DENVER, CO  (Restaurant News Release)  Joining the fight against breast cancer just got as easy as pink pie. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, Village Inn Restaurants, a division of American Blue Ribbon Holdings (ABRH), LLC, is supporting the nationwide effort of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, and pledging a minimum donation of $25,000 from the sale of Pink Ribbon French Silk pies™. The funds raised at each restaurant will help Komen for the Cure fund life-saving community outreach projects and ground-breaking research grants.

QUOTES:

• “Each and every one of us knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer,” said Jeff Guido, president of Village Inn Restaurants. “That’s why Village Inn is proud to partner with Komen in the fight against breast cancer.  We’re sweetening efforts to find a cure with the help of one our Best Pies in America™, the pink ribbon French Silk pie, and at the same time, contributing to overall awareness of this serious health issue that impacts our customers, our employees and our communities.”   
•  “Significant advancements have been made over the past 30 years, but when someone in the world dies of breast cancer every 69 seconds, there is still much to be done,” said Katrina McGhee, EVP and chief marketing officer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Komen and its corporate partners like Village Inn are working to put an end to this disease across the globe.”

CORE FACTS:

• For every in-store or online purchase of the Pink Ribbon French Silk pie during the month of October, $1 will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In the first year of dedicating pie sales to support Komen for the Cure, Village Inn and Bakers Square (another division of ABRH) has committed a minimum donation of $25,000 that Komen will allocate across its local Affiliates.  
• The Pink Ribbon French Silk pie is the company’s traditional French Silk chocolate pie, the company’s number-one selling pie, and features light and dark pink ribbon sprinkles.
• Consumers are encouraged to check the Village Inn Facebook page throughout the month to recognize a breast cancer survivor and share their Pink Ribbon French Silk Pie stories.
• To receive periodic text messages from Village Inn, text “pies” to 333222 for pie reminders. Message and data rates may apply. 
• There are a total of 216 Village Inn locations around the United States.   

BREAST CANCER FACTS:

• Every 23 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• During 2010, about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women in the United States.
• There are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive in the United States today, the largest group of cancer survivors in the country.   

INTERVIEWS:

            Interviews available upon request.

About Village Inn Restaurants, Inc.

Headquartered in Denver, Village Inn Restaurants is a proven, award-winning company. Founded in 1958, Village Inn has 216 restaurants consisting of 130 company-operated restaurants and 86 franchised restaurants. Known for its strong breakfast heritage, Village Inn has been serving its signature breakfast items like one-of-a-kind skillet dishes and made-from-scratch pancakes for 50 years. In addition, Village Inn offers traditional American fare for lunch and dinner. Village Inn guests are served The Best Pie in America® including dozens of varieties of premium, multi-layer specialty pies. To find a Village Inn in your area, visit the Village Inn website at www.VillageInn.com.    

About American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC  

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC operates three restaurant concepts under proven and well-recognized brands, Bakers Square, Village Inn and Max & Erma’s– as well as commercial baking subsidiary Legendary Baking. ABR Holdings has 338 restaurants in 29 states, consisting of 227 company-operated restaurants and 111 franchised restaurants.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.5 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

BREA, Calif.  (Restaurant News Release)  Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila, the fresh innovative Latin restaurant located in Brea Downtown,  is proud to announce they have been named the Orange County Register’s “Critic’s Choice” for Best Margarita in Orange County.

“We are honored that our margarita was chosen as the best margarita in Orange County,” said Peter Serantoni, co-owner of Cha Cha’s Tacos and Tequila.  “All of our cocktails are made from with fresh seasonal ingredients and from scratch home-made infusions, sweet and sour mix and premium spirits.  We are always pleased that our guests can taste the difference.”

Cha Cha’s  Award-Winning-House Margarita features El Jimador Blanco 100 percent Blue Agave Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice and a touch of organic agave nectar, hand-shaken and served on the rocks.

Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila offers an alternative to traditional Mexican cuisine.  Using only the finest quality seasonal and organic ingredients, the Latin-inspired menu features spectacular Latin food prepared in a wood-fired oven, and a variety of fresh house made fire-roasted salsas.  The attention to detail, carry’s on to their innovative hand-crafted cocktail menu where they use only fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sour mixes and infusions, great selection of  100 percent Blue Agave Tequilas for their Margaritas and fresh fruit garnishes.

Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequilas is located in Brea Downtown at 110 W. Birch St, Brea, CA  92821.

Cha Cha’s hours of operation are:

• Lunch (Wednesday through Saturday) – 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Dinner (Tuesday through Sunday) – from 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday Brunch –
  11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Happy Hour (Tuesday through Sunday) – 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
• Late night menu every Friday and Saturday evening from 10:00 p.m. – close.

For reservations and additional information call 714.255.1040 or visit www.chachasbrea.com

About Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila (http://www.chachasbrea.com/)
Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila, is the creation of co-owners and seasoned restaurateurs Don Myers and Peter Serantoni. Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila offers an alternative to traditional Mexican cuisine. Using quality seasonal and organic ingredients, the Latin-inspired menu features spectacular Latin food prepared in a wood-fired oven, and a variety of fresh house made fire-roasted salsas, which hint to the natural and abundant flavor profiles found in every dish.  That same attention to detail carry’s on to their hand-crafted cocktails, where they use only fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sour mixes, 100 percent Blue Agave Tequilas for their Margaritas and fresh fruit garnishes.

For more information please contact:
Adam Rosenblum
SoCal Communications & Marketing
714-401-1362
Adam@SoCalComm.com
www.SoCalComm.com

White Plains, NY  (Restaurant News Release)  Fall is here, and with it comes a new line-up of specialty themed nights in The Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. 

