The latest offering from Lion’s Choice is unlike anything the St. Louis-based chain has ever had on its menu before.
Lion’s Choice is introducing its first-ever plant-based menu item, the Plant-Based Meatball Sub.
The Meatball Sub is a collaboration between Lion’s Choice and Hungry Planet, another local company specializing in creating chef-crafted, plant-based meats.
The sandwich features Hungry Planet’s vegetarian Italian sausage meatballs served on toasted Italian bread and topped with a rich marinara sauce and slices of provel cheese (order without the cheese for a completely vegan option).
Lion’s Choice president and CEO Michael Kupstas says the vegetarian option has been almost two years in the making, with feedback and requests from guests taken into consideration.
“There’s a growing portion of the population who are looking for meatless options – whether they be vegetarian or flexitarian,” Kupstas said. “The common factor, however, is that these customers still want the same ridiculously good food and flavor that they have come to expect, something that we’ve delivered on for 55 years.”
Much like Hungry Planet’s other plant-based products, the meatballs are made with healthy, protein- and fiber-rich ingredients that aim to match traditional meat textures and tastes with less fat and fewer calories than meat.
“We’re proud to bring more options to Lion’s Choice’s iconic menu,” said Hungry Planet CEO Todd Boyman. “(Our) new, gluten-free, Italian sausage meatballs are the perfect addition to their meat-lover’s menu … and this sandwich makes room for everyone at the table.”
While the new sandwich won’t be available on the regular menu until Sept. 13, St. Louisans are being given a sneak peek during a tasting event at select Lion’s Choice restaurants this weekend.
Customers can try the Plant-Based Meatball Sub for a special promotional price of $5.99 per sandwich or $8.99 for the meal, with house-made chips and a drink, at the following Lion’s Choice locations: Ballwin (14919 Manchester Road), Chesterfield (17294 Chesterfield Airport Road) and Hanley (1605 S. Hanley Road). The tasting event is from Aug. 12 to 13.
The Plant-Based Meatball Sub is the latest in a line of new menu offerings introduced by Lion’s Choice. Last month, the chain added chicken to its menu with the Cluckin’ Chicken Tender Sandwich, a Chili Lime Crispy Chicken Salad and the Chicken Tender Cub Meal.
