Washington’s First REAL Certified Restaurant Opens

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Melissa Rouse, 808.960.4593, [email protected]

Washington’s First REAL Certified Restaurant Opens

Seattle, WA (October 20^th, 2015) – The United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC) announced today the first dining establishment in Seattle to become REAL Certified. Sweetgrass Food Co., which opens its first location this week, has been recognized for its commitment to Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL). Sweetgrass is the collaboration between a Seattle couple with a passion for wholesome food. Its menu emphasizes whole foods from local, sustainable and organic suppliers.

“Sweetgrass was born out of our equal love of Seattle and good, wholesome food,” said co-founder Colleen Kerr. “We’ve been fortunate enough to encounter many like-minded people along the way, and it’s an honor to become Seattle’s first REAL Certified restaurant.”

REAL Certified® is a growing national program that helps combat diet-related disease by recognizing foodservice operators committed to holistic nutrition and environmental stewardship. Modeled after the LEED green building program, REAL Certified is the trusted, nationally recognized mark of excellence for food and foodservice operators that follow nutrition and sustainability best practices.

“The Pacific Northwest lifestyle is one of fresh, local and minimal influences, making it the perfect food culture to embrace sustainability and spearhead a transformation in the foodservice industry,” said Melissa Rouse, the USHFC’s representative for the Pacific Northwest.

USHFC’s third-party registered dietitians (RDs) utilize the points-based REAL Index to audit and certify restaurants, cafeterias and corporate cafes across a range of criteria such as the utilization of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthful preparation methods, moderate portion sizes, behavioral components that encourage “better for you” choices, and sustainable sourcing practices. Only those that satisfy the necessary requirements are awarded the certification.

About the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC) - Established in 2011, the USHFC is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming America’s food system and fighting diet-related disease by realigning the food industry’s incentives with consumers’ health interests. The USHFC works towards its mission through the REAL Certified holistic nutrition and sustainability certification program. REAL Certified foodservice operators must satisfy prerequisites and earn sufficient points in the areas of Responsible (nutrition), Epicurean (preparation), Agricultural (sourcing) and Leadership (going above and beyond). The organization has certified restaurants, corporate cafes and college dining services in 30 states, with financial support from the Tennessee Department of Health, the Park Foundation, the Mary Black Foundation, the Campbell Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President’s Grant Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. More information can be found at USHFC.org and REALCertified.org.

About Sweetgrass Food Co. - The first restaurant from husband/wife team, Mike Moon and Coleen Kerr, Sweetgrass Food Co. will focus on feeding Seattle crowds “good for you” food that tastes great. Working to appeal to all dietary preferences, Sweetgrass will offer a variety of meat, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free options, all of which will be sourced sustainably and served in one of two beautiful locations. The Westlake restaurant will be located at 1923 7^th Ave., on the ground-floor of the Metropolitan Tower Apartments; for the Pioneer Square restaurant, which is scheduled to open later this year, they have attained an historic storefront on 1^st Ave. between Yesler Way and S. Washington St. For more information about menu items and opening dates, visit: http://sweetgrassfoodco.com/.