“We’re thrilled about our new themed offerings in The Lounge,” said Jacqueline Sanders, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. “Our chefs and beverage directors have taken great care to listen to our guests and deliver what they want for an evening out. We are confident they will be satisfied.”

Starting every evening at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy the following selections of food and beverage pairings:

Monday — 1ST & 10
Tailgating never tasted so good! Join us on football night for upscale twists on your game day favorites. Selections include cheese soup flavored with microbrews and more. Local, seasonal beers will be available for pairings.

Tuesday — CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE
A continental style evening with a selection of European hand sliced, aged, fine-cured meats and artisanal cheeses. Pair it with a wine flight from around the globe.

Wednesday — DANGEROUSLY DELICIOUS PIES
Nothing beats a warm, homemade pie… except one you don’t have to bake! Enjoy savory pies and sweet standards, mini pies and whole slices. Warm cocktails such as Apple Hot Toddies and our signature Pumpkintini round out the perfect fall indulgence. Available for savoring in The Lounge or at home!
 
Thursday — BEST OF HUDSON VALLEY
Watch our talented chefs demonstrate locavorian cooking at its finest. Create your own cocktail with local rye, whiskey or a wine flight featuring New York State wines.
 
Friday — CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
Our luscious Crème de la Crème cupcakes will bring out the child in you. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and seasonal flavors available. They’re so good you’ll want to take them home – so order some to go! Enjoy a sweet cocktail such as a Razzmatazz, Toasted Almond or a Jolly Rancher.

Saturday — LIGHT BITES & BUBBLY
Champagne, sushi, oysters – perfect for a pre-dinner date or as a late night treat! Fresh sushi will be prepared by our in-house sushi chef and bubbly will flow into the night.

Sunday — MANGIA
Bring the whole family for the traditional Sunday pasta night tailored to your own tastes. Pair it with our signature LaGria, available by the glass or pitcher in either red or white wine.

The Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester also offers a regular menu including small plate offerings of a shrimp trio, charcuterie plate, cheese selection, tuna tempura, and avocado hand rolls, and complete meals like a grilled chicken cobb salad, black angus burger, turkey club or roasted red pepper panini.  Desserts include chocolate fondue, a brownie sundae, and coco crème brulee.  The Lounge is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.  For more information about The Lounge, please call (914) 946-5500.  

About The Ritz-Carlton Westchester

The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester is the area’s premier hotel and sets new standards for hotels in the market.  It features 146 luxury rooms, an award-winning spa with rooftop pool and state-of-the-art fitness center, a comfortably elegant Lounge, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and special event space, including a 500-person ballroom.  In addition, the hotel offers BLT Steak, located on the ground floor and Restaurant “42,” on the 42nd floor.  Set in the heart of the Hudson Valley, The Ritz-Carlton Westchester is just minutes from Manhattan, yet miles from the ordinary.  The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester immerses its guests in all the luxury and cultural heritage that is Westchester County, and offers a beautiful retreat for both business travelers and leisure guests.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, and Africa. Over 30 projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Sanya, Dublin and Beijing. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge, National Quality Award, which recognized outstanding customer service.

BOCA RATON, FL  (Restaurant News Release)  Smokehouse Grille & Wingery debuts its first-ever ‘Tailgating Party Package’ for the kick off of another great football season. Step back from your grill and let Smokehouse entertain your game day cravings in-house or order for delivery.

Chef Mark Uffer introduces Boca’s only authentic BBQ with his custom-made smoker. Chicken, pork, wings, ribs and brisket are seasoned with Smokehouse’s proprietary Magic Dust seasoning made from 19 different spices, and smoked over oak and hickory logs between 2 and 27 hours. These tenderizing, fall-off-the-bone sensations are paired with fresh and crunchy side items giving you a true, down-home experience with your favorite BBQ flavors.

Please see the below football specials for dine-in, delivery or take-out:

The Feast- $35
Perfect for watching the big game at home, The Feast offers 25 Smokehouse Wings, Full Slab of Ribs, your choice of four sides, Poblano-Cheddar Smokehouse bread, Bleu Cheese and Celery.
Note: The Feast is available during any Florida football game. Cheer on your Canes, Noles, Dolphins or Buccaneers as they bring home a win!

Monday Night Madness- $15
Smokehouse’s lounge is the perfect place to dive in mouth first at this finger-lickin’ deal—a pitcher of beer and 16 wings for only 15 bucks. Nothin’ better than football, beer and wings.

It’s Football Sunday Funday- $1, $2, $3 Deals
Sundays Dollar Deal is a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon. $1 drafts, $2 Fries, and $3 Sliders of your choice. Pick from Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork, or BBQ Pork Sausage with Roasted Poblano Pepper Relish. This is a touchdown of a deal!

Editor’s Note: Complete menu and high-resolution food photography are available upon request.

About Wicked Restaurants LLC

Wicked Restaurants LLC, founded by Erik Frasco and Mark Uffer, is headquartered in Wellington, Florida. The company entered the restaurant market in March 2009 when it took over the 23-year-old establishment, Boca Wings & Ribs in Boca Raton, converting it Smokehouse Grille & Wingery, the area’s first smokehouse dining concept. The company plans on further expanding the Smokehouse Grille & Wingery brand into additional markets this fall. For more information, visit http://www.smokehouseboca.com

To schedule a media interview, please contact Ashley Toncar at The Gab Group at 561-750-3500, or email ashley@thegabgroup.com.

About The Gab Group

Founded in 2004, The Gab Group is a unique brand communications agency specializing in streamlined services for local and national lifestyle accounts. The agency’s broad scope of services includes brand-focused PR, creative marketing, and exceptional special events. For more information, visit http://www.thegabgroup.com

SPARTANBURG, S.C.  (Restaurant News Release)  Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN) today announced it has secured a $300 million credit facility that is comprised of a $50 million five year senior secured revolver and a $250 million six year senior secured term loan in connection with the amendment and restatement of Denny’s existing senior secured credit facilities. The new credit facility provides the Company with increased financial flexibility while extending the maturities until 2015 and 2016.

