Boston Market to Open First New Stores Since 1997

Known for its high-quality, home-style meals, Boston Market Corporation is opening new stores for the first time since 1997 with a new store right outside of Boston, where the company started more than a decade ago.

Timed to open in late-November right before the start of the Thanksgiving holiday -- Boston Market's busiest time of year -- the new store on the Massachusetts Turnpike is yet another sign of the company's continued strong growth since it was acquired by McDonald's Corporation in May 2000.

The Framingham, MA location on the turnpike is one of 40 stores that Boston Market plans to open by the end of 2002, with another 80 slated for 2003. But expansion is just one part of Boston Market's increased focus to grow and renew its business, which presently includes more than 650 company- owned restaurants in 28 states. The company's marketing strategy of introducing consumers to the "New Boston Market," which includes new menu options, a new decor and new catering services, is already contributing to mid single-digit sales increases versus a year ago.

Boston Market pioneered the concept of home meal replacement and continues to deliver on its promise to consumers to provide "great meals made easy" -- delicious home-style meal solutions that are easy and convenient. It occupies a unique niche in the foodservice industry known as quick casual, which offers the convenience of quick service but food quality that is closer to casual dining.

Exploring New Business Opportunities

Boston Market is always investigating new avenues to grow the business. This includes evaluating opportunities for new venues and opening up stores in those markets that make sense. The Massachusetts Turnpike location is an example of this as it's the first Boston Market Restaurant in the nation to be located in a turnpike plaza setting. The company also recently announced plans to open a restaurant at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, as well as four restaurants in Canada and Australia.

Boston Market Corporation, based in Golden, Colorado, specializes in quick, convenient meals, featuring home-style entrees, fresh vegetables, sandwiches, salads, soups, side dishes and desserts. Boston Market restaurants combine the freshness and quality of traditional home cooking with convenience, value and contemporary flair. With more than 650 restaurants, Boston Market Corporation operates in 28 states. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald's Corporation.