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Zao Noodle Bar to Match Donations to UNICEF to Help Victims of Earthquake in Haiti

SAN RAMON, CA Jan 19, 2010 -- Zao Noodle Bar announces that it will match up to $2,000 in donations to UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Fund, for a collective total donation of $4,000. To participate, customers should visit Zao's website, zao.com, where they will be directed to a link to make a donation. In addition, printed donation forms with self-addressed, stamped-envelopes are available at all corporate-owned Zao restaurants located in California (Emeryville and Palo Alto), Washington (Seattle and Kent), and Oregon (Tigard).

In coordination with all other UN agencies present on the ground, UNICEF will provide supplies to allow access to adequate sanitation, safe water and basic health care. UNICEF is also preparing materials and staff so that children, tremendously vulnerable during natural catastrophes, are protected. UNICEF materials and advisors will assist so that children are able to continue learning and studying, and be provided safe recreation areas while their caretakers turn to rebuilding their lives.

"Given that Zao is in the food and beverage business, we are proud to provide help to the people of Haiti," says Matthew Baizer, president and CEO of Noodle Bar, Inc. "I am equally proud of the support of our guests and employees in joining me in providing assistance. Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Haiti."

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

About Zao Noodle Bar

Zao Noodle Bar (Noodle Bar, Inc.), founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Ramon, California, creates authentic, pan-Asian cuisine inspired by the bustling, aromatic street markets of Vietnam, Thailand, and China. The company owns and operates, or franchises, six full- and limited-service restaurants in California, Washington, and Oregon. Zao appeals to a broad range of guest and caters to dietary preferences with items that are cholesterol-free, gluten-free, vegan, low fat, and/or low calorie.