Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. Names John Hyduke Vice President of Franchise Development for Old Chicago Franchising Corporation (OCFC)

Former Dairy Queen VP selected to lead growth of fast-growing franchise

Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., the franchisor for Old Chicago, the friendly neighborhood establishment specializing in imported beer and deep-dish pizza, announced the appointment of veteran Franchising industry professional John Hyduke as vice president of Franchise development for OCFC.

Hyduke, who previously served as vice president of franchising development for American Dairy Queen, Tires Plus Franchising Corp., and Big O Tires, will be responsible for attracting quality franchise owners and leading a system-wide effort to develop the growing concept.

“John Hyduke is a proven leader in franchise development, and we are thrilled that he has taken on this role to grow the Old Chicago brand,” said Buck Warfield, senior vice president of development for Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. “His 30 years of experience in rapid growth franchise systems makes him an ideal choice to develop and lead a strategic initiative to complement the franchise’s expansion.”

Founded in 1976, Old Chicago is a part of Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., which currently owns and operates 88 restaurants across the United States, including 55 Old Chicago restaurants and 33 brewery concepts operating under the names “Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery,” “Chop House and Brewery” and “Walnut Brewery.”

“Working with Old Chicago gives me an opportunity to return to the food business as part of one of the most profitable models available with one of the highest bar/food mix ratios in the casual dining segment,” Hyduke said. “With most of the major east coast and sunbelt markets still available, we expect to be pretty busy selling out the rest of the markets. I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic and fun company.”

Hyduke’s franchising experience spans three decades, with 20 of those years in the foodservice arena. Growing up in northeast Wisconsin, Hyduke worked for his parents who were Dairy Queen franchisees. After college, Hyduke quickly climbed the corporate ladder with American Dairy Queen, splitting his time as a district manager and regional manager from 1974-1982, until serving as vice president of franchise development during the last 11 years of his tenure with the franchise. Hyduke then worked for 10 years as vice president of franchise development with Tires Plus Franchising before joining Big O Tires in the same position.

“The Old Chicago system is the perfect opportunity to work with a proven franchise model and enhance the growing franchise network,” Hyduke added. “We intend to develop the Old Chicago franchise program through area development agreements, and are looking for experienced, growth-minded, multi-unit food service operators to grow our concept.”

Hyduke currently resides in Aurora, Colorado with his wife, Connie. The couple has a 28-year-old daughter who is a speech therapist for elementary school children in Minneapolis and a 24-year-old son serving in the Army Airborne at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

About Old Chicago

Based in Louisville, CO, Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates 88 restaurants throughout the United States – 55 “Old Chicago” restaurants and 33 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 two locations.

Since its privatization in August 1999, 30 new restaurants have been added and average annual sales are approximately $264.3 million. In 2002 the company entered into a partnership with Rockies Brewing Company, Colorado’s first microbrewery celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. It also began franchising its Old Chicago concept and it now has 18 open franchise locations and agreements representing approximately 70 new locations in 13 states. Old Chicago plans to open 3 new company-owned and 12 new franchised restaurants nationwide by the end of 2005.

All of Rock Bottom’s restaurants are casual dining establishments featuring excellent customer service, high-quality, moderately priced food and a distinctive selection of craft brewed and specialty beers served in a comfortable, hospitable atmosphere.