Sizzler International Inc. announced at its annual shareholders' meeting that the company will change its name to Worldwide Restaurant Concepts Inc., effective Tuesday, Sept. 4. The company's ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange will remain "SZ."

With the company's Sizzler® operations in the United States and Asia, KFC® restaurants in Australia, and Pat & Oscar's(SM) in California and Arizona, the new name more accurately reflects the company's international presence and position as a multinational, multiconcept restaurant company.

"We are pleased with the success of our re-imaging program for U.S. Sizzler® restaurants and with the continued growth of our international Sizzler® operations. However, the addition last year of Pat & Oscar's(SM) restaurants as a division of the company and our continuing strong Australian KFC® operations, take us well beyond the Sizzler name and operations," said Charles Boppell, president and chief executive officer of Sizzler International.

"We are continuing to make significant gains with our business strategy and believe the change to Worldwide Restaurant Concepts truly captures the brand and geographic diversity of the company," concluded Boppell.