“The closing of this amended and restated facility substantially increases our financial flexibility through the relaxing of restrictive covenants and an ability to return value to stockholders over time through debt reduction and additional measures. The amended and restated facility is a testament to the progress we have made over the years to position our Company in a much more advantageous position both financially and as a leader in the industry,” commented Debra Smithart-Oglesby, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair. “This facility will help us continue to execute on our strategy of gaining market share and improving our operating performance over time.”

Borrowings for the term loan will bear interest at a rate set at LIBOR plus 475 basis points, with a LIBOR floor of 1.75%. The loan was issued at 98.5%, reflecting an Original Issue Discount. The credit facility includes an accordion feature that would allow the Company to increase the size of the facility to $325 million.

A portion of the proceeds of the term loans are being used to repurchase or redeem the $175 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due 2012 issued by Denny’s Holdings, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Denny’s Corporation and guaranteed by Denny’s Corporation (the “Notes”) (CUSIP No. 24869QAB8). Denny’s Holdings had previously announced an offer to purchase for cash (the “Tender Offer”) any and all of its Notes and that an aggregate of $125,266,000 principal amount of its Notes that had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to September 22, 2010, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time (the “Consent Date”).

Denny’s Holdings has now paid $1,002.50 (the “Total Consideration”) for each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes validly tendered on or prior to the Consent Date, which included a consent payment of $10.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the purchased Notes up to, but not including, September 30, 2010. The Tender Offer is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 6, 2010 (the “Expiration Time”), unless extended. Any Notes tendered after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 22, 2010 may not be withdrawn unless required by law. The “Tender Offer Consideration” for each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes validly tendered after the Consent Date and on or before the Expiration Time and accepted for purchase will be $992.50. The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated September 9, 2010 (the “Offer to Purchase”) and the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”).

Additionally, the Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) dated as of September 22, 2010 among Denny’s Holdings, Denny’s Corporation, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), that amends and supplements the Indenture dated as of October 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) among Denny’s Holdings, Denny’s Corporation and the Trustee has now become operative and substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained in the Indenture have been eliminated.

On October 1, 2010, Denny’s intends to give a notice of redemption pursuant to the Indenture providing that it will redeem all Notes not purchased in the Tender Offer at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation for acceptance of an offer to sell, the Notes. Denny’s Holdings is making the Tender Offer only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal. The complete terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal that were sent to holders of Notes. Holders are urged to read these documents carefully. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and Letter of the Transmittal may be obtained from the Information Agent for the Tender Offer, Global Bondholder Services Corporation, at 866-952-2200 (US toll-free) and 212-430-3774 (collect). This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption or an obligation to issue a notice of redemption.

BofA Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as exclusive Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to BofA Merrill Lynch at 888-292-0070 (toll-free) and 646-855-3401 (collect) and Wells Fargo Securities at 866-309-6316 (toll-free) and 704-715-8341 (collect).

The Tender Offer is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offer will be deemed to be made on behalf of Denny’s Holdings by the dealer manager, or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

About Denny’s

Denny’s is one of America’s largest full-service family restaurant chains, currently operating 1,600 franchised, licensed, and Company-owned restaurants across the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guam, Puerto Rico and New Zealand. For further information on Denny’s, including news releases, links to SEC filings and other financial information, please visit the Denny’s investor relations website.

Forward Looking Statements

Denny’s Corporation (the “Company”) urges caution in considering its current trends and any outlook on earnings disclosed in this press release. In addition, certain matters discussed may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual performance of the Company, its subsidiaries and underlying restaurants to be materially different from the performance indicated or implied by such statements. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “plans”, “hopes”, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that could cause actual performance to differ materially from the performance indicated by these forward-looking statements include, among others: the competitive pressures from within the restaurant industry; the level of success of the Company’s operating initiatives, advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; terms and availability of capital; regional weather conditions; overall changes in the general economy, particularly at the retail level; and other factors from time to time set forth in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports and other filings, including but not limited to the discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the risks identified in Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2009 (and in the Company’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q).

DALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  Eating green is about to take on a whole new meaning at Corner Bakery Cafe; the fast casual restaurant today introduced the Green Chile & Chicken Panini as its latest menu addition and announced an opportunity for its Facebook fans to try the new grilled panini for free.

Featuring autumn-roasted green chiles grown especially for Corner Bakery Cafe, the new Green Chile & Chicken Panini is expertly grilled on sourdough bread and made with all-natural roasted chicken, jicama slaw, diced tomatoes, white cheddar cheese and roasted garlic mayonnaise.

“We’re fanatics about our panini, handcrafting each one with layers upon layers of fresh ingredients like our homemade roasted garlic mayo and freshly prepared jicama slaw,” said Ric Scicchitano, Corner Bakery Cafe’s Original Chef and Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage. “Our green chiles are grown in New Mexico specifically for us, picked at the height of color and flavor, then custom roasted, making them the perfect centerpiece for our new panini.”

Beginning Oct. 4, Corner Bakery Cafe will give away the new panini free to its first 1,000 Facebook fans who register at facebook.com/cornerbakerycafe. The next 9,000 to register will receive an offer of $3 off the new panini.

The Green Chile & Chicken Panini joins Corner Bakery’s signature grilled panini line-up comprised of the Chicken Pomodori, Club Panini, California Grille, Grilled Ham & Swiss and Corned Beef Reuben.

From a tiny bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago to a national cornerstone of fast casual dining, Corner Bakery Cafe opened its first location in 1991 and now operates more than 115 locations across the country.

