SEATTLE, June 24, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- What does a summer holiday in Italy taste like? Sophisticated, mysterious, romantic, thrilling and exquisite. Announcing the return of the iced confections known as Gelato and Sorbetto to the cafes of Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee. From now through the long, hot summer, Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee, LLC, a subsidiary of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE), will offer a tastebud-tempting array of gelati and sorbetti at its Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee cafes to cool the palate on a sunny afternoon. A brand-new taste sensation is also now available, Affogato, which combines Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee's exceptional espresso poured over Gelato.
And what exactly IS gelato? Well, calling it Italian ice cream is only the beginning. Lower in fat and sugar than traditional American ice cream, gelato is a centuries-old dessert treat that's characterized by intense flavors and a smooth, dense quality. Sorbetto, made with real fruit, shares the same qualities as gelato except that it is completely fat-free and is water-based.
A treat this elegant deserves special presentation. In the cafes of Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee, Gelato, Sorbetto and Affogato will be served in hand-painted Deruta dessert cups and Gelato spoons. To go, colorful plastic cups and spoons will be offered to add a festive flair.
All 21 Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee locations (except Rainier Square in Seattle) will offer these summer treats, in such flavors as chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla Gelato, and lemon and raspberry Sorbetto. To ensure freshness, availability of flavors may vary based on seasonality.
About Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee
Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee cafes are distinguished by the artisan approach to fine coffee through their roasting, blending, preparation and service methods, all of which bring to life the elegant ambience of the Italian cafe. Each cafe offers freshly prepared panini sandwiches, pastries, classic Italian espresso drinks and gelato.
With its unique roasting style, mirroring the roasting preferences of the various regions of Italy, Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee has established itself as an ultra premium name in specialty coffee. Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee's products are served in a collection of fine restaurants, resorts, hotels and gourmet grocers, including, The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, the Culinary Institute Association, and Domaine Chandon in the Napa Valley region. Recently, Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee was named the "Official Coffee" of the San Francisco Opera due to the company's classic coffees and strong support of the arts.
Seattle Coffee Company, a subsidiary of AFC Enterprises, Inc., franchises and operates 21 Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee cafes and 169 Seattle's Best Coffee(r) (www.seattlesbest.com) cafes in eight countries. The company has more than 7,200 wholesale points of distribution, including grocery, restaurants, foodservice locations, airlines and hotels. All of the company's coffee beans are roasted at facilities on Vashon Island, Washington. Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee is part of Seattle Coffee Company, a subsidiary of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE). As part of the AFC Enterprises portfolio of brands, Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee will be launching a franchising effort later this year. Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee can be found on the Internet at www.titalia.com or by dialing (800) 827-2333.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE) is the franchisor and operator of more than 3,896 restaurants, bakeries and cafes in the United States, Puerto Rico, and 30 other countries under the brand names Church's Chicken(tm), Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, Cinnabon(r), Seattle's Best Coffee(r), and Torrefazione Italia(r) Coffee. AFC's primary objective is to be the world's Franchisor of Choice(r) by offering investment opportunities in highly recognizable brands and exceptional franchisee support systems and services. AFC had system-wide sales of approximately $2.6 billion in 2001 and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.afce.com.
Forward-Looking Statement. Certain statements in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of AFC or its brands are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are the cost and availability of our principal food products, labor shortages or increased labor costs, our ability to franchise new units and expand our brands, our and our franchisees' ability to successfully operate existing units and open new units, changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends, competition, general economic, political and regulatory conditions and the risk factors detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001 and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, since those statements speak only as of the date they are made.