Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen Partners with Fran-Systems

Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen, the popular Atlanta-based fast casual Franchise concept, and Fran-Systems, a leading U.S. franchise consulting firm, today announced their partnership that positions the promising Restaurant chain for aggressive growth across the Southeastern U.S. With this deal, Artuzzi's will leverage Fran-Systems' leading expertise in franchise development for the brand. The company has also signed a 15 store development agreement for metro-Atlanta which calls for two store openings a year, beginning in 2007. In addition, it also plans to further award 30-50 franchise agreements by the third quarter of 2007.

"We are excited to join forces and create a solid business that is poised to become a dominant player in the Italian fast casual segment across the Southeast, " said Rob Caswick, co-founder of Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen. "We plan to leverage the strong presence we have established in metro-Atlanta with the expertise Fran-Systems has in franchise development, to truly make an in imprint across the region."

Today's announcement of the partnership and 15-store deal comes less than two years after the first opening of an Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen in suburban Atlanta and signals significant growth for the brand. Currently, Artuzzi's boasts six metro-Atlanta locations, with two more scheduled to open over the next two months and several Franchises already sold.

"We looked at the business from every angle - management, food, branding and service - and are completely impressed with what Artuzzi's has established in two years," said Karen Spencer, owner and CEO of Fran-Systems. "Merging our franchise sales and management experience with Artuzzi's distinctive customer offerings and talented leadership creates a solid foundation for achieving widespread success."

The anticipated expansion will establish Artuzzi's well beyond metro-Atlanta, into other Georgia markets and beyond. Plans include bringing Artuzzi's concept to customers across several new markets including Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

In addition to pastas, toasted ciabatta sandwiches and individual gourmet pizzas, Artuzzi's offers signature items like the innovative Bosco Sauce, a medley of sliced chicken, roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, scallion and Marsalla wine among other fresh ingredients. It also includes wine and beer on its menu. The chain is putting a new twist on Italian cuisine like no other fast-casual concept by making fine Italian dining an affordable lunch or dinner experience. Artuzzi's also prides itself on a contemporary, "hip" atmosphere that's different from the traditional "red & white checkered tablecloth" Italian environment.

Artuzzi's locations range in size between 2,600-3,200 square feet and require an initial investment of $281,500-$375,500, including a $25,000 franchise fee. Having a universal appeal, the concept is successful in any type of community, from an urban downtown setting to a suburban strip mall.

"The fast casual industry is extremely competitive, only the best concepts succeed," said Spencer.

"Artuzzi's has the right elements and potential to grow well ahead of the competition - it offers a great product to the consumer and solid investment opportunity for experienced operators."

About Artuzzi's Founders
Veteran restaurateurs, Rob Caswick and Jeff Newsham along with partner Dave Pazienza, launched the contemporary Italian franchise concept. Caswick and Newsham were fraternity brothers who graduated and went on to own and operate several Moe's Southwest Grill locations in Atlanta. Now in their early 30s, they have gone from franchisees to franchisors. Pazienza has over 30 years experience in restaurant operations. Prior to founding Artuzzi's, Dave has been the director of operations for several major restaurant companies including U.S. Restaurant Properties Inc. and RTM/Mrs. Winners of Atlanta. Also, he has been an area supervisor for Boston Market and a General Manager for TGI Fridays.

About Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen
Artuzzi's Italian Kitchen started in 2005 offers a unique twist to your Italian favorites, where the finest, freshest ingredients are prepared-to-order each and every day in a vibrant, fast paced environment. With a menu that ranges from pasta, sandwiches, and chopped salads to individual pizzas and daily specials, Artuzzi's is like no other fast Italian concept. To add to the ambiance, Artuzzi's operates with an open theatre-style kitchen so every fresh step can be viewed by the customers. Currently, there are six units open with three more in development and 25 stores projected to open by 2008.

About Karen Spencer
Karen Spencer is the Founder and CEO of Fran-Systems Worldwide, Inc., an Atlanta-based franchise education and consulting company. Spencer's background encompasses 20-plus years of experience working with all levels and types of franchise companies, such as Arby's, BackYard Burgers, Original Cookie Company and Jamba Juice. A member of the Board of Trustees for the International Franchise Association's Educational Foundation, Spencer has written and published more than 100 franchise educational articles and programs. She has also won several awards for her dedication to franchise education and volunteers her time to conduct free classes as well as teach at several universities on the subject of franchising.

About Fran-Systems
Fran-Systems is an Atlanta-based franchise education and consulting company that has been in operation for over 10 years. They are the leading company specializing in franchise system start-ups, outsourcing franchise systems and franchisor audits. Fran-Systems works with more than 100 franchise companies.