Known for its innovative menu featuring a wide variety of made-to-order egg scramblers and oatmeals for breakfast, flavorful sandwiches, savory panini, hot soups and signature salads for lunch and dinner, freshly baked sweets for dessert and an extensive catering menu, Corner Bakery Cafe has been delighting guests nationwide with fresh, handcrafted selections in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for almost 20 years. Guests can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi.

About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Jackson, Miss., Los Angeles/Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego and Washington D.C. Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants are owned and operated by CBC Restaurant Corp. with more than 100 company-owned and franchised locations around the country. Founded on a philosophy of creating a place for people to relax and gather with family and friends, Corner Bakery Cafe offers a casual atmosphere featuring innovative, seasonal menu options ranging from hot breakfasts and signature panini to handcrafted salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering sweets. Corner Bakery Cafe offers dine-in, to-go and catering service for any occasion. Corner Bakery Cafe delivers a premier bakery cafe experience in the heart of neighborhoods everywhere. For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.

GOLDEN, Colo.  (Restaurant News Release)  Good Times Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ: GTIM) today announced that its same store sales declines have reversed to a positive trend, from a decline of 1.7% in July to increases of +.4% in August and approximately +7% in September. Commenting on the recent same store sales trends, President & CEO Boyd Hoback said, “Our recent turnaround in sales trends reflects traction with consumers around several menu initiatives over the last six months including establishing our longer term value proposition around $2.89 Craver Combos, introducing Fresh Cut Fries and Hand Spun Custard Shakes and other product enhancements to improve and differentiate Good Times from the mainstream fast food pack. We recently rolled out Sweet Potato Waffle Fries as a seasonal limited time offering and are seeing very good results and anticipate that we will be able to continue to see improvements from last year’s poor sales trend. We have additional product launches planned and a new strategic marketing team that will leverage our historical brand personality.”

The Company also reported that it is continuing to seek and negotiate strategic financing alternatives for additional growth and working capital.

Good Times is a regional chain of quick service restaurants located primarily in Colorado providing a menu of high-quality all-natural hamburgers, 100% breast of chicken sandwiches, fresh frozen custard, fresh squeezed lemonades and other unique offerings. Good Times currently operates and franchises 49 restaurants.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. The words “intend,” “may,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “seek” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause Good Times’ actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include such factors as the uncertain nature of current restaurant development plans and the ability to implement those plans, delays in developing and opening new restaurants because of weather, local permitting or other reasons, increased competition, cost increases or shortages in raw food products, and other matters discussed under the “Risk Factors” section of Good Times’ Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 filed with the SEC. Although Good Times may from time to time voluntarily update its forward-looking statements, it disclaims any commitment to do so except as required by securities laws.

MIAMI  (Restaurant News Release)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN), the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has announced the October Chef’s Special, a five-course Hibachi Shrimp & Chicken Special for Two for only $35.

Exclusively in October, two guests can enjoy the Benihana teppanyaki dining experience, featuring a five-course meal of soup, salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, mushrooms and hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice, hibachi chicken and shrimp, and Häagen-Dazs ice cream, sherbet or sorbet, and Japanese hot green tea, all for just $35.

This teppanyaki treat for two can be complimented with a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, or one of Benihana’s featured drinks such as the Tokyo Apple Punch or Blue Moon Saketini.

Also, during the month of October all proceeds from the sale of FIJI Water will go to Best Buddies International, an organization helping to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information about the October Chef’s Special or to find a Benihana location, visit www.benihana.com.

About Benihana

Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 97 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. Famous for its entertaining chefs who present and prepare delicious Teppanyaki entrees at hibachi tables, as well as sushi and other Japanese favorites, Benihana introduced Japanese food to America in 1964. RA Sushi offers a subtly sexy and energetic experience with a hip ambience, and Haru is an urban, upscale sushi concept. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.

MIAMI  (Restaurant News Release)  Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN), operator of the nation’s largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held yesterday at The Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

• Lewis Jaffe and Darwin C. Dornbush were elected as Class I Common Stock directors and will each serve a one-year term. Mr. Dornbush also stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
• Richard C. Stockinger, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Michael W. Kata, were elected as Class III Common Stock directors and will each serve a three-year term. Mr. Stockinger was also elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Dornbush.
• Adam L. Gray was elected as a Class III Class A Stock director and will serve a three year term.
• Deloitte & Touche LLP was ratified as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2011.

Richard Stockinger, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and President, said, “We thank our stockholders for their support and confidence in voting for the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors and welcome Michael W. Kata and Adam L. Gray as new directors. The entire leadership team looks forward to working together on the ongoing Renewal Program, strengthening our financial condition, and maximizing value for the benefit of all stockholders through our recently announced sales process.”

Mr. Stockinger concluded, “We would also like to recognize and thank Darwin C. Dornbush for his many years of service to the Company. Although Darwin has retired from his chairmanship position, we are fortunate that we will continue benefiting from this expertise as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Mr. Stockinger’s presentation at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders can be found on the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at www.benihana.com

About Benihana

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN) operates 97 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi Bar restaurants. In addition, 20 franchised Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants are operating in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.

To learn more about the Company and its three Japanese theme and sushi restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video

TAMPA, FL  (Restaurant News Release)  A freeze warning is in effect for much of South Florida as Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., the largest double drive-thru chain in the United States, introduces its brand new Cold Creations Menu. From creamy premium shakes and sundaes to classic cones and blended Flavor Blast treats, the new line is currently being tested at 30 different Checkers restaurants throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

As part of the Cold Creations launch, Checkers is hosting a Free Cone Saturday on October 2^nd and October 9^th from 2:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a free classic cone with any purchase at participating Miami area Checkers locations.

