3rd Generation Local California Watermelon Farmer to Offer First 200 Families Free Watermelons in Mira Mesa
For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Don Cowan Arthur Saikhon
619.246.7510 760.351.2100
dcowan@gardenfreshcorp.com Saikhon@roadrunner.com
Fresh, Free Watermelons Available at Farmer “Meet & Greet” Event
3rd Generation Local California Watermelon Farmer to Offer First 200 Families Free Watermelons in Mira Mesa
San Diego, CA – June 14, 2016 – Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., operator of Souplantation restaurants in Southern California, and Saikhon Company, a third generation farming business based in Brawley, invite watermelon lovers to learn about watermelon farming and enjoy a free watermelon (one per family) while supplies last at the Mira Mesa Souplantation, 8105 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, this Thursday beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Sharing the farm-to-table fresh watermelon story will be Arthur Saikhon, a third generation watermelon farmer and owner of Saikhon Company. Saikhon recently began supplying watermelons to Souplantation. Joining Saikhon will be Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. CEO John Morberg, who will accompany Saikhon as they share their mutual commitment to farm-to-table freshness as part of the Garden Fresh “Discover Fresh” brand story.
“Our commitment to farm-to-table freshness will again be showcased when Arthur visits our Mira Mesa Souplantation,” Morberg said. “Watermelons are just one of the farm-fresh items that supports our ‘Discover Fresh’ brand revitalization campaign announced over a year ago, which includes a focus on farm-fresh food and made-from-scratch menu items.”
Saikhon said, “We’re thrilled to be associated with Garden Fresh. We’re proud of our continuing generations of providing high quality watermelons for nearly 30 years and being a part of the farm-to-table freshness Garden Fresh delivers to their guests.”
Saikhon grows seedless watermelons on approximately 350 acres of farmland near Brawley and Bakersfield. He joined his father in 1986 to start the Saikhon Company and now grows approximately 10,000 tons of watermelon each season. Watermelon is available at San Diego area Souplantations throughout the month of June.
Not only is Saikhon a seasoned watermelon farmer, he is also part of two national watermelon associations, the National Watermelon Association (NWA) and the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB). As a member of the Auction Load Committee for the NWA, Saikhon donates watermelons for the annual NWA auction. Money generated from this event supports the industry’s production research needs through grants to numerous universities and other organizations each year.
Learn more about the farming, harvesting, and packing operations of a watermelon farm at the “Meet the Watermelon Farmer” experience!
About Saikhon Company
Saikhon is a privately-held company, headquartered in Brawley, CA, that grows watermelons, vegetables, grain and hay on farms in California’s Imperial and Kern Valleys. It was established in 1986 and employs up to 80 workers during peak harvest season.
About Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp.
Each day begins fresh at 124 company-owned Garden Fresh restaurants in 15 states. More than 300 million guests since 1978 have helped us to be number one in fresh produce and salads, made-from-scratch soups, hot pastas, freshly baked breads and muffins, fresh fruit, desserts, and more. Guests have the freedom to create their own wholesome meal in a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a friendly atmosphere and all at an everyday value. The company is headquartered in San Diego, CA, and has two brand names: Souplantation in Southern California, and Sweet Tomatoes elsewhere.
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