EARL OF SANDWICH NAMES LYNETTE MCKEE VICE PRESIDENT OF FRANCHISING

Earl of Sandwich, a new rapidly-growing fast-casual sandwich Franchise whose founders include a direct descendant of the man credited with inventing the sandwich in 1762, announced today the appointment of Lynette McKee as vice president of franchising.

McKee, who previously served as vice president of U.S. Franchising for Burger King Corporation, will be responsible for attracting quality franchise owners and leading a system-wide effort to pursue new business opportunities.

“Lynette McKee is a proven leader in franchise development and we are thrilled that she has taken on this role to grow the Earl of Sandwich brand, while creating a new category within the industry,” said Gary Davis, CEO of Earl of Sandwich. “Her 15 years of experience, combined with her proven ability to identify and negotiate great business opportunities, make her an ideal choice to lead our growth.”

Founded in 2004, Earl of Sandwich is a collaboration between Robert Earl, who pioneered entertainment and celebrity-themed restaurants such as the Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood, and John Montagu, a direct descendant of the fourth Earl of Sandwich. More than 240 years later, John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich, and his son Orlando are reclaiming and reinventing their culinary namesake.

“Working with Earl of Sandwich is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” McKee said. “Many people dream of developing a system from the infancy stages to the best concept in its category. Robert Earl is a visionary, and I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic and fun company.”

McKee’s career has included a post as the vice president of franchise development for the Metromedia Restaurant Group, which owns four restaurant brands with annual revenues of more than $1.5 billion. In this position, McKee led new and existing franchise growth with the Bennigan’s, Ponderosa and Bonanza brands.

A leader in diversity and multi-culturalism within the franchise community, McKee is noted for negotiating one of the largest minority re-franchising deals in the food and beverage industry. McKee is also a member of the National Minority Franchise Initiative, the Women’s Foodservice Forum, The IFA’s Women in Franchising Committee and the IFA Minority Committee.

“With a strategic plan for aggressive U.S. expansion in place and the addition of Lynette to our executive team, Earl of Sandwich has all the makings to become the next franchise brand empire,” added Earl, who, along with Davis has vast experience in the foodservice arena ranging from quick-service operations to casual-dining franchises.

McKee currently resides in Orlando with her husband. The couple has a son who is a senior at Stetson University in Deland, Florida .

About Earl of Sandwich
The first Earl of Sandwich location opened in March 2004 in the Downtown Disney Marketplace in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., achieving steady sales. The company has completed its franchise offering circular in preparation for nationwide expansion and developed three prototypes for varying marketplaces. Three to four new units are slated to open in Manhattan in April 2005, and as many as 60 company-owned or franchise-operated units are projected to open nationwide by the end of 2005.

Earl of Sandwich offers 12 signature sandwiches, each priced at $4.95, as well as a wide range of hand-tossed salads and cold, pre-made sandwiches. They also offer hot breakfast sandwiches and desserts that include fresh-baked cookies, brownies, scones, tarts and homemade ice-cream sandwiches.