“Our new Cold Creations are the ultimate on-the-go anytime treat and they’re great for special occasions too,” said Rick Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. “Given the quality, variety and value of our new Cold Creations Menu, we’re confident Checkers is sure to become the South Florida destination for craveable sweet treats.”

Checkers’ new Cold Creations Menu is designed to satisfy cravings both large and small with its unique lineup and great variety of frozen delights including:

• Premium Shakes — Choose between the mouthwatering Oreo® Shake made with real crushed Oreos and marshmallow cream or the ultimate Banana Split Shake complete with all the flavors of an authentic banana split sundae.
• Premium Sundaes — Indulge in the irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, which features graham crackers, strawberries and Philadelphia® cheesecake or the Chocolate Cake Sundae made with moist chocolate cake, fudge topping and whipped cream.
• Flavor Blasts — Delight in a flavorful S’Mores mix of crushed graham crackers and fudge topping blended with marshmallow cream or treat your chocolate addiction with the Chocolate Supreme Blast made with layers of chocolate soft serve blended with crunchy chocolate cookie pieces. Or create your own by adding your favorite mix-in: M&M’s®, strawberry, Oreo® or chocolate toffee.
• Classic Shakes — Refresh your taste buds with Checkers’ classic banana, strawberry, chocolate or vanilla shakes.
• Classic Creations – Cool off with an all-time favorite vanilla, chocolate or swirl cone, classic sundae or our original and easy to eat cone sundae.

“We’re certain guests will find our new Cold Creations to be the perfect complement to our signature burgers and fries,” said Silva. “With more than 30 South Florida locations, consumers will be able to satisfy their sweet cravings more conveniently than ever before.”

Checkers’ Cold Creations Menu is currently available at these participating restaurants across Miami-Dade and Broward counties including: Carol City, Doral, Ft. Lauderdale, Hialeah, Hollywood, Homestead, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, Miramar, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, and Pompano Beach. Click here for the Checkers location serving Cold Creations closest to you.

About Checkers^®

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The company develops, owns, operates and franchises both Checkers and Rally’s restaurants. Based in Tampa, Florida, it has more than 800 restaurants open across the U.S. In recent years, the brand has been awarded several of the industry’s most prestigious awards including: “Best Drive-Thru in America” by QSR Magazine and the “Hot! Again Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News. For more information, visit www.checkers.com.

ROCKY MOUNT, NC  (Restaurant News Release)  North Carolina Hardee’s^® restaurants will celebrate the 50^th birthday year of Hardee’s on Saturday with 100,000 of their closest college football friends, watching to see if a special field goal clears the uprights.

If the field goals kicked at halftime at the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack home football games are successful, every fan in each stadium will leave the games Saturday with a coupon for a free Sausage Biscuit at Hardee’s.

It’s all part of the North Carolina 50^th birthday celebration for Hardee’s which was born in North Carolina in September 1960. All 230 Hardee’s locations in North Carolina are participating in the promotion.

In recognition of this special milestone for the brand, Hardee’s will have a fan attempt the halftime field goal from the 20-yard line at Kenan Memorial Stadium where the Tar Heels play East Carolina University and at Carter-Finley Stadium where the Wolfpack plays Virginia Tech.

If the 30-yard attempt is good at each game, stadium ushers will distribute a coupon to exiting fans good for a free Sausage Biscuit with any purchase at all Hardee’s restaurants in North Carolina. In addition to the coupon, 2,500 students at each game will receive bandanas designed with their school colors. Hardee’s already is a sports marketing partner with each university supporting the teams through radio network sponsorships and in-stadium signage. 

Hardee’s will also have the same field goal attempt promotion for a free Sausage Biscuit on Oct. 23 during the East Carolina University vs. Marshall game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville.

The special birthday present is a gift to North Carolina since it was the state where the late Wilber Hardee opened the first Hardee’s brand restaurant in Greenville, N.C. on Sept. 3, 1960. He offered “charco-broiled” hamburgers, fast service and a drive-through window. At the time, a hamburger cost 15 cents. The new brand quickly sprang up in towns large and small across the state and beyond and a fast food star was born.

“Hardee’s was born here in North Carolina, and we’re excited to celebrate its birthday with some fun at college football games,” said Jerry Allsbrook, chief marketing officer for Hardee’s franchisee Boddie-Noell Enterprises. Rocky Mount-based Boddie-Noell became an early Hardee’s franchisee in 1962 with its first restaurant in Fayetteville. Today the company has 133 restaurants across North Carolina. Rocky Mount also served as Hardee’s Food Systems’ hometown headquarters for decades before the brand relocated to St. Louis.

Nationwide, the Hardee’s brand has taken a decidedly updated approach to the birthday with fan involvement through a variety of social media channels including giving away $50,000 through The The Wheel of Awesome™ on its Facebook page and daily giveaways of $50 Hardee’s gift cards to Hardee’s Twitter followers during the month of September.

Hardee’s has also been busy sharing the nostalgia across the web while asking fans to also weave their own stories and memories of the restaurant name. To inspire fan nostalgia, Hardee’s YouTube channel is featuring a happy birthday video with snippets of Hardee’s history, as well as birthday messages from politicians, sports figures, franchisees, partners, bloggers and friends of the brand. Hardee’s fans are encouraged to submit their own videos in response. The video is also being featured on the Hardee’s Facebook fan page, along with other retro photos, including images of people, restaurants, premiums and promotions associated with Hardee’s over the last 50 years. Additionally, nostalgia fans can visit the retrospective photo collection or subscribe to the open community group on the brand’s Flickr site to share vintage Hardee’s memories of their own. 

About Hardee’s

Celebrating 50 years in the quick-service industry, Hardee’s Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of second quarter of fiscal 2011, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,149 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 18 countries, including 1,239 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,898 Hardee’s restaurants. For more information, or to find a Hardee’s near you, go to www.ckr.com or http://www.hardees.com. Hardee’s social media sites include www.facebook.com/hardees, www.twitter.com/hardees and www.youtube.com/hardees.

