Proven Restaurant Entrepreneur Greg Dollarhyde to Join Veggie Grill as Chief Executive Officer

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Veggie Grill, an innovative, fast-casual restaurant chain serving delicious, plant-based, comfort food today announced that industry veteran Greg Dollarhyde will be leading the company as Chief Executive Officer and making a substantial equity investment. Dollarhyde will be joining co-founders Kevin Boylan and T.K. Pillan as they continue to build the progressive company towards a rapid-growth future. He will also continue in his role as a member of the board of directors.

"Veggie Grill is one of the best new concepts on the restaurant horizon. Kevin, Pillan and food expert Ray White have done a masterful job reshaping American comfort food with their forward-thinking, wholesome, good-for-the-planet concept," said Greg Dollarhyde, CEO of Veggie Grill. "It's a true winner."

As CEO and/or Chairman of six different restaurant companies over the last 20 years, Dollarhyde has built a reputation as someone who takes restaurant concepts from regional success to national footprint with his experience and drive. As CEO of Baja Fresh from 1998 to 2003, Dollarhyde led the fast-casual, fresh Mexican grill from 30 locations to over 250 before it was snapped up by Wendy's International for $275 million. Just prior to joining Veggie Grill, Greg was CEO and chairman of Southeast-based Zoes Kitchen, a Mediterranean inspired concept that he took from 19 to 45 locations in two and a half years.

"We're passionate about the concept of Veggie Grill -- indulgent food you can feel good about," said co-founder Kevin Boylan. "We're looking forward to Greg bringing his seasoned skills and years of broad restaurant success to our vision."

Pillan, co-founder and brand architect added, "It's great to have Greg on board. His leadership, talent and passionate dedication to building strong restaurant management teams will be a dynamic asset to Veggie Grill."

ABOUT THE VEGGIE GRILL:

Veggie Grill was founded in 2006 by Kevin Boylan and T.K. Pillan and now has six restaurants located in Southern California. An innovative, fast-casual restaurant chain serving delicious, plant-based menu items, Veggie Grill is redefining the way people eat, talk, and think about comfort food. By offering a wide selection of hearty and flavorful options served in a modern and upbeat setting, Veggie Grill appeals to a broad consumer base and has plans for rapid expansion.

PRESS CONTACT: Diane Shader Smith. 310.386.6803 [email protected]

SOURCE The Veggie Grill