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Innovative Indian and Healthy Cuisine to be Introduced to Sodexho Customers GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bringing international foods, exotic flavors and innovative international culinary techniques to the nation's workplaces, Sodexho, Inc. (NYSE:SDX) announced today an exclusive partnership with globally renowned chef Suvir Saran of Devi Restaurant in New York. Saran will have the title of "International Concept and Brand Development Partner" and will work side by side with Sodexho's chefs for culinary training and business development. "We are seeing the evolution of the 'New American' cuisine," said Richard Arakelian, CEC, senior director of culinary development for Sodexho Corporate Services. "Customers want to see more of these healthy foods, which combine authentic international flavor and approachable ingredients. We are very excited to be leading this culinary trend, with its theme of health and wellness, through our new partnership with Chef Saran." "Customers have come to expect culinary and business innovation from Sodexho," said Michael Norris, market president for Sodexho's Corporate and Vending Services. "Our partnership with Chef Saran helps us deliver both, plus adds exciting new dimensions to our skills and knowledge of international and healthy foods." "Innovation and culinary excellence are my passions and my commitment," said Chef Saran, "Sodexho is the perfect partner because the company also embraces these qualities, and through Sodexho, I have the opportunity to influence and please so many American palates." The New Delhi-born Saran is a respected food authority, poised to make great contributions to the development of Indian food. Chef Saran is the founder, partner and co-executive chef at New York's Restaurant Devi, which was named one of the Best New York Restaurants of 2006 by New York Magazine and also named one of the Top Five Newcomers by Zagat Guide to New York City Restaurants. He is also the author of the widely acclaimed cookbook Indian Home Cooking, named one of Newsweek Magazine's Top 10 Cookbooks for its celebration of Indian cuisine using authentic, available ingredients. A respected educator, Saran has taught all over the country privately and for such culinary centers as NYU's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, The Culinary Institute of America and Sur La Table Cooking Schools. Saran's partnership with Sodexho will include guidance and direction in development of international and healthy cuisines, focusing on Indian techniques and ingredients. Saran will help Sodexho develop concepts; collaborate with Sodexho chefs to develop a customized version of his Indian Home Cooking cookbook; and make "Guest Chef" appearances at Sodexho's client locations, as well as participate in Sodexho's Master Class program. Sodexho, Inc. (http://www.sodexhousa.com/) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with $6.3 billion in annual revenue and 120,000+ employees. Sodexho Inc. offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites throughout North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho, Inc. proudly serves as the official food service provider for the U.S. Marine Corps. DATASOURCE: Sodexho, Inc. CONTACT: Jaya K. Bohlmann of Sodexho, Inc., +1-301-987-4550, or Web site: http://www.sodexhousa.com/

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