About Boddie-Noell Enterprises

Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE) is a diversified family-owned business engaged primarily in restaurants and land development. Founded with a single Hardee’s location more than 47 years ago, BNE today is the largest Hardee’s franchise operator in the United States with 336 restaurants across four states. For more information about the company, visit www.bneinc.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA  (Restaurant News Release)  Souplantation, a San Diego-based restaurant specializing in made-from-scratch soups, salads and bakery goods, is expanding catering options in select areas. Souplantation’s catering service provides complete menus of entrée-size salads, savory, freshly made soups, hot pasta dishes, and hand-crafted muffins and focaccia bread, along with scrumptious cookies and brownies for a sweet finale.

Beginning October 1, Souplantation will expand the catering options in four test regions including San Diego, Dallas, Houston and North Carolina by offering individual box lunches with salad sandwich wraps. 

“The demand for individual packaging was brought to attention by current catering customers who preferred individual packaged catering to a buffet-style option,” said Bob Mason, director of catering. “The sandwich wraps are a great way for the company to continue to provide the traditional menu items but in a new way.”

Each salad sandwich wrap is low-calorie and made using a flaxseed oil whole-grain tortilla. There are five selections to choose from including Very Vegetarian, Curried Chicken, Tantalizing Tuna, Classic Chicken Caesar Salad and Wonton Chicken Happiness Salad.

Souplantation catering is perfect for functions of all kinds, from picnics to game-day buffets, bridal luncheons to housewarming parties, holiday s celebrations to corporate luncheons and gatherings of every size.

Catering box lunches start at $9.95 per person and include a freshly-prepared salad sandwich wrap, chips and a Souplantation famous chocolate chip cookie. For more information call your local Souplantation or visit www.souplantation.com/catering.

Celebrating over 30 years, Souplantation was founded in 1978 in San Diego and currently operates 115 salad buffet-style restaurants across the western, southern and eastern portions of the United States. Souplantation cares about what comes out of guests’ wallets and into their bodies by creating an exceptional, all-you-care-to-eat dining experience with a daily selection of made-from-scratch soups and salads and hand-crafted muffins, focaccia, breads and tasty desserts. By combining high-quality, farm-fresh and scratch-made foods for a fixed price, the restaurants provide guests with the freedom to create their own wholesome meals. The restaurant concept is built around fresh prepared, great-tasting recipes with a salad bar full of seasonal vegetables and tossed salads prepared exhibition-style every 20 minutes. Souplantation restaurants are open daily for lunch and dinner and also for a special Sunday Breakfast that features a variety of delicious morning favorites in addition to regular selections. For more information, visit www.souplantation.com.

STAMFORD, Conn.  (Restaurant News Release)  Centerplate, one of the largest hospitality firms in North America, announces the completion of its acquisition of John Harvard’s Brew House, the Boston-based restaurant group originated in Harvard Square.  John Harvard’s has six locations throughout the Northeast: Lake Grove, New York; Providence, Rhode Island (operating as the Union Station Brewery); Framingham, Massachusetts; at the Jiminy Peak Ski Resort in Hancock, Massachusetts; at the Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York; and the original and flagship restaurant in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

John Harvard’s Brew House features a menu of brewpub classics complemented by our chef’s own entrees and its beers have medaled at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Championships.

“I am extremely excited to add the strong John Harvard’s brand of restaurants to our suite of hospitality solutions,” said Chris Verros, Centerplate’s Chief Operating Officer.  ”Its positioning and historical success make it a great asset for use in our client venues as well as future free-standing locations.”

John Harvard’s joins Centerplate’s collection of restaurants throughout its portfolio in its various sports, convention and entertainment venues.  In addition, Centerplate owns two other successful restaurant brands, the Limelight restaurant in Denver in association with Chef Kevin Taylor and, through a joint venture, Harry’s Tap Room, the restaurant concept boasting a menu of fresh, organic and naturally raised ingredients.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers “Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results.” in 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration.  Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

About John Harvard’s Brew House

John Harvard’s Brew House features classic pub fare complemented by a selection of house-crafted beers and ales. Flavorful menu items are served in a fun and casual environment. As the name implies, the restaurants takes its beers seriously and has medaled in the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Championships.  Visit John Harvard’s at www.johnharvards.com.

MIAMI & NEW YORK  (Restaurant News Release)  Burger King Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BKC) (the “Company”) and 3G Capital today announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), relating to the previously announced acquisition of all outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by affiliates of 3G Capital. Accordingly, the condition with respect to the expiration of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act has been satisfied.

As previously disclosed, an entity controlled by 3G Capital, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc., commenced a tender offer on September 16, 2010 for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $24.00 per share in cash, net to the seller in cash without interest. The tender offer is being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and a related letter of transmittal, each dated September 16, 2010, and a merger agreement entered into on September 2, 2010 between the Company and certain entities controlled by 3G Capital. Pursuant to the merger agreement, after completion of the tender offer and the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions, the Company will merge with Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. and all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, other than shares held by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. or the Company or shares held by the Company’s stockholders who have and validly exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law, will be canceled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $24.00 offer price per share. In certain cases, the parties have agreed to proceed with a one-step merger transaction if the tender offer is not completed.

The tender offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, October 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated. The completion of the tender offer remains subject to certain conditions as described in the tender offer statement on Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 16, 2010.

About Burger King Holdings, Inc.

The BURGER KING^® system operates more than 12,150 restaurants in all 50 states and in 76 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In 2010, Fortune magazine ranked Burger King Corp. (“BKC”) among America’s 1,000 largest corporations and Standard & Poor’s included shares of Burger King Holdings, Inc. in the S&P MidCap 400 index. BKC was recently recognized by Interbrand on its top 100 “Best Global Brands” list and Ad Week has named it one of the top three industry-changing advertisers within the last three decades. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the Company’s website at http://www.bk.com.

