Lunds Changes Carry-Out Recipe

Grocer Lund Food Holdings has cut a deal with Chicago restaurant firm Lettuce Entertain You to put Asian carry-out counters in 17 of its 20 Lunds and Byerly's stores.

The first outlets open in two stores in the fall, with another 15 to open in January 2005. The Lettuce-run units are still in development under Lettuce founder Rich Melman, who was approached by Lunds to create an in-store concept. The brand will be distinct from Lettuce restaurants, including Big Bowl, Scoozi and Wildfire.

The new Asian counters will replace Lee-Ann Chin carry-out units in 14 of Lunds stores. The Minneapolis-based restaurant chain has partnered with Lunds, also in Minneapolis, since 1991. Its contract expires in December, and the two agreed not to renew.