Moda Center continues to expand cuisine, adds healthy food option to concourse

“Plum Tasty” opens March 18, will feature whole food menu items

PORTLAND, OR (March 17, 2014) – A new healthy food concept featuring nutrient-rich, minimally processed menu items will be available inside Moda Center beginning Tuesday, March 18, the Trail Blazers announced today.

“Plum Tasty”, named after the primary color from Moda Health’s color palette, will be located outside entry A9 on the Moda Center’s 100-level concourse. Inspired by Moda Health Plan President Dr. William Johnson, the menu at Plum Tasty will offer a variety of “grab-and-go” options that meet specific nutritional guidelines. The cart will also feature specialty gluten-free and dairy-free items.

Registered Dietitian and Moda’s Health Coach Chrissy Cralen worked with Levy Restaurants to establish guidelines for the Plum Tasty menu. Each menu item has met the following criteria: minimally processed whole food ingredients rich in nutrients; less than 35% calories from fat, with a focus on healthy fats; less than 600 mg of sodium; limited refined carbohydrates.

“As a health care company, we are intently aware of the importance on healthy living – which begins with a balanced diet,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our partnership with the Trail Blazers is much more than our name on the side of the arena. We truly want to use this platform to help people achieve their health and wellness goals.”

Moda Center received a food and beverage makeover just prior to the Trail Blazers 2013-14 NBA regular season, adding popular local restaurants Bunk Sandwiches, Fire on the Mountain, Killer Burger and Sizzle Pie. The opening of Plum Tasty is the latest dining upgrade brought on by Levy Restaurants, the food and beverage partner hired by the Trail Blazers in July 2013.

“During our process of reshaping the food and beverage offerings inside the Moda Center, our goal was to deliver a wide range of food categories – including a healthy food option,” said Michael O’Donnell, Director of Operations for Levy Restaurants. “Being able to work with Moda’s dietitian on the menu items made this a seamless and enjoyable process.”

Over the past month, Levy Restaurants also rolled out Salt & Straw Ice Cream and Stumptown Coffee inside Moda Center, as well as Dr. Jack’s Restaurant on the southwest corner of the Rose Quarter commons.