About 3G Capital

3G Capital is a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. The firm and its partners have a strong history of generating value through operational excellence, board involvement, deep sector expertise and an extensive global network. 3G Capital works in close partnership with management teams at its portfolio companies and places a strong emphasis on recruiting, developing and retaining top-tier talent. Affiliates of the firm and its partners have controlling or partial ownership stakes in global companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Lojas Americanas, the largest non-food and online retailer in Latin America, and America Latina Logistica (ALL), the largest railroad and logistics company in Latin America. 3G Capital’s main office is in New York City. For more information on 3G Capital and the transaction, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the consummation of the tender offer and merger and the intent of any parties about future actions. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to how many of the Company stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; and the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived and risks and uncertainties relating to these matters that are discussed in documents filed with the SEC by Burger King Holdings, Inc. as well as the tender offer documents filed by an affiliate of 3G Capital and the solicitation/recommendation statement filed by the Company. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by contacting 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number (305) 378-7696 or investor@whopper.com. Neither 3G Capital nor the Company undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.

Notice to Investors

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of the Company’s common stock is being made pursuant to an offer to purchase and related materials that an affiliate of 3G Capital filed with the SEC. An affiliate of 3G Capital has filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the SEC in connection with the commencement of the offer, and the Company has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the offer. The tender offer statement (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents) and the solicitation/recommendation statement, including any amendments thereto, contain important information that should be read carefully and considered before any decision is made with respect to the tender offer. These materials have been or will be sent free of charge to all the Company’s stockholders. In addition, all of these materials (and all other materials filed by the Company with the SEC) are available at no charge from the SEC through its website at www.sec.gov. The Schedule TO, Schedule 14D-9 and related materials may be obtained for free from D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10005, Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 714-3313. Investors and security holders may also obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations at 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number (305) 378-7696 or investor@whopper.com.

Additional Information about the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the potential transaction referred to in this press release, Burger King Holdings, Inc. filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC related to the approval of the merger agreement by the Company’s stockholders. Additionally, the Company will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of 3G Capital pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. The materials filed and to be filed by the Company with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Investors and stockholders also may obtain free copies of the proxy statement from the Company by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations at 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number (305) 378-7696 or investor@whopper.com. Investors and security holders of the Company are urged to read the definitive proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed merger because they will contain important information about the merger and the parties to the merger.

Burger King Holdings, Inc. and its respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees, under the SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of the Company’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Company’s proxy statement for its 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the preliminary proxy statement relating to the merger and other relevant materials which may be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger when and if they become available. Information concerning the interests of the Company’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of the Company’s stockholders generally, will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to the merger when it becomes available.

ST. LOUIS  (Restaurant News Release)  How can you tell if you’re looking at a real Texan? Some say it’s the cowboy hat, others say the boots, but the real way is the buns. To honor this Texas tradition, Hardee’s^® is introducing the authentic Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger^®, which features two thick pieces of grilled Texas Toast in place of the ubiquitous hamburger bun. And, in addition to introducing the new southern sandwich, Hardee’s is also introducing a new southern spokesperson – fashion and Sports Illustrated^® swimsuit model Julie Henderson of Houston, Texas. The commercial featuring Henderson will begin airing in Hardee’s markets on September 29, 2010.

“Texas is the definition of ‘all-American’ and our new Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger is a great all-American burger,” said Brad Haley, Hardee’s executive vice president of marketing. “With thick, grilled Texas toast, tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, American cheese and a charbroiled, 100% Black Angus beef patty, it’s pretty hard to turn down, y’all.”

The spot was created by Hardee’s longtime advertising agency Mendelsohn|Zien. The ad was also directed by Chris Applebaum, the same director who brought Paris Hilton and Padma Lakshmi to the small screen in their famous burger commercials. The ads and behind-the-scenes footage will be available for viewing on the Hardee’s YouTube channel. Additionally, beginning October 5, fans will have a chance to win an autographed picture of Julie which will be one of the prizes on The Wheel of Awesome™ application at the brand’s Facebook page. Followers of the Hardee’s Twitter stream will also have the chance to win the coveted photo.

The Texas Toast Bacon Cheese Thickburger features a charbroiled 100% Black Angus beef patty, crispy bacon, melted American cheese, red onions, tomato, lettuce and Sweet Baby Ray’s^® BBQ Sauce all piled between two slices of thick, grilled Texas Toast. In true Texas fashion, it is available at Hardee’s in 1/4-, 1/3-, and 1/2-pound sizes, with a starting price of $2.79, or $4.79 for a small combo with Natural Cut Fries and a beverage. Prices may vary by location.

About Hardee’s

Celebrating 50 years in the quick-service industry, Hardee’s Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,149 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 18 countries, including 1,239 Carl’s Jr.^® restaurants and 1,898 Hardee’s^® restaurants. For more information, or to find a Hardee’s near you, go to www.ckr.com or www.hardees.com. Hardee’s social media sites include www.facebook.com/hardees, www.twitter.com/hardees and www.youtube.com/hardees.

SAN ANTONIO  (Restaurant News Release)  Whataburger announces the introduction of its newest limited time menu item, the Chocolate Brownie Pie featuring warm chocolate brownie filling surrounded by a hot flaky crust for just 99 cents.

“The warm, sweet and flaky Chocolate Brownie Pie is a great addition to our dessert menu,” said Rich Scheffler, Whataburger Restaurants, LP Group Director of Marketing. “Our customers have grown up on our fried pies, and our newest pie offers a rich, delicious chocolate option.”

