John Scardapane, founder and chairman of Saladworks, Inc. announced today that Vernon W. Hill II, Founder and Retired Chairman of Commerce Bancorp, (NYSE: CBH) has made a major investment in Saladworks and has joined the company as chairman of the executive committee.

Hill commented; “John has created America’s leading salad restaurant company with 88 stores and many more coming. Saladworks shares my vision that in every great company, customers can become fans if we create a memorable exciting experience. I look forward to working with the entire Saladworks team as we expand this exciting concept Nationwide. We two entrepreneurs will be a great team.”

Scardapane added, “Years ago, as I was developing the infrastructure that has supported the Saladworks growth to date, I patterned our values and ideals after Vernon Hill and Commerce Bank. I am now humbled to work side by side with Vernon, who grew Commerce Bank from one office to 500 in 9 states by reinventing the customer experience. His legendary skills in branding, development and management will no doubt turbo charge Saladworks to the next level.”

Saladworks, the nation’s first fresh tossed salad franchise concept, currently with 88 stores operating, will open another 42 locations in 2008. With a new nationwide development plan, Saladworks plans to open over 500 new franchised and company owned locations during the next five years. Saladworks will initially expand into New York City limits, Metro DC, and Florida. www.saladworks.com.