Panelists and New Yorkers Alike Flip Over Gourmet Veggie Burger

New York — With vegetarian food sales doubling since 1998—hitting $1.6 billion in 2003—PETA’s official tasters have had a lot to chew on, literally, over the past several weeks and are pleased to announce that the Second Biennial "Golden Bun" Award for "Best Hometown Veggie Burger" goes to Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop (129 Rivington St.) for its ample and delicious Big Mack Daddy veggie burger. This sensational sandwich consists of a meaty veggie patty topped with tofu bacon and all the fixings and served on a delicious brioche. The success of the Big Mack Daddy is testimony to the rising demand for top-quality meatless options among vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike.

"Ten years ago, if you walked into most restaurants and asked for a veggie burger, all you’d have gotten for lunch was a blank stare," says PETA Vegan Campaign Director Bruce Friedrich. "Now, thanks to innovators such as Tiny’s Café, many of the biggest food companies and restaurant chains in the world are competing for vegetarians’ business. It’s a great position to be in—for vegetarians and animals."