Z'TEJAS COOKS UP $23,500 FOR LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION (Proceeds Generated By 3-Week Chile Fest Menu, Special Dessert & Anniversary Party)

Online, November 5, 2009 (Newswire.com) - The Lance Armstrong Foundation can trace its humble beginnings to a meeting of five friends who gathered together at the original Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill in Austin, Texas 13 years ago. Their goal? To help the millions of people around the world living with cancer. As is often the case, the foundation has come full circle. The now internationally renowned nonprofit has collected its latest fundraising dollars from the very dining establishment where it formed its roots. Z'Tejas' recent Chile Fest, a three-week program featuring a special menu, dessert contest and anniversary party, raised $23,500 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, announced Steven A. Micheletti, president & CEO of Z'Tejas.
"We're thrilled to have partnered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation as we wholeheartedly support their mission of serving those living with cancer, an idea that took form here more than a decade ago," said Micheletti.
Added General Manager Travis Miller, "Our staff and guests were especially enthusiastic about this year's cause and we're grateful for their support."
Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill locations nationwide generated plenty of heat through various fundraising activities associated with their own Chile Fest, an annual event patterned after the famous Hatch, New Mexico Chile Festival. Funds were raised via a Chile Fest Menu that was available over a three-week period and through donations. Locally, a decadent dessert contest attracted budding chefs who vied to have their creation included on the special menu. Merry Graham of Santa Clarita took home first place honors with her Chile Chocolate Lime Shooters.
Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill offers a wide array of fresh, flavorful and innovative menu items inspired by culinary influences from Louisiana, Texas, California and Mexico. The restaurant's interior features an exhibition kitchen, private dining room, mahogany bar, wrought iron detailing, handcrafted tile work, copper accents, jewel-toned fabric lined booths and flattering amber-colored lighting. Al fresco dining is available on the restaurant's 66-seat heated patio. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner; half price appetizers and drink specials are offered during happy hour (all day on Mondays). Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill is located on the east side of South Coast Plaza (3333 S. Bristol Street, Costa Mesa). For more information, call (714) 979-7469 or visit www.ztejas.com.