A $10 Pizza Hut promotion that launched late last year in Dallas and went nationwide last month has helped the country’s largest pizza seller regain some of the sales it lost to lower-priced chains, the company’s president said Thursday.

After shoveling a small clump of dirt to launch construction of a new world headquarters, Scott Bergren said the company had a “much stronger start of the year than we had last year,” though he declined to offer specific numbers. Pizza Hut is part of Louisville-based Yum Brands Inc., which is publicly traded.

Bergren attributed the improvement in part to the company’s offer of “any pizza, any crust, any toppings” for $10. The program is advertised as a limited-time offer, but no end date has been announced.

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Guests nationwide are heading to their local CiCi’s Pizza in celebration of the company’s 25th Anniversary, which rolled back their buffet price to just $3.99, until February 28, 2010. The anniversary price is a way to thank CiCi’s loyal guests while providing an unbeatable deal for those unfamiliar to the hot and fresh endless buffet.

“We’re so thankful to all of our loyal guests, who are the reason we remain a strong brand and a successful franchise concept,” said Michael Shumsky, CEO of CiCi’s Pizza. “For the last 25 years, our guests have grown to know us as a brand that offers endless flavor, endless variety and endless value. We look forward to delivering our brand promise for another quarter of a century. I had a great time visiting with our guests and working with our team members this past weekend in celebration of this historic milestone.”

CiCi’s Pizza first opened as an independent restaurant in 1985 in Plano, Texas. From the very first location to their now 650 restaurants in 33 states, CiCi’s has built a reputation for offering guests a value-driven price point for the 24-footlong endless buffet of salad, pasta, pizza and desserts.

“It’s a great day at CiCi’s. We’re not looking to be good or better – we want to be the best as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. We will continue to WOW our guests with our exceptional service, impressive variety, and unbeatable value,” said Shumsky.

CiCi’s Pizza features 18 different kinds of pizza on the buffet including signature pies such as the Macaroni and Cheese, Thin Crust Italiano and the Mexican Ole. Men’s Health “Eat this, Not That” recently gave CiCi’s top marks for their salad bar and healthier pies, including the Zesty Vegetable, Alfredo and the Mexican-inspired Olé.

About CiCi’s Pizza

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary in 2010, CiCi’s Pizza is a family-oriented restaurant that consistently delivers endless flavor, endless variety and endless value with their hot and fresh buffet of pizza, pasta, salad and dessert. The CiCi’s team prides itself with doing whatever it takes to exceed expectations for food quality, great service, and a terrific family experience – all at a very affordable price. Our sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes and our hand-stretched dough are both made daily at every CiCi’s restaurant using the freshest ingredients. Since opening its first restaurant in Plano, Texas, in 1985, CiCi’s has grown to 650 restaurants in 33 states and offers over 18 varieties of pizza.

Industry professionals have taken notice of CiCi’s Pizza’s continuous growth and success. USA Today featured CiCi’s Pizza in the “Money” section positioning the brand as the value leader within the restaurant industry. In 2009, Restaurants & Institutions “Consumers’ Choice in Chains” recognized CiCi’s Pizza as a top pizza chain in America, as well as an honor in “Best in Value.” Nation’s Restaurant News has ranked CiCi’s number one for sales and unit growth in the pizza chain category for the past three years. In its recent 2009 ranking, Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise Top 500 issue, ranked CiCi’s Pizza as number one in the Italian restaurant industry category an honor the company also received in 2007. Men’s Health recently included CiCi’s Pizza in its list of America’s Healthiest Restaurants. StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s guide for entrepreneurs, ranked CiCi’s as one of the top 25 highest-performing brands in the nation and Franchise Today placed the company in the top 200 of all franchise concepts. For more information visit www.cicispizza.com.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPKI) today reported revenues and net income for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year 2009 ending January 3, 2010.

