PITTSBURGH, March 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation (Pink Sheets:UPZS), a Delaware Corporation, is pleased to announce that our first (of many) Texas UPZS Franchise has been opened in Austin. Under the leadership of Mark Ellison, this store is centrally located in the downtown Austin area. This is the first of 120 stores in Texas planned by Austin-based Unique Franchise Operations, LLC. Their new number is 866-684-7999.
After two (2) years of operations as UPZS, some significant positive changes have begun for Unique Pizza and Subs. 'Outsourcing' was evaluated when the task/activity was not part of the UPZS "core-value" (fresh product taste, quality and quantity, extensive and diverse menu, specialty items, differentiated packaging, and maximizing fresh ingredient usage and turns-ratio with minimal waste). Our corporate staff needed 'right-sizing,' and the use of a 'virtual office' became a much more cost-effective model vs. 'brick and mortar' we had used. We analyzed and re-evaluated business elements as they relate to: (a) profit & cost models, (b) product pricing, given the large industry cost increases; e.g., flour, cheese, utilities, minimum wages, gasoline, etc., (c) partnerships for national account presence, level of service, volume pricing advantages, standardization, etc., (d) elapsed time and cost of entry for 'new' start-up franchises (vs. conversions), and (e) marketing strategies; e.g., incentivized Customer Support Center, customer-centric account management focus, advertisement sharing and/or complimentary business partnering, etc.
In support of these business enhancements, we are announcing the following changes:
* The Customer Support Center (CSC) activities have been
outsourced and improved, to include: (a) pro-active 'outbound'
revenue generation for franchisees, (b) re-active 'inbound'
order management and (c) customer support and satisfaction
* Due to CSC outsourcing, HQ staff right-sizing, facilities
location/size and significant costs required for roof and
building repairs, we have begun transition of the HQ facilities
to the Monroeville, PA area, where we will be closer to our
Training Center and require significantly less facilities
space/cost
* We have changed voice and data communication providers due
to an opportunity for great cost and level of service advantages
and thus are in the process of 'porting' our 888-456-UPZS number to
the new supplier(s)
* The UPZS web site and future announcements will detail the
findings from our re-evaluations based on the analysis of the
aforesaid business elements
The Unique Pizza and Subs logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4762
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from those projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.