turkey on its menu from the Ciabatta Bing, Smoked Jack Panini and the famous Oven Roasted Turkey Muffaletta, to a completely customized sandwich.

Accepting the award on behalf of Jason’s Deli was Pat Herring, director of product and concept development. “We are honored to receive the T.O.M Award in recognition of our very successful turkey sandwiches,” said Herring. “It’s a pleasure to be able to accept this award not only for our good food, but also for our commitment to our customers, employees and the environment.”

Winning the fast food/quick serve category of the T.O.M Award, Jason’s Deli joined Port of Subs, winner of the casual/family style category, J. Alexander’s of the fine dining category and ARAMARK Corporation, winner of the non-commercial category, at the 2009 reception held at the NRA convention.

NTF members nominate the foodservice chains that exemplify the criteria of the T.O.M. award. Entrant applications address questions regarding turkey menu applications, the items’ consumer appeal, how the chain promotes the menu items through marketing and turkey’s food cost percentage. A panel of foodservice professionals rates the entries on consumer appeal, versatility, taste, value, and how the turkey application benefits the chain operation.

About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for all segments of the $8 billion turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities that increase demand for its members' products by protecting and enhancing their ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products. Its award-winning Web site, www.EatTurkey.com, offers consumers, food professionals and the media an extensive library of information including healthy eating and restaurant trends, turkey cuts and purchasing tips, turkey nutrition and cooking techniques, and turkey facts and trivia. Additionally, the site presents a searchable database of more than 1,800 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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