SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Restaurant News Release) Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: DFRH) (“DRH” or the “Company”), announced today that its Founder and CEO, T. Michael Ansley, has been selected as a 2010 honoree for the Crain’s Detroit Business Journal “40 Under 40” award. Mr. Ansley, 39, is considered among the best and brightest leaders in Southeast Michigan who exemplify the brainpower, creativity, and business savvy that can rebuild the region.
Mr. Ansley developed a unique, full-service, ultra-casual restaurant and bar – Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burgers & Fries® (“Bagger Dave’s”) – and is also a leading franchisee for Buffalo Wild Wings® (“BWW”). Today, he is responsible for the operations of 18 BWW restaurants in Michigan and Florida and three Bagger Dave’s restaurants in Michigan. Under his leadership, DRH has earned several franchise sales awards over the past 14 years and Mr. Ansley has been cited several times by BWW for his personal achievements, including the company’s highest honor, the “Jimmy Disbrow Founder’s” award. In addition, he was the recipient of the 2007 International Franchise Association’s “Franchisee of the Year” award.
Mr. Ansley is a member of the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Executive Board and was recently selected by the foundation for the 2010 Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan’s “President’s Leadership” award.
David Ligotti, a member of the board of directors for DRH, commented, “Michael richly deserves inclusion in the “40 Under 40” award. Since founding Diversified Restaurant Holdings, he has developed, and is executing on, an effective corporate growth strategy driven by a new and exciting vision. He has performed superbly in continuing to grow our current footprint with Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as creating a unique concept, Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burgers & Fries. His boundless energy, business acumen, and visionary leadership are critical to the continued success of this organization. Michael is leading Diversified Restaurant Holdings towards a great future.”
About Diversified Restaurant Holdings
DRH is a leading BWW franchisee, currently operates 18 BWW restaurants (five in Florida and 13 in Michigan). The 19th restaurant is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the 20th scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. DRH is also the recipient of many franchise awards, including an award for the Highest Annual Restaurant Sales.
The Company also owns and operates its own unique, full-service, ultra-casual restaurant and bar concept, Bagger Dave’s, which was launched in January 2008. The concept focuses on local flair with the interior showcasing historic photos of the city in which it resides. Bagger Dave’s offers a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar with a casual, comfortable atmosphere. The menu features freshly made burgers (never frozen), accompanied by more than 30 toppings from which to choose, fresh-cut fries, hand-dipped milkshakes, and a selection of craft beer and wine. Signature items include Sloppy Dave’s BBQ®, Train Wreck Burger®, and Bagger Dave’s Amazingly Delicious Turkey Black Bean Chili®. There’s also an electric train that runs above the dining room and bar areas. All current and future locations will be smoke-free. Currently, there are three locations in the State of Michigan, with the fourth scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. DRH has filed for rights, and has been approved, to franchise Bagger Dave’s in the States of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. For more information, please visit www.baggerdaves.com.
DRH routinely posts news and other important information on its Web site at www.diversifiedrestaurantholdings.com.
Safe Harbor Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” and other similar words. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that DRH expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including but not limited to franchise sales, restaurant openings, financial performance, and adverse developments with respect to litigation or increased litigation costs, the operation or performance of the Company’s business units, or the market price of its common stock are forward-looking statements. Because they are forward-looking, they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from those contained in forward-looking statements based on a number of risk factors and uncertainties including, without limitation, our ability to operate in new markets, the cost of commodities, the success of our marketing and other initiatives to attract customers, customer preferences, operating costs, economic conditions, competition, the availability of financing for franchisees and the Company, and the impact of applicable regulations. These and other risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in the Company’s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, DRH disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.