Old Chicago to Open 15 Restaurants in West Florida, Creating 1,000 Jobs

Old Chicago, the 27-year-old "friendly neighborhood establishment" specializing in imported beer and deep-dish pizza, recently announced it will open 15 restaurants throughout West Florida in the next five years, creating more than 65 jobs at each location.

The first West Florida Old Chicago location is scheduled to open on January 26 at 2042 Badlands Drive in Brandon. Additional Restaurant openings are slated for Clearwater in April 2004 and Palm Harbor in July 2004. Plans also call for three units to open each year through 2007 in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota or Lee Counties.

Jeff Willison and Hap Herndon, operating partners for Florida Restaurant Concepts, Inc., are responsible for market development and operations for Old Chicago of West Florida. Together, they bring more than 40 years marketing, training and restaurant management experience to introduce the Old Chicago concept into the West Florida market.

"We are excited to bring the Old Chicago concept to west Florida, and we are taking great care to make sure the signature Old Chicago style is balanced with the tastes of our new local customers," said Willison, who spent more than six years as the vice president of training and recruitment for Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., Old Chicago's parent company. "We look forward to bringing restaurant goers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and outstanding service that are synonymous with the Old Chicago brand."

The Florida Old Chicago locations, which will average 6,500 sq. ft. and seat approximately 250 patrons, will feature a décor that blends the best of Chicago with the flavors of the local area. The restaurant will feature a 28-foot mural painted by a local Florida artist depicting the famous Chicago skyline, as well as a showcase of Chicago sports and movie memorabilia. Taking into account the accessibility and quality of fresh local ingredients, Old Chicago will also offer new twists on classic Midwest recipes such as grouper, a Florida favorite, dipped in a Sam Adams beer batter.

A variety of sporting events can be seen on more than 16 televisions throughout the restaurant and on the expansive patios. Special attention was also paid to Old Chicago's To-Go business, with a separate entrance and phone line dedicated to customers on the go.

While Old Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, it is equally renowned for its outstanding beverage options, which make up more than 37 percent of sales nationwide, according to Buck Warfield, senior vice president of development for Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. Old Chicago's World Beer Tour, which offers 110 varieties of beer to accommodate even the most discriminating beer connoisseur, is a club that boasts more than 450,000 card-carrying members. Club members are not only treated to the best beers from around the globe, but are able to win great prizes as they complete the Tour.

About Old Chicago
Founded in 1976, Old Chicago is a part of Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., which currently owns and operates 87 restaurants throughout the United States - 53 "Old Chicago" restaurants and 34 brewery restaurants operating under the names "Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery," "ChopHouse & Brewery" and "Walnut Brewery." The company also owns and operates "SingSing," a dueling piano bar concept with three locations. In addition, Rock Bottom's Franchising division supports the operation of eight Old Chicago Franchise stores, including the new Brandon, Fl. location.