Inspiration for the Winning Los Angeles Tossed® Salad: Healthy Food, Exercise and Preschoolers

LOS ANGELES, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tossed®, home of garden fresh salads, crepe wraps, grilled Panini, sandwiches and hot soups, and Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP), are pleased to announce the winner of a creative contest aimed at raising money for Los Angeles County preschools. Maria Andrade, a Network Compliance Analyst for LAUP, created the "LAUP Marathoner's Delight," a delicious concoction of baby field greens and baby spinach, jicama, strawberries, dried cranberries, smoked turkey and feta cheese sprinkled with fat free raspberry vinaigrette.

Andrade's winning entry will be featured on the menu at Tossed's newest location, 700 Wilshire Boulevard in the Heart of Los Angeles' financial district, directly across from the Aon Center. Whenever anyone purchases the LAUP winning salad, Tossed LA will donate a portion of the proceeds to LAUP, in support of its mission. Since 2005, LAUP has supported the operation and/or development of hundreds of preschools in the area, helping more than 50,000 children receive a quality and affordable preschool education through enriching curricula and nurturing environments aimed to best prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Andrade is known at LAUP for her healthy lifestyle. A newly-committed marathon runner, she started a weekly lunch-time ritual at LAUP's offices to which colleagues bring in fresh, healthy salad ingredients to create and share. "When Tossed announced the salad contest, I was inspired to enter because I thought that this would be a great opportunity to create a healthy and enticing salad named after LAUP and to help raise awareness of our wonderful non-profit organization, as well as recognition about our participation in next year's 2013 L.A. Marathon," Andrade says. "After I had selected my ingredients, I thought of a name that would relate to my recent participation in the 2012 L.A. Marathon and our well-deserved triumph!"

"On behalf of Los Angeles Universal Preschool, I am proud that Maria Andrade's recipe was selected as the winning salad to represent us," said Celia C. Ayala, chief executive officer of the non-profit organization that provides high-quality preschool education to children throughout Los Angeles County. "Maria's energy and dedication to health and wellness complements LAUP's desire to help the families of Los Angeles County improve their children's nutritional health, by educating the public and raising awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle."

Tossed is a nationwide franchise chain known for its distinctive menu and modern, fast-casual ambience. The Los Angeles eatery is the chain's seventh location and 68 more are in the works around the country. Tossed's distinctive menu and fast-casual service has attracted  extremely loyal guests many of whom appreciate the ability to eat lighter and more wholesome fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  At Tossed, you can eat as healthy as you'd like or indulge if you're in the mood.

"Maria's passion for healthy eating and living is something Tossed champions through its menu of fresh, quality ingredients and 'Eat Smart Think Fresh.' philosophy. Her winning entry will be an excellent addition to our L.A. menu, and we are excited to be partnering with LAUP to help serve L.A. County preschools," says Jason Chodash, President of Tossed Franchise Corporation.

Tossed is dedicated to exceptional guest service. Its Web site, which allows diners to order online for pickup or delivery, also offers a nutritional calculator that was named one of the 50 Great Ideas by Restaurant Business Magazine. The calculator lets diners generate nutritional information for their salads as they're being built. Tossed's menu includes gluten-free options. To place a carry-out or delivery order at the new Los Angeles Tossed, phone 213-612-4322, or for the catering hotline, phone 213-612-4348; you can always find us at www.tossed.com.

About Tossed:

Tossed is the home of made-to-order salads featuring dozens of gourmet ingredients and unique dressings. Tossed is also known for unique whole wheat crepe wraps, grilled Panini, incredible sandwiches and hot soups along with an array of breakfast items. Tossed has grown to include restaurants across the United States. Tossed Franchise Corporation, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers franchises to companies and individuals interested in one of the fastest growing and well positioned segments in fast casual dining. To learn more about Tossed, go to www.tossed.com.

SOURCE Tossed