FEATURE/Gardenburgers prove nothing is sacred; even butchers are cheering the meatless phenomenon.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--Nov. 8, 1995--Meat markets no longer are sacred cows.

These bastions of beef and fowl have been invaded by meatless alternatives offering low-fat nutrition and tempting tastes.

"We're a full line meat shop with catering and a deli, but you need to move with the times," according to Danny Bowling of Bowling's Meats & Deli in Louisville. "Gardenburgers(R) have been a great hit since we introduced the product three years ago. I'm a bit of a health nut, so butcher or not, I feel like people need options in what they eat."

Bowling doesn't practice armchair philosophy. He continually reminds his customers they have choices. The portable marquee outside entices customers with "Three flavors, delicious Gardenburgers," Two posters on either side of the door greet shoppers with meatless information.

Week in, week out, sales increase, says Bowling, himself a convert, who has enjoyed three or four Gardenburgers weekly for three years.

Willie Mitchell agrees. As the current owner of the Kurz Meat Shoppe, Louisville's oldest, he says Gardenburgers fill a real void with families.

"Parents shopping here are thrilled with the products. They're relieved to find nutritious food for teens craving meatless dishes."

So just what's behind this meatless mania? A burger made from mushrooms, brown rice, onions, rolled oats, low-fat cheeses, egg white, bulgur wheat and natural seasonings and spices, with no additives or preservatives.

Whether vegetarian or counting calories, foodeaters are finding meatless burgers offered at more and more locations. Mitchell says his interest in meatless products began more than a year ago when he ordered the meatless burger at T.G.I. Friday's Restaurant. "I was impressed. It tasted great. I knew my customers would love it."

Bowling, who estimates he personally has eaten close to a 500 Gardenburgers, has expanded his enthusiasm for the meatless burger to his new drive-through restaurant. The menu offers his mother-in-law's homemade soup and the top-selling sandwiches from the meat shop's deli -- turkey, ham, roast beef and, of course, the Gardenburger.

"The three Gardenburgers offered -- Mexi, Veggie and the original -- quickly are becoming the top sellers. We feature a Gardenburger poster in the center of the drive-through menu board just so people understand the nutritional and healthful alternative it offers."

Trends of eating habits have changed, according to Mitchell. People like healthy choices he believes, and he enjoys educating customers by offering product samples. He just pops a burger in the toaster, quarters it and lets them have the meatless experience firsthand.

What fixings do Mitchell and Bowling suggest? Mustard, horseradish or ketchup topped by either or all of the following: lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickle.

Following the Gardenburger's success. Wholesome and Hearty Foods developed GardenSausage(TM), Gardenburger Mexi(TM), Gardenburger Veggie(TM), Gardenburger Vegan(TM) and GardenDog(TM).

Based in Portland, Ore., Wholesome & Hearty Foods (NASDAQ:WHFI) contributes a percentage of all company profits to a number of organizations dedicated to bettering the environment.

CONTACT: Steve Bryant, 206/270-4664