Highlights for the 14-week fourth quarter of 2009 relative to the 13-week fourth quarter of 2008 were as follows:

• Total revenues increased 3.8% to $167.8 million
• Full service comparable restaurant sales decreased 5.8%
• Net loss of $9.9 million, or negative $0.41 per diluted share, including the effects of the non-cash impairment write-down of 13 full service restaurants and the related tax benefits.
• Net income of $4.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, excluding the effects of the non-cash impairment write-down of 13 full service restaurants and the related tax benefits (please refer to the reconciliation table).

Highlights for the 53-week fiscal year 2009 relative to the 52-week fiscal year 2008 were as follows:

• Total revenues decreased 1.8% to $664.7 million
• Full service comparable restaurant sales decreased 6.6%
• Net income of $4.6 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, including the effects of the non-cash impairment write-down of 13 full service restaurants and the related tax benefits.
• Net income of $18.6 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, excluding the effects of the non-cash impairment write-down of 13 full service restaurants and the related tax benefits (please refer to reconciliation table).

Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, co-CEOs of California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., stated, “Despite sales challenges for new restaurants in the high unemployment states of California, Michigan and Florida, we were very pleased that our fourth quarter comparable sales and proforma earnings results were within our previously guided ranges. While the quarter benefited from easier comparisons, the year-over-year and sequential quarter improvements mark what we believe may be the first signs of a comp turnaround. Comparable sales improvements were widespread across our dine-in, take-out, and delivery channels, and we credit the turnaround to the successful launch of our wine, call center, and catering programs along with November’s new menu rollout. Looking towards 2010, we are cautiously optimistic that these programs and other new revenue initiatives such as our ‘Small Cravings Menu’ will continue to drive guest traffic and comparable sales.”

Rosenfield and Flax continued, “We were very proud to have been ranked the #1 ‘Most Recommended Casual Dining Chain’ in a recent independent marketing survey. This type of recognition adds to our confidence for future growth, not only with full service restaurants, but with our Kraft partnership, international and domestic franchising, and licensing. These businesses provide CPK with a unique model within the casual dining industry and the ability to balance our portfolio with higher margin revenue streams positions us to maximize financial performance and build shareholder value over time.”

Average weekly sales for the Company’s 196 full service restaurants were $57,949 in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $61,034 in the same quarter last year.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, one of the Company’s franchise partners opened the first California Pizza Kitchen in Cancun, which is the seventh location in Mexico.

The Company outlined its financial guidance for the first quarter of 2010 based on the following assumptions:

• Comparable restaurant sales between negative 3.0% and negative 4.0%
• Opening one international franchised full service restaurant
• Opening one domestic franchised restaurant
• Earnings estimated in the range of $0.05-$0.07 per diluted share

Additionally, the Company outlined guidance for fiscal 2010 based on the following assumptions:

• Comparable restaurant sales between negative 2% and 0%
• Opening eight new full service restaurants
• Opening eight international franchised full service restaurants
• Opening five domestic franchised restaurants
• Earnings estimated in the range of $0.68-$0.73 per diluted share

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., founded in 1985, is a leading casual dining chain. The Company’s full service restaurants feature an imaginative line of hearth-baked pizzas, including the original BBQ Chicken Pizza, and a broad selection of distinctive pastas, salads, soups, appetizers and sandwiches. The average guest check for 2009 was approximately $14.49. As of February 18, 2010 the company operates, licenses or franchises 252 locations, of which 205 are company-owned and 47 operate under franchise or license agreements. The Company also has a licensing agreement with Kraft Pizza Company which manufactures and distributes a line of California Pizza Kitchen premium frozen products. More information about California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. can be found on the Company’s website at www.cpk.com.

This release includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, statements concerning proposed new products or developments, statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, statements of belief and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “guidance” and similar words.