The fried pie was first introduced to the Whataburger menu in the late 1950s. Other limited-run pie flavors have included strawberry, cherry and lemon. In addition to the new Chocolate Brownie Pie, other dessert options include hot apple pies, shakes, cinnamon rolls, fruit chews, sugar and chocolate chunk cookies.

The Chocolate Brownie Pie is available through the end of the year at all Whataburger locations.

About Whataburger

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: “What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, all-American beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with nearly 700 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually. Visit www.whataburger.com for more information on the company.

SAN DIEGO  (Restaurant News Release)  Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) today announced that it plans to close 40 of its company-operated restaurants prior to the end of its current fiscal year, which ends on October 3, 2010. The restaurants are located across 7 states, primarily in the Southeast and Texas. System-wide, there are more than 2,200 Jack in the Box® restaurants in 18 states.

The decision to close the restaurants was the result of a comprehensive analysis performed during the company’s fiscal fourth quarter that examined restaurants not meeting acceptable levels of return on investment and other key operating performance metrics.

Linda A. Lang, chairman, chief executive officer and president, said, “These restaurant closures are expected to have a positive impact on our future earnings, cash flow and return on invested capital. The decision to close underperforming restaurants reflects the company’s commitment to disciplined capital allocation and to ensuring we are maximizing both our physical assets and people resources.”

The company currently expects pre-tax charges for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 to include approximately $8.5 to $9.5 million in non-cash impairment charges and approximately $21.0 to $25.0 million in lease-related costs.

About Jack in the Box Inc.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), based in San Diego, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box^® restaurants, one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, with more than 2,200 restaurants in 18 states. Additionally, through a wholly owned subsidiary, the company operates and franchises Qdoba Mexican Grill^®, a leader in fast-casual dining, with more than 500 restaurants in 43 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.jackinthebox.com.

Safe harbor statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the estimated costs of closing the 40 underperforming restaurants and the future benefits to the company’s earnings, cash flow and return on invested capital. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different than expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the company is unable to predict the ultimate costs associated with the closings, the timing of payments made and received, the results of final negotiations with landlords, the impact of the closings on ongoing operations, and any tax benefits from the closings. For other factors to consider, see the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Except as may be required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any future events or circumstances.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  (Restaurant News Release)  John’s Incredible Pizza Company, known for its family focused restaurant and entertainment facilities located throughout California, formally announces its partnership agreement with H. Katz Capital Group, a venture capital firm formed by Philadelphia entrepreneur Harold Katz. The partnership will expand John’s from 10 locations to 20 or more over the next three to four years.

A typical John’s Incredible Pizza Company location occupies on average 50,000 square feet per store and will seat nearly 1000 guests. “For 13 years, John’s has been dedicated to creating an ‘incredible’ experience for guests by providing multiple themed dining rooms; an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, soup, salad and dessert buffet; as well as rides, attractions, video and ticket-dispensing games geared at pleasing visitors of all ages,” said Vice President of Operations, Lori Stowe. “Opening each new location allows the company to hire approximately 180 new employees for a facility that will serve over 4,000 guests on a busy Saturday. We are pleased to partner with Mr. Katz to grow our business and bring the John’s experience to new communities.”

“Our biggest challenge was finding a partner we believed could help us impact the marketplace as we expand and we’ve found that in Harold Katz and the H. Katz Capital Group,” said John’s founder, John Parlet, “Katz’s enterprising talent is undeniably evident in his history as Founder of NutriSystem, along with numerous other companies, and as former owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. This partnership represents a fantastic growth opportunity for our company and a lucrative investment for the Katz Group. We look forward to becoming a part of Mr. Katz’s impressive and growing roster of successes.”

The first store of this partnership will open in Beaverton, Oregon in early 2011 making it John’s 11th location with a 12th location due to open operations in Moorestown, New Jersey in August. Additional new locations will be announced as they are confirmed in the coming weeks.

BURLINGTON, VT  (Restaurant News Release)  Starting September 22 Bruegger’s, with 299 units across the U.S., will offer diners a great deal on a hearty, autumn-inspired meal.

For a limited time only, the bakery cafe operator will feature its “Perfect Pair,” a lunch or dinner combination of a Ham and Cheddar Panini with a cup of Butternut Squash soup.

About the combination, Bruegger’s head chef Philip Smith said, “The sweetness of Butternut Squash Soup contrasts nicely with the toasted savory flavors of the Ham and Cheddar panini.”

The new “Perfect Pair” offers classic hearty fare with zesty, complementary flavors, and, at a suggested price of $6.49, a great value.

Bruegger’s will also bring back its popular Asiago-topped Bagel Bowl this fall. The bagel chain’s version of the bread bowl is made from its unique Softwich dough, freshly baked each day in the authentic style of its bagels and sprinkled with flavorful Asiago cheese for an added zest. Any of Bruegger’s daily soup options can be served up in a Bagel Bowl for a suggested price of $3.99.

About Bruegger’s Enterprises, Inc.

Bruegger’s Enterprises, Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., is a leader in the fast casual restaurant segment. In its 299 locations in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Toronto, Bruegger’s is dedicated to serving delicious, authentically made food that brings guests back again and again. Famous for genuine New York-style bagels baked fresh throughout the day, Bruegger’s also bakes an array of fresh breads on site including honey wheat and hearty white. Guests can chose a variety of menu items that include unique cream cheese flavors, breakfast sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, hearty soups, sandwiches, panini and desserts, with a frequently changing menu reflecting seasonal and geographical specialties. Every day the neighborhood bakery features a Fair Trade CertifiedTM coffee from Green Mountain Coffee . Founded in 1983, Bruegger’s is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont and supports its neighbors in every community it serves. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brueggers.

Media Contacts:
Tracy Aiello or Kathryn Calley
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