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Lion's Choice, the St. Louis-area alternative to Arby's, rolled out a new menu yesterday — and it's taking the locally based chain in a whole new direction.

Previously, lettuce lovers eating at one of the 25 Lion's Choice eateries across the region were limited to a simple garden salad. But as of March 1, three new menu items promise to sate vegetarians, those looking for something a bit lighter and even roast beef lovers choosing greens over carbs.

click to enlarge PHOTO BY SARAH FENSKE

A "Butcher Block Cobb," laden with a protein trio.

Among the tasty offerings (yes, we tried all three!) is a Caesar wedge, made with real baby romaine wedges, roasted tomatoes, shredded parmesan, Kalamata olives and a creamy dressing for $6.49. At the same price point, the "LC Seasonal" offers mixed greens, carrots, walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and blue cheese with a bistro dressing.Finally, the "Butcher Block Cobb" offers a "protein trio" of roast beef, turkey and ham on a bed of fresh greens, along with blue cheese, shredded cheddar, tomatoes and sliced carrots. That one will set you back $7.99, but it remains a pretty good bargain — it's got enough greens that you can legitimately feel like you're eating a salad, but also enough meat and cheese that you won't be hungry 'til your next meal. A solid option, especially if you're at Lion's Choice for the beef.And if you'd rather have a Caesar but just can't give up those tender piles of sliced meats? For $1.50, you can add the protein of your choice to either vegetarian offering. You can also opt for light dressing or eschew cheese (although really, who does that?).Lion's Choice was founded in 1967, but it gained new owners in 2013. In 2015, they rolled out the first of their new-look locations in Ellisville , which included charging ports, a sleek modern look and a sauce bar. All that and some good salad options, too? If we were Saint Louis Bread Co., we might be getting a little bit worried.