This release also includes non-GAAP earnings per diluted share information. This measure is not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that this non-GAAP information is useful as an additional means for investors to evaluate the Company’s operating performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial statements. This amount is not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the Company’s business and operations.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Our actual results may and will likely differ materially from the expectations referred to herein. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results, performance and financial condition are deteriorating economic conditions, revenue from third party licensees and franchisees, changing consumer preferences and demands, the success of new initiatives aimed at revenue growth, the continued availability of qualified employees and our management team, the maintenance of reasonable food and supply costs, our exposure to the California market and numerous other matters discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. California Pizza Kitchen undertakes no obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ:CPKI), home to the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, announced today a new franchise partnership with USC Hospitality, which operates 38 dining concepts on the University of Southern California’s two campuses. The CPK casual-fast location is scheduled to open in the new USC Ronald Tutor Campus Center Food Court in the third quarter of 2010.

Students at the University were surveyed about which restaurant concepts they most wanted in the new facility and California Pizza Kitchen topped the poll with an overwhelming 77 percent of the vote. More than 33,000 USC students will be able to order from a specialized selection of CPK’s most popular pizzas, pastas, salads and Panini sandwiches as they return for the Fall semester.

“Our unique and flavorful menu appeals to all ages and university students will enjoy having our innovative items on campus,” stated Rick Rosenfield, co-founder and co-CEO of California Pizza Kitchen. “The USC location will mark the third CPK opening on a university campus within one year. We look forward to building momentum as we further our growth in this segment,” added Larry Flax, co-founder and co-CEO of California Pizza Kitchen.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., founded in 1985, is a leading casual dining chain featuring an imaginative line of hearth-baked pizzas, including the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, and a broad selection of distinctive pastas, salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Of the chain’s 252 restaurants, 205 are company-owned and 47 operate under franchise or license agreements. CPK premium pizzas are also available to sports and entertainment fans at two Southern California venues, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and STAPLES Center. Also included in the company’s portfolio of concepts is LA Food Show Grill & Bar, which has locations in Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills, California. The company also has a licensing arrangement with Kraft Pizza Company, which manufactures and distributes a line of California Pizza Kitchen premium frozen products. California Pizza Kitchen was recently named “One of America’s Best 200 Small Companies” by Forbes Magazine, #1 Most Recommended Casual Dining Chain Restaurant by Zocalo Group and MARC Research and “Best Kids Menu in America” by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. For more details, visit www.cpk.com.

Domino’s Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, raised $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® during the 2009 Thanks and Giving^® campaign. This marks the largest single charitable donation in the history of Domino’s Pizza.  

“Domino’s Pizza stores across the country, along with our millions of customers, rallied to support this amazing cause and brought in double what was collected in 2008,” said Patrick Doyle, President of Domino’s Pizza. “I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone—our customers, team members and franchisees—who contributed during the campaign. Together we were able to raise public awareness and much needed dollars to support the lifesaving work at St. Jude.”

During the 2009 Thanks and Giving (Nov. 16-Dec. 31) campaign, Domino’s stores nationwide participated by asking for a dollar or more to be added to customer’s orders to help the kids of St. Jude.  With the combined support of Domino’s customers, stores, franchisees and the company contribution, $2 million was raised for St. Jude.

“We know it’s been a tough year, but cancer can’t wait for the economy to get better. That’s why St. Jude is so thankful we can count on Domino’s and its customers to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude through the Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Since no child is ever turned away due to a family’s inability to pay, support from partners like Domino’s was needed this year more than ever. And they continue to be a blessing to the children who have turned to us for hope and a chance for a healthy future.”

Below are some of the essential aspects of treatment for patients and their families that can be funded by the generous contributions made by consumers during Thanks and Giving:

• Intravenous chemotherapy treatment ($712 per day)
• Housing for a St. Jude family ($154 per night)
• Physical therapy ($332 per hour)
• Chest x-ray ($125 each)
• Oxygen therapy ($402 per day)

“In just over five years, Domino’s has raised $6.7 million to support the efforts of St. Jude,” Doyle said. “It is an organization that we are incredibly proud to support.” 

