Superior Uniform Group, Inc., the image apparel company, announced today the launch of a new eco-friendly employee apparel program for Big Bowl Restaurants. Made of recycled plastic spun into a soft, durable fabric, the new uniforms will be introduced over the next several months, and by the end of the year, some 400 employees will be outfitted. 

The eco-friendly apparel program includes server shirts and chef pants, and Superior Uniform Group will continue to extend to other employee apparel pieces as materials and styles are available.

Superior’s designers collaborated with Big Bowl’s executives to achieve style, comfort and durability in new sustainable apparel options. Specifically, apparel made from recycled polyester fibers spun from plastic will be a component of as many garments as possible. The program is part of the restaurant company’s evolving “green” strategy that includes natural, organic, local, sustainable and eco-friendly products– from energy saving light bulbs and reusable takeout bags to local produce and seasonal seafood.

“As part of our quest to continue evolving our green practices, uniforms were the next obvious and natural choice,” said Dan McGowan, president of Big Bowl Restaurants. “Superior Uniform Group answered the call by providing several eco-friendly garments for our employees to try. Not only were our employees thrilled; but, it was a great collaboration to work with another company that has truly embraced and invested time and materials into green initiatives.”

 “The outcome is much bigger and results in Big Bowl contributing to the global objective of sustainability in today’s economy – people want to be employed by and spend their money with companies that are doing their part to create a cleaner environment,” added McGowan.

The textiles are produced from post–consumer products, including recycled plastic beverage bottles, which are processed into flakes, then filaments that are spun into yarn and ultimately woven into very soft fabrics. Recycling polymers keeps more plastics out of landfills.

“We’re excited to work with a company like Big Bowl that lives the sustainability mantra,” said Janice Henry, vice president of design for Superior Uniform Group. “Not only did we work to provide options that were cost effective for Big Bowl, but the eco-friendly garments don’t require professional laundering either, which minimizes the use of chemicals during cleaning and saves employees money. Employees will be delighted with the choices their company has made for them.”

 Big Bowl Restaurants is the first restaurant in Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises® to introduce eco-friendly apparel to its employees. Lettuce Entertain You owns restaurants throughout Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C. and Scottsdale, Ariz.

 Big Bowl is a pioneering Asian restaurant, distinctive in cuisine, vibrant in design and true in its commitment to earth-friendly practices, and sustainable and seasonal products. Integrity defines Big Bowl, from the authentic Chinese and Thai ingredients that sync traditional flavors with contemporary tastes to supporting small and local businesses. For more information about Big Bowl Restaurant, visit www.bigbowl.com

Superior Uniform Group, Inc., established in 1920, is one of America's foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations.  They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing, and state-of-the-art distribution. Superior's financial strength and resources support a customer's diverse needs while embracing a "Customer 1st, Every Time!" philosophy and culture.  Their commitment to service, technology, quality and value-added benefits separates them from the competition in each of their seven primary markets: Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Service, Retail Employee I.D., Government Service, Private Security, and Rental Service. 

For more information please call 1-800-727-8643, or visit their Web site at: www.superioruniformgroup.com .

Source: Company Release, Seminole, FL, May 18, 2009