HUDDLE HOUSE Marks 25th Straight Year of Same-Store Sales Increases (5/00)

HUDDLE HOUSE Restaurants, Inc., reported its 25th consecutive year of comparable-store sales increases for fiscal year 1990-2000, which concluded on April 30, 2000. The year was also highlighted by three substantial multi-unit Restaurant deals, the largest multi-store agreements recorded in the restaurant chain's 37-year history.

"Frankly, we've crushed the objectives we set for this past year," said Philip M. Greifeld, President and CEO of HUDDLE HOUSE, Inc. "Our steady growth of comparable-store sales remains a central objective. These increases reflect a systemwide dedication of HUDDLE HOUSE franchisees and the hard work of our company to build the HUDDLE HOUSE brand."

Greifeld said the favorable year-end results demonstrate that "HUDDLE HOUSE is broadening its brand and attracting more families."

"We rolled out a new interior design; we launched our first-ever television marketing campaign; and we introduced a new menu, with signature food items like Big House Platters that are popular with regular and new customers," Greifeld said. "And there's more success on the horizon.

"Above all," Greifeld said, "we credit our success to the quality business relationships we've formed with first-rate operators and Franchise companies, last fiscal year and in years past."

During the past year, the Decatur, Ga.-based chain signed three separate market-development agreements to build 120 new free-standing restaurants in the Southeast, Greifeld said.

Greifeld said the resurgence of the HUDDLE HOUSE chain, demonstrated by aggressive expansion and record profits, has led the company to project ambitious goals for the future. The chain plans to double the number of its restaurant operations within eight years. HUDDLE HOUSE currently operates 335 restaurants in 12 Southeastern states, Missouri and Virginia.

The decision to roll out the new intrior in all new HUDDLE HOUSE restaurants followed twelve months of market research and testing at restaurants in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to Greifeld.

The attractive HUDDLE HOUSE interior includes green-and-white checkerboard tile, polished chrome, red Formica table tops, cherry-wood accents, pendant lighting and red-cushioned counter stools.

Founded in 1964, HUDDLE HOUSE offers a varied menu that features choice steaks, chicken, barbecue, pork chops, seafood, and "the finest breakfast combinations in America."