About Domino’s Pizza

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DPZ.” Through its primarily locally-owned and operated franchised system, Domino’s operates a network of 8,886 franchised and Company-owned stores in the United States and 60 international markets. The Domino’s Pizza^® brand, named a Megabrand by Advertising Age magazine, had global retail sales of over $5.5 billion in 2008, comprised of nearly $3.1 billion domestically and over $2.4 billion internationally. During the third quarter of 2009, the Domino’s Pizza^® brand had global retail sales of over $1.2 billion, comprised of over $672 million domestically and over $570 million internationally. Domino’s Pizza was named “Chain of the Year” by Pizza Today magazine, the leading publication of the pizza industry. In 2009, Domino’s ranked number one in customer satisfaction in a survey of consumers of the U.S. largest limited service restaurants, according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).  Domino’s has expanded its menu significantly since 2008 to include Oven Baked Sandwiches and BreadBowl Pasta, and kicked off 2010 with the debut of their ‘Inspired New Pizza’ – a permanent change to their core hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up with new sauce, cheese and garlic seasoned crust.

Twitter – http://twitter.com/dominos

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/Dominos

Order – www.dominos.com

Mobile – http://mobile.dominos.com

Info – www.dominosbiz.com

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

Golden Knights Pizza (http://www.goldenknightspizza.com) in Orlando, Florida is a local success story that can be appreciated anywhere in the USA today. The key to their fame is their Facebook fans and friends! After starting with Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GoldenKnightsPizza) and then linking in BigHoller Restaurant Online Ordering (http://www.BigHoller.com), Golden Knights Pizza was able to generate over 2,000 fans and 1,500 friends in their first sixty days. “It has been a boon for me using BigHoller and Facebook; a real plus for our store,” says Chas Warner, owner.

G.R. Homa, Operations Manager at BigHoller, shares Chas’ enthusiasm, “Golden Knights Pizza online sales continue to grow at a phenomenal rate and we love it every time we see this happen.”

Experts point out that times have been hard for the restaurant industry as of late as customers are becoming more and more rigid on food spending. “Truth be told, a large number of restaurant closings shouldn’t surprise anyone. In an industry that fights for single digit margins, economic change can bring a harsh reality,” states Jaime Oikle, Owner of Restaurant Report (http://www.RestaurantReport.com). “Successful restaurants are getting leaner, watching pennies and dollars more closely, and thinking smarter about operations,” adds Jaime.

Golden Knights has found a way to efficiently stretch their operation dollars with large returns. “I do the majority of our marketing free on Facebook, utilizing events and status updates,” claims Chas. His marketing strategy involves between 4 to 6 planned events per month and then directing friends and visitors to his online ordering. Chas also adds, “It is a smoother operation. We don’t have to have multiple phone lines ringing at the same time and we don’t have to stop what we are doing to answer them. This frees us up to be productive. I can see a day when we will be doing more than 40% of orders through BigHoller.”

Golden Knights Pizza is an Orlando, Florida-based Pizzeria specializing in great-tasting Pizza, Hot Wings, Chicken Tenders and Subs, in-store and on-line. They are located inside T.D.’s Sports Bar and only 1/2 mile off the UCF campus. Please visit http://www.goldenknightspizza.com or http://www.facebook.com/GoldenKnightsPizza.

Restaurant Report has established itself as a valuable resource for independent restaurateur. With hundreds of pages of content, the goal of Restaurant Report’s online site is to provide relevant information that supports the mission of its independent audience — delivering outstanding local dining experiences! For more information please visit http://www.restaurantreport.com.

BigHoller is an industry leader in online food ordering solutions utilized by single locations to international restaurant clients as Pita Pit, Buckhorn Grill, Planet Pizza, OrderSubway.com and Hooters Casino Hotel Las Vegas (http://hooterscasinowings2go.com). BigHoller touts user-friendly customer interfaces, robust back end menu databases, popular online ordering features and unsurpassed customer service. For more information, contact G.R. Homa at (888) Big-Holler (244-4655) or visit http://www.bigholler.com.

