An end effector (14) for use with a surgical stapler. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge (200) having a tissue contacting surface (220) having at least one recessed groove (250)defined therein and an anvil plate (302) having a tissue contacting surface having (320) at least one recessed groove (350) defined therein. A surgical buttress (500) releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate. At least one suture (240,340) is disposed within the at least one recessed groove of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured to retain the respective surgical buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surface.
