University of Oregon and Holy Cow reach agreement; eatery to stay in the EMU

EUGENE, Ore. -- (April 28, 2008) -- The University of Oregon and Holy Cow have agreed to terms that will allow the eatery to continue operation in the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) for the next five years. The agreement also calls for the opportunity to extend the lease for an additional five years beyond the initial term.

"We know that many students, faculty and staff members who enjoy Holy Cow will be pleased to hear this good news," said John Costello, director, EMU Food Service.

"We're delighted to be able to continue serving our customers at the EMU," said Kathee Lavine, co-owner of Holy Cow Cafe & Catering.

Patrons should notice little if any change in Holy Cow's menu and operations, except that Holy Cow has begun accepting credit and debit cards.

After a competitive bid process, the university selected Laughing Planet, an Oregon restaurant firm, to take over the space occupied by Holy Cow. However, the university and Laughing Planet were not able to reach an agreement. About three weeks ago, the university and Holy Cow began discussions that have culminated in a new agreement, effective July 1.

About Holy Cow Foods
Holy Cow Foods is a local, family owned organic food enterprise located in Eugene, Ore. It was founded in 1990 by Anton Ferreira and Katherine Lavine. Holy Cow’s goal is to support organic farmers and to help people to make food choices that are healthier for them and for the planet. The Holy Cow Café is located on the campus of the University of Oregon and was the first organic vegetarian restaurant on a university campus. Holy Cow also does event catering and makes a line of retail food products, which can be found in natural food stores throughout Oregon.

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu
Kathee Lavine, 541-345-3639, kathee@holycowcafe.com

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