No pizza maestro worth his sauce will reveal his secrets.

Not even if he’s 9 and hoisting up his apron so he doesn’t trip on it.

“I’m going to have to know you better,” Johnny Di Palma says with a smile, as he sprinkles ingredients onto freshly tossed dough. “And if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.”

It’s a Wednesday evening and the third-grader is where he usually comes after school — Antico Pizza, the dream-come-true business established by his father, Giovanni Di Palma. The father/son duo moved from New York two years ago to start a unique pizza place, one that would reflect their family’s Italian roots. Four months ago, the restaurant on the west side of Atlanta, Georgia, opened its doors.

In the large open kitchen, where patrons crowd to eat over large metal worktables, Johnny is at home. He does his schoolwork — math is his favorite subject — in the restaurant office. But otherwise he’s working the crowd in his signature newsboy-style hat, tossing and stretching dough (a skill he began developing at age 4) and making grown women swoon.

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When students go off to college, one of the first places they look to find is a neighborhood pizza shop that reminds them of home. ARAMARK Higher Education, a world leader in providing professional services to more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America, is bringing the local pizza shop to campus with TOPIO’S, a new brand offering old-world style pizza that can be customized with modern flavors and spices.

TOPIO’S pizza is made using old-world techniques, including fresh pressed dough for thin crusts, organic tomatoes and a traditional blend of Mozzarella and Asiago cheeses. Slices can be customized with a variety of spice blends, including Smokin’ Hot, Cheesy Hot, Spicy Hot and traditional oregano. TOPIO’S menu features a “Daily Creation” pizza, and traditional favorites, such as cheese, pepperoni and veggie, along with stromboli and calzones.

“TOPIO’S was created based on extensive, proprietary research with ‘Gen-Yers’ around the country,” said Naala Royale, Vice President of Marketing, ARAMARK Higher Education. “Our customers want a pizza concept that stays true to old-world tradition in terms of great dough, sauce and cheese, but brings an element of new-world customization with the infusion of modern flavors and spices. After multiple tastings with students, TOPIO’S was the clear winner in terms of taste, value and the overall experience.”

The TOPIO’S brand is loosely based on a fictional family pizzeria that has pursued pizza perfection for generations. Sal Topio, current proprietor and son of the original owners, took over the business, and regularly updates his family’s old-world pizza tradition with modern twists. Customers and fans are invited to follow Sal on Facebook and experience his pizza making art: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=wall&ref=search&id=100000535266739.

TOPIO’S is now open at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and American International College in Springfield, MA, and will roll-out nationally to ARAMARK-managed campuses throughout 2010-2011. Each location will feature the character of a neighborhood pizzeria with modern influences, such as digital menu boards and lighting.

TOPIO’S is the fifth proprietary brand launched by ARAMARK Higher Education in the last four years, joining Burger Studio™, P.O.D. Provisions on Demand Market (convenience store), Zoca Fresh Mex to the Max! (Mexican), and Bleecker Street (bakery café).

ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America. For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine’s 2009 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company’s Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

Whether you are a modern day Casanova, a hopeless romantic or just love to flirt, your favorite pick up line may earn you more than just a smile or grimace this Valentine’s Day.

Pizza Hut is inviting consumers with silver tongues to share pick up lines – the best, the worst and the cheesiest – by tweeting @pizzahut for the chance to win a single order of HERSHEY’S® Chocolate Dunkers®, Pizza Hut’s chocolate-topped dessert sticks.  Even if you are more of the target for amateur Cupid remarks than the sugar lips dishing out sweet commentary, Pizza Hut would love to hear a line that won you over.

“Valentine’s Day is all about cheesy pick up lines,” said Pizza Hut Tweetologist Alexa Robinson. “As a southern girl, one of my favorites is, ‘Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only ten I see!’ I’m excited to see what other people send in.”

