Strongest Performing Fresh Mex Concept Gets Some Inspiration from Its Record-Setting Franchisee, Jamal Lewis

Moe's knows what it's like to outperform the giants of the industry. McDonald's Chiptolte and Wendy's Baja Fresh have fallen behind emerging player, Moe's Southwest Grill, in revenue percentages, unit opening percentages and projected unit opening percentages for 2004. "We are moving at a pace of three store openings a week," explains Matt Andrew, Vice President of Finance, Raving Brands, parent of Moe's. "We anticipate hitting 250 restaurants by the end of 2004."

On Sunday, Moe's franchisee, Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, ran past some giants in football icons Walter Payton and O.J. Simpson, among others on his way to setting the single-game rushing record. His 295 yards outdistanced Cincinnati's Corey Dillon who broke the record in 2000 after a 23-year reign by the late Walter Payton.

Lewis, who resides in Atlanta, is scheduled to open his Moe's Southwest Grill at Camp Creek in Atlanta this fall. "I bought into Moe's because it's a winning brand. They set up this concept like it's a football franchise, taking into consideration all the elements that are necessary to be successful. It's not just the food, but the atmosphere. It's not just the atmosphere, but the brand's personality."

"We are thrilled when our franchisees perform well. Of course, we selfishly applaud them when it's related to their Moe's business," explains Martin Sprock, Founder and CEO. "It's not everyday though when a franchisee makes professional sports history so we are particularly proud of our affiliation with Jamal Lewis."

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 74 restaurants in operation. Sprock, a runner-up in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, successfully launched Planet Smoothie in 1995 and currently has more than 130 stores in 22 states. 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 550 more Franchise units scheduled for Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, New York and New Jersey.