Western Exterminator to Bring ‘Bug Lunch’ to the Table with Pop-Up ‘Pestaurant’

Published September 30, 2016

LOS ANGELES – Western Exterminator Company has partnered with celebrated regional restaurant Mondo Taco to show that insects aren’t always pests – sometimes they are delicious.

On Oct. 8, Western Exterminator and Mondo Taco will host a pop-up “Pestaurant” in the heart of Santa Monica, Calif., at the center of the 1300 Block on the Third Street Promenade between 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Passersby will be encouraged to sample a wide array of dishes created especially for the event, including “Jamaican Me Hoppy Jerked Seasoned Grasshoppers with Pineapple Salsa”, “Deep South BBQ Beetle Tacos” and “Thai Mai Mealworm Salad”. To top off the menu offerings, there will be sweet and savory treats such as “Rice Cricket Treats” and a “Chocolate Goes with Everything” dessert. For each bug dish sampled Western Exterminator will donate $1 to the Westside Food Bank. A cricket eating contest will also be held, and Western Exterminator will donate $10 per each participant to the organization. The pest control company plans on donating at minimum $3,000.

The “Pestaurant” is designed to raise awareness of pests in a fun, experiential way and draw attention to the fact that while they can be very destructive and a nuisance, they can also be a low-impact, sustainable and nutritious protein alternative. As consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their food supply, insects offer an unconventional but intriguing option that has already been embraced by approximately one-third of the world’s population. Western Exterminator’s goal is to generate general mindfulness around insects – both as pests and as a food source.

“The ‘Pestaurant’ concept is one that we have implemented in a number of cities across the West Coast, and has been very well-received by those adventurous enough to give these unique dishes a try,” said Eric Rimiller, Vice President of Western Exterminator. “We are eager to give residents of the Greater Los Angeles area the opportunity to find out for themselves just how tasty bugs can be!”

Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, Western Exterminator also recently strengthened their longtime presence on the West Coast with new territories in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Since 1921, Western Exterminator has been deeply rooted in the West Coast, while also gaining national recognition from its iconic “Little Man with the Hammer” logo that has become a mainstay in pop culture.

For additional information on Western Exterminator, please visit www.westernexterminator.com.