To help set the mood for sweet tweeting, @pizzahut has compiled some more favorites:

“Hope you know CPR because you take my breath away.”

“Did it hurt…When you fell from heaven?”

“You must be tired. You have been running through my dreams all night.”

“I have had a really bad day and it always makes me feel better to see a pretty girl smile. So, would you smile for me?

How to Enter

Sweet talkers and those who’ve heard every line in the book alike can enter by visiting http://twitter.com/PizzaHut. Participants are asked to tweet replies using the hashtag #iluvPH and directing tweets to @pizzahut. Submissions must be “G” rated and will be judged on originality and “sweetness” (see Official Rules at www.pizzahut.com/newsroom.aspx). The sweetest tweets will be selected by Tweetologist Alexa and the team at Pizza Hut.  Pizza Hut will accept entries February 11 – February 14, 2010. Winners will be notified by direct message on Twitter on or by February 15, 2010.

The Prize

100 sweet tweeters will win a free single order of HERSHEY’S® Chocolate Dunkers®, Pizza Hut’s chocolate-topped dessert sticks (in the form of a $5 Pizza Hut gift card).

Any dessert lover is sure to fall for Pizza Hut’s HERSHEY’S® Chocolate Dunkers®. HERSHEY’S® Chocolate Dunkers are freshly-baked, soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert sticks topped with white chocolate and HERSHEY’S® milk chocolate – served with rich chocolate dipping sauce!  The HERSHEY’S® trademark and trade dress are used under license.

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas and today operates more than 10,000 restaurants in over 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. ( YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

Love is in the air. What’s that other aroma? It’s pizza — heart-shaped pizza, that is, from Papa John’s.

From Thursday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 14, Papa John’s is offering a one-topping heart-shaped pizza on thin crust and a Cinnapie for only $14.99, or two heart-shaped thin crust pizzas with one topping for only $19.99.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, many couples are expected to dine out the Friday or Saturday night before and spend the holiday at home. That’s where Papa John’s heart-shaped pizzas can help sweethearts, as well as families, celebrate.

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spend time with the ones you love, while enjoying one of America’s favorite foods – pizza,” said Andrew Varga, Papa John’s chief marketing officer. “Our heart-shaped pizza started as a local promotion and so many customers asked for it, it has now grown into a national offering.”

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For nine of the last 10 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

The cover story in the March issue of “Every Day with Rachel Ray” magazine is devoted to the hunt for the best pizza in America. Ray enlisted the help of pizza bloggers Ed Levine and Adam Kuban, who run the website Slice and traveled 11,000 miles to find the perfect pizza. The results? Houston’s own Russo’s New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria is ranked one of the best pizzas in the United States.

Since the opening of the first coal-fired concept in spring 2008, Houston’s best pizza has generated local and national buzz. Russo’s New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria’s fame continues to spread like wild-fire. Owner, Anthony Russo couldn’t be prouder of his franchise’s success and the opportunity to represent Houston and the lone star state in the South-Southwest division of the ultimate pizza showdown.  

Pizza lovers appreciate the enhanced flavor that only comes from baking with coal.  offers a crisper, slightly charred crust that truly embraces the authenticity of New York style pizza. And the fresh toppings cook instantly in the heat. It’s no wonder Ray’s pizza experts fell in love at first taste!

The all-pizza-all-the-time bloggers started with 64 pizzerias from four regions in the country — West Coast, South-Southwest, East Coast and Midwest. Each pizzeria was graded on service, toppings and the interplay of crust, sauce and cheese.  See results of America’s Best Slice in the March issue of “Every Day with Rachel Ray.”

Russo’s New York Pizzeria is a casual dining restaurant offering fresh, simple and delicious Italian cuisine and brick-oven pizza. New York Pizzeria has over twenty six locations. Please find additional information at New York Pizzeria’s Web site at www.nypizzeria.com.

