News

Taziki’s earns REAL certification

The Mediterranean concept is the first national franchise to earn the certification for nutrition and sustainability.

January 15, 2015

The United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC) has announced that Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe' has become the first national franchise to achieve REAL Certification, the emerging national standard for foodservice nutrition and sustainability.

With 40 locations across 11 states, Taziki’s is also now the largest chain restaurant to complete the certification process.

“Taziki’s has always been a trend-setter not a follower,” said Taziki’s CEO Jim Keet in a company press release. “It is an honor to be the first national restaurant franchise to complete the REAL Certification process and be recognized for our focus on health and sustainability.”

REAL Certified, or Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership, is a holistic nutrition and sustainability certification program for the foodservice industry developed by the USHFC and modeled after the LEED green building certification program. The REAL certification process requires a voluntary audit whereby a USHFC approved registered dietitian (RD) reviews menus, ingredients, preparation methods and sourcing and awards points based on a wide range of criteria such as the use of: nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits and whole grains; scratch cooking and minimally processed foods; healthier cooking methods and moderate portion size; unsweetened beverage and healthy children’s options; and more sustainable sourcing methods such as local and organic. Those that satisfy the necessary requirements are awarded and recognized as REAL Certified.

All REAL Certified establishments are featured on REALCertified.org.