ATLANTA, June 16, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCEE), is extending its international reach with signed agreements at the end of 2002 and so far in 2003 to add more than 214 new restaurants in Mexico, China and Jamaica. The opening of new restaurants in these markets is already underway and is expected to continue over the next 10 years.
"We are very excited about opening new restaurants in Mexico, China and Jamaica," said Tony Pavese, Chief Operating Officer of Popeyes International. "These restaurants will be led by successful and experienced organizations that are highly committed to the growth of the Popeyes system. Their local market business-savvy is invaluable as they help Popeyes expand in these markets. We are very encouraged with the high level of interest Popeyes is receiving by major groups seeking to add Popeyes to their portfolio of businesses."
Grupo Proalimex S.A. DE C.V., led by Ricardo Garza, was originally awarded commitment rights to build 20 Popeyes restaurants in the northeastern states of Mexico. Grupo Proalimex opened its first three Popeyes restaurants in Monterrey within four months of signing its initial development agreement in mid-2002. After experiencing tremendous success with those restaurants, the franchise group expanded its territory and commitment and is now the developer of Popeyes restaurants for all of Mexico with plans to build a total of 150 restaurants over the next 10 years.
"We saw Popeyes as an excellent growth vehicle for our business because of its appealing menu and restaurant design," said Garza. "We take great pride in bringing people delicious Popeyes food with great service, but most of all in bringing employment opportunities to Mexico's workforce."
In addition to Mexico, Popeyes has also found success in China with the signing of a 54 restaurant commitment with MecBonn Chengdu Restaurant Management Co in 2002. Their first restaurant opened in Chengdu City in January. The company plans to expand their presence in Central China with at least two more restaurants this year. They currently operate an existing major hotel in Chengdu and are the first to open a Popeyes restaurant in the interior of China.
Popeyes' expansion in Jamaica is underway with a commitment made in the first quarter of 2003 from Restaurant Associates Cajun, Ltd. to build 10 restaurants. Two of these restaurants are expected to open this year, while the other eight are planned over the next four years.
"Jamaica is the start of the Popeyes Caribbean expansion strategy," said Russ Sumrall, Vice President of International Development for Popeyes. "Our concept has been very well received in the region and we look forward to having the great flavors of Popeyes become a convenience for our new Jamaican customers and tourists alike in the coming years."
The Popeyes restaurants in Mexico, China and Jamaica will serve the delicious Popeyes menu that features New Orleans-style Spicy and Classic Mild chicken as well as a line of side items that include Cajun rice, mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy and the brand's world-famous red beans & rice. In addition, the award-winning Popeyes Louisiana Legends(TM) product line is based on the "one-pot cooking" tradition of southern Louisiana and features gumbos, etouffees and stews.
Popeyes is looking for experienced multi-unit restaurateurs to develop areas throughout the world. For information about international franchising opportunities with Popeyes visit www.popeyesfranchising.com.
Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes has more than 1,744 locations as of May 18, 2003 in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 20 other countries and achieved 2001 worldwide sales of approximately $1.3 billion. Visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' website at www.popeyes.com.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 4,131 restaurants, bakeries and cafes as of May 18, 2003 in the United States, Puerto Rico and 32 foreign countries under the brand names Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, Church's Chicken(tm), 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 Enterprises(r) had system-wide sales of approximately $2.7 billion in 2002 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 completion of the pending sale of certain Seattle Coffee Company operations to Starbucks Corporation, the outcome of the ongoing audits and restatement of the our financial statements, 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 the 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.