Gardenburger® Cooks Up New Recipes for BLIMPIE®

BLIMPIE Expands Menu with Exclusive New Vegetarian Patties

ATLANTA (March 23, 2005) - The chefs from BLIMPIE® and Gardenburger® have collaborated to create a delicious new line of healthy vegetarian patties exclusively for the quick-service sandwich chain. Two new menu items, available in mid-May, are made with 100 percent all-natural, vegetarian ingredients for BLIMPIE customers looking for meat alternatives and a hearty new hot-sub option. These delicious vegetarian patties support the current BLIMPIE branding effort, which is transforming the restaurant chain from its heritage as a traditional neighborhood sub shop to a more consumer-driven, contemporary deli.

Two tasty Gardenburger patties add more options for building a satisfying, hot BLIMPIE sandwich. The Santa Fe patty is a blend of the finest black beans, savory onions, sweet corn and red peppers for a unique, spicy taste. The GardenFresh patty is a luscious blend of mushrooms, onions, water chestnuts, carrots, and red and green bell peppers for a fresh veggie taste.

"Gardenburger is a perfect partner for BLIMPIE, delivering healthy, fresh and great-tasting options for our customers," said Mark Mears, chief marketing officer of BLIMPIE International. "Our menu development team, led by Jennifer Townsend, worked with Gardenburger to create flavor profiles our customers will love, whether they eat meat or not!"

Gardenburger is the originator of the meatless category, and enjoys the highest brand recognition. The company also is the industry leader in innovation, proven by these unique new formulations for BLIMPIE. Gardenburger products are low in calories and fat, trans-fat free, a terrific source of soy protein and fiber, and great for those watching their net carbohydrate intake.

BLIMPIE is dedicated to bringing tasty new menu options to all of its customers, and Gardenburger is just the latest. Also in April, BLIMPIE introduces three savory new Italian Ciabatta bread sandwiches, all served hot off its category-exclusive panini grill.

About Gardenburger®: Gardenburger is proud to be the founder of the original veggie burger, created 20 years ago by health food guru Paul Wenner. The company's balanced approach to the well-being of the Earth and its people has led them to use only 100% natural, wholesome ingredients in all of their products which allow consumers to feel good about Gardenburger, from the inside out. The company distributes its meatless products to more than 35,000 foodservice outlets throughout the United States and Canada. Retail customers include more than 30,000 grocery, natural food and club stores. Based in Clearfield, Utah, the company employs approximately 185 people. www.gardenburger.com

About BLIMPIE®: Headquartered in Atlanta, BLIMPIE International, Inc. is a global franchisor of several branded quick-service concepts including BLIMPIE®, the company's core brand. BLIMPIE serves fresh, contemporary-deli style sandwiches, soups and salads with Real. Fresh. Taste.™ Founded in 1964, BLIMPIE has grown to nearly 1,600 franchised restaurants across the U.S. and the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories. For more information on BLIMPIE, visit www.blimpie.com.