By Mary O’KEEFE

The Souplantation has opened in Glendale and as a way of introducing themselves to the area found a way to give back to the community.

Recently the restaurant held a soft opening as a fundraiser in support of Glendale Arts.

“The general manager came to us and said they were having their soft opening. They said [Glendale Arts] kept popping up,” said Elissa Glickman, CEO Glendale Arts.

Souplantation General Manager Lorrie Smith was on hand to greet diners as they entered the restaurant. At times there was a line however the wait did not deter customers.

For $5, guests were able to choose from a variety of fresh vegetables and salads along the 55-foot salad bar. Souplantation donated 100% of the proceeds to Glendale Arts.

The fundraiser, which the Souplantation dubbed a “Fun-Raiser,” brought in $6,500 and served about 1,300 people.

“Some of that money will be allocated to the Glendale Pops, the rest will go into the [general fund],” Glickman said.

Glendale Arts is a non-profit that is responsible for managing the Alex Theatre and bringing resources together that benefits Glendale-based artists, arts organizations, businesses, government agencies and local schools, according to www.glendalearts.org

Glendale Arts support other organizations in the area and they in turn receive support. They work to create community partnerships.

Glickman said the times she was at the restaurant she saw members of the Glendale Kiwanis, Sunrise Rotary and Ascencia, a service support organization that helps the homeless.

“It was nice to see large groups of people from other organizations there,” Glickman said.

“Fun-Raisers” are common for the Souplantation restaurants across the U.S.

“You just have to contact us with your organization [information],” Smith said.

Those interested in a Fun-Raiser can visit the website at www.souplantation.com/funraisers and fill out the form.

“Once we approve the [non-profit organization], a flyer will be mailed to the organization and they can start handing them out,” Smith said.

Souplantation is located at 2921 Los Feliz Blvd. in the Costco Center. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  Aimee Yeghiayan, Mary Okeefe