Hooters Management Corporation, founders of the international Hooters Restaurant chain, with headquarters based in Clearwater, Florida, announced today that they have reached a market development agreement with the founders of Moe's Southwest Grill to develop the country's fastest growing quick casual, Fresh Mex restaurant concept throughout the state of Illinois.

"Much like Hooters, the beauty of Moe's is in its simplicity and the strength of the concept," commented Sal Melilli, Vice President of Marketing for HMC, "This concept just seemed to fit with our company expansion plans for this area, not to mention that it has the same lighthearted appeal we've always loved about Hooters." HMC sold the Hooters trademark to the franchiser, Hooters of America, in 2001, and for the past several years has been looking for the next winning concept. President Neil Kiefer elaborated, "We believe the Moe's concept has great legs and presents a real opportunity for future company growth. "

"We are moving at a pace of three store openings a week," explains Matt Andrew, Vice President of Finance, Raving Brands (formerly Wow Brands), parent of Moe's. "We anticipate hitting 250 restaurants by the end of 2004, which is 50 percent faster growth than the category's leaders."

HMC plans to open the first Moe's unit in Chicago in March of 2004 and expects to have 20 units open within the next three years.

"Moe's is an ideal destination because its food segment, Southwest/Fresh Mexican, appeals to a range of ethnicities and you can have a healthy, quality lunch or dinner prepared fresh and enjoyed in less than 30 minutes. That's what today's consumer wants," explains Martin Sprock, founder and chief, Raving Brands which owns Moe's Southwest Grill. "We believe the concept will play very well in the Midwest and we look forward to opening our doors in a city like Chicago.

Its success is based in part because of Moe's atmosphere, which draws rave reviews from its fans who enjoy the eclectic, upbeat personality with music from The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix piping through speakers along with artwork from local artists. Customers are also greeted with a loud "Welcome to Moe's" upon entering, the trademark "call" you will hear on its web site and mimicked by adoring customers.

Appealing to a more health-interested public, Moe's food is so fresh; there are no freezers or microwaves at any of the locations. There's no animal fat or lard in any item on the menu and everything is made fresh daily. Moe's offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads with a choice of grilled tofu, chicken or steak. Moe's also offers a few vegetarian items, a kid's meal and adult beverages.

About Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill offers fun, fresh, southwest cuisine with a healthy twist. The Atlanta-based company was founded by Martin Sprock in December 2000 and currently has 82 restaurants in operation. Greeted with a trademark "Welcome to Moe's" cheer that sets the tone for a lighthearted experience in each store, Moe's is quickly becoming the southwest concept to watch with a total of 560 more Franchise units scheduled for Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Illinois, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, New York and New Jersey.

Franchise News Release: Atlanta, GA - (Oct-20-2003)