MIMI'S CAFE WINS NATIONAL TURKEY FEDERATION'S
4th ANNUAL T.O.M. AWARD
Chain Menus Turkey for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Orlando, FL - February 10, 2006 - The National Turkey Federation (NTF) presented its fourth annual Turkey on the Menu (T.O.M.) Award to Mimi's Café at its annual convention Friday in Orlando, FL. Mimi's Café was selected from many worthy foodservice chains. The restaurant's menu innovation and market success with turkey products stood out among the nominees. Mimi's Café has 98 establishments in 15 states and includes turkey on its breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
"In looking over the menu, you can find a dozen different turkey menu options from Turkey Pesto Ciabatta to a Turkey Walnut Salad Sandwich," comments Mike Tolbert, chairman of NTF's Marketing Communications Committee. "The judges were impressed with the Low Carb breakfast with an 8-ounce ground turkey patty, and the kid's menu that offered a turkey dinner called, 'Gobble, Gobble.'"
The T.O.M. award recognizes a multi-unit restaurant that demonstrates menu innovation and market success with turkey products, by highlighting turkey's versatility, taste, convenience or consumer appeal. Past T.O.M. Award recipients are Subway, Schlotzsky's and the Machine Shed.
"We are extremely delighted and proud to have our nomination, Mimi's Café, win this prestigious award," commented John Ross, president of Zacky Farms, a California-based turkey processing company. "Mimi's Café's Slow Roasted Turkey Breast is a key menu item that appeals to consumers who are looking for a healthier lifestyle, appropriate portion size, versatility and taste."
During the award ceremony, Lowell Petrie, vice president of marketing at Mimi's Café said, "Turkey adds tremendous value to our menu. Its versatility and
delicious flavor allow us to use it in so many ways."
Critically acclaimed by restaurant critics and consumers alike, Mimi's Café is known and loved for its menu of high-quality, eclectic cuisine, unparalleled service and tastefully appointed décor. Founded in Anaheim, California, in 1978, Mimi's provides the quality, ambiance and personal service of a dinner house, with the convenience and great value of a coffee shop.
National Turkey Federation member companies nominate restaurant chains that fit the criteria of the award. Entry applications address questions regarding a description of the menu applications, the items' consumer appeal, how the chain promotes the menu item 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 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 1,500 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Chef2Chef News Desk