Despite Troubled Economy, the Shakey's(R) USA Brand Still Resonates With Loyal Customer...

Despite Troubled Economy, the Shakey's(R) USA Brand Still Resonates With Loyal
Customer Base and Sees Record Sales and Franchise Expansion
Newly appointed CEO Joe Remsa Ushers in New Era of Stability and Brand
Confidence

LOS ANGELES, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- 2008 marks a milestone year for
Shakey's(R) USA. The veteran, 54-year old chain began a system-wide
revitalization effort last year marking an end to economic obstacles in recent
years. Newly appointed CEO Joe Remsa helms this new era of growth as all
corporate locations undergo complete remodels, four new area development
agreements have been signed and the chain expands to the south with the first
new Shakey's restaurant east of California in nearly 40 years.
Previously serving as Vice President and COO for Shakey's, Remsa's keen
understanding of the brand heritage, equity and vision coupled with his solid
working relationship with the Shakey's franchisee body, deemed him a natural
successor to the post. Remsa ushers in a new era of stability and brand
confidence amidst a growing national demand for Shakey's presence beyond the
western region. "Shakey's is an important part of American culture, holding a
place in the lives of families over many generations and during economic
crisis, consumers and franchisees take comfort in our brand because it
reconnects everyone around a simple yet somehow forgotten concept called
'family meal time.'"
Restaurateur and Columbus, GA native, Bert Hunter says, "I spent a lot of
time researching possible franchise options, but I wanted to offer more that
just food; I wanted a brand name that resonates with folks and my research led
me to Shakey's." It was Hunter, in fact, through his persistent calls to
Shakey's corporate that persuaded the chain to open its first southern region
flagship store in Auburn, Alabama this March 28, 2008. The store will include
the first ever Shakey's Memorabilia center documenting the chain's
well-established contribution to Americana. Hunter has signed an agreement to
open two additional Shakey's in the southern region in the near future.
Shakey's numbers speak for themselves. Of Shakey's 15 corporate
locations, 11 remodels have been completed and a total of 6 franchisee
restaurants are in the process of remodeling, as well. All restaurants are
slated for remodel by March 2009. Six new store openings are slated for 2008
including three more corporate stores and three franchisee stores. Plans for
expansion also include the four new area development agreements representing
10 new Shakey's restaurants. In its third straight year of sales increases,
2008 sales are up system wide more than seven percent and corporate locations
more than 11 percent as of March 2008.
ABOUT SHAKEY'S USA
For more than 50 years, Shakey's has been the place for family and friends
to enjoy good food and good times. Shakey's first opened its doors in
April 1954 in Sacramento, CA. Still today, Shakey's serves its original thin
crust pizza, crispy fried chicken and famous Mojo(R) Potatoes -- sprinkled
with secret seasoned breading and deep-fried. Shakey's USA, Inc is
headquartered in Alhambra, CA. Visit http://www.shakeys.com.
SOURCE Shakey's USA

Mia Wasilevich of Big Imagination Group, +1-310-204-6100, ext. 21,
mwasilevich@bigla.com, for Shakey's USA