FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Seitz
Director of Operations
Harper’s Restaurant Group
704.375.9715
sseitz@harpers-rest.com

HARPER’S RESTAURANTS

Celebrate the Carolina Tomato Harvest with their Annual

TOMATO FEST

Charlotte, NC (July 7, 2008)—There are few vegetables that better point to summer than the sweet juiciness of a ripe tomato. That’s why it’s good news that the Federal Food and Drug Administration have cleared North and South Carolina tomatoes as safe for consumers to enjoy. It’s also great because it’s TOMATO FEST time at Harper’s Restaurants. This annual celebration of “all things tomato” has been a guest favorite for more than ten years.

Tom Sasser, president of Harper’s Restaurant Group, says that the company has always had a commitment to local growers and farmers and this year is no different. “We are thrilled to be able to support our local tomato growers and to present our guests with the best and most flavorful tomatoes available in the country.” Since opening in 1987, Harper’s Restaurant Group has diligently sought out the best local growers in the region in an effort to bring guests the freshest, most wholesome and most affordable products available.

Harper’s TOMATO FEST is being promoted at each of the company’s four Harper’s Restaurants, including locations in Charlotte at Southpark and Carolina Place Mall; Greensboro at Friendly Center; and, Columbia, SC at Five Points. The special menu of tomato entrées and appetizers created by corporate Executive Chef Tom Condron and Chef Jon Fortes is being offered through the peak tomato season which generally runs until early August. In addition, Harper’s Restaurant Group’s fine dining restaurants are also offering special salads using fresh local tomatoes during the season.

Guests are invited to enjoy the following menu items at Harper’s Restaurants:

GAZPACHO

With extra virgin olive oil and fried shrimp

TOMATO ANTIPASTO

Prosciutto, fresh Mozzarella, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, egg and balsamic vinaigrette

CRAB AND AVOCADO STACK

Local tomatoes, lump crab meat tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil and pesto oil

DUKE’S BLT PLATTER

Thick sliced, Beefsteak tomatoes, smokehouse bacon, Iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise on whole wheat bread.

Served with a cup of soup and pesto pasta salad.

SUMMER TOMATO AND EGGPLANT PASTA

Carolina tomatoes with fresh roasted eggplant, asparagus, scallions and penne pasta in a light tomato sauce.

BLACKENED MAHI MAHI AND PANZANELLA

With bread salad featuring fresh local tomatoes.

Harper’s Restaurants offers guests a casual dining experience featuring the best of American-style cuisine. Harper's Restaurant/Carolina Place Mall is located at 11059 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville, NC 28134. Reservations are accepted by calling 704.541.5255. Harper’s Restaurant/Southpark is located at 6518 Fairview Road, across from Southpark Mall. For reservations, call 704.366.6688. Harper’s Restaurant/Greensboro at Friendly Center is located at 601 Friendly Road, Greensboro, NC. For reservations, call 336.299.8850. Harper’s Restaurant/Columbia is located at 700 Harden Street Columbia, SC. For reservations, call 803.252.2222.

For more information, visit online at www.harpersrestaurants.com.

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Charlotte-based Harper’s Restaurant Group is recognized as one of the southeast's fastest growing and most critically-acclaimed restaurant companies.   The company owns, manages and  operates 12 locations, including the new M5-Modern Mediterranean, Upstream, Mimosa Grill, Arpa/Tapas/Wine Bar/Grill, Zink American Kitchen, Harper’s Blue Ribbon Diner, Harper's To Go Go, and four Harper's Restaurants in the region.   For further details on Harper's Restaurant Group, visit the company website at www.harpersrestaurants.com or call 704.375.9715.