Domino’s Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, is spreading the love on Valentine’s Day with a one-day offer celebrating the recent success of Domino’s Online Ordering and mobile systems, which have reached a landmark milestone, bringing in $1 billion in online sales.

Domino’s Online Ordering was also a big player in last Sunday’s football game, taking in more than 160,000 orders on Domino’s biggest day of the year. Just before kickoff customers were logging on at a rate of more than 1,000 orders per minute.

To celebrate the billion-dollar achievement, Domino’s will be rewarding customers who order online February 14 by offering a FREE order of Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes to anyone who enters the promotional code “HUG” at checkout.

“We are thrilled with how our innovative online ordering system has been doing since day one, and we owe that success to our customers,” said Russell Weiner, Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s clear after $1 billion in sales online that consumers are taking full advantage of the convenience and efficiency of our online ordering process, and we want to thank them for that.”

To receive one FREE 2-piece order of Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes with an online purchase at Dominos.com customers must enter coupon code “HUG” into the coupon code field. This offer is valid with an online purchase, for delivery, at participating stores while supplies last.

Customers taking advantage of the offer will also be able to experience a new feature of the Domino’s online Pizza Tracker, which now offers much more than just the ability to follow the status of their pizza order.  Through a recent partnership with Games That Give, customers can play online games such as Brick Breaking, Mini Golf and many more — with charitable proceeds from Domino’s going to the United Way. 

“Valentine’s Day should be a day full of warm and fuzzy feelings,” said Weiner. “We see it as a great time to say thanks to our many fans of Domino’s Online Ordering.”

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DPZ.” Through its primarily locally-owned and operated franchised system, Domino’s operates a network of 8,886 franchised and Company-owned stores in the United States and 60 international markets. The Domino’s Pizza® brand, named a Megabrand by Advertising Age magazine, had global retail sales of over $5.5 billion in 2008, comprised of nearly $3.1 billion domestically and over $2.4 billion internationally. During the third quarter of 2009, the Domino’s Pizza® brand had global retail sales of over $1.2 billion, comprised of over $672 million domestically and over $570 million internationally. Domino’s Pizza was named “Chain of the Year” by Pizza Today magazine, the leading publication of the pizza industry. In 2009, Domino’s ranked number one in customer satisfaction in a survey of consumers of the U.S. largest limited service restaurants, according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).  Domino’s has expanded its menu significantly since 2008 to include Oven Baked Sandwiches and BreadBowl Pasta, and kicked off 2010 with the debut of their ‘Inspired New Pizza’ – a permanent change to their core hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up with new sauce, cheese and garlic seasoned crust.

While the economy has caused most in the restaurant industry to hunker down, if not contract, Shakey’s USA, the iconic 56-year old pizza chain, is bucking the trend, creating two new management positions to help navigate the brand’s growth. Joining the Shakey’s team are Jake LaJoie, Chief Financial Officer and Craig Hopkins, Sr. Vice President, Corporate and Franchise Development.

Mr. LaJoie brings to Shakey’s more than a decade of private equity, investment banking and corporate finance experience. He is responsible for over $200 million in equity investments and $15 billion in M&A and corporate finance transactions over the course of his career. At Shakey’s, LaJoie’s duties include the management of the annual operating plan, budgeting, development and sales forecasts, and analysis of potential acquisitions. He will also supervise the accounting, payroll, IT and supply chain management functions.

Prior to joining Shakey’s, LaJoie was a VP with Argonne Capital Group, a middle market private equity firm based in Atlanta. While at Argonne, LaJoie acquired FMS, Management Systems, Inc., the only licensee in the IHOP system operating 145 restaurants in the state of Florida with over $200 million in system-wide sales. He also sourced and led the acquisition of Stevi B’s Pizza, a rapidly growing, 30-unit restaurant concept with over $30 million in system-wide sales.

“I’m absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to help continue the growth of a company with such a rich and storied history,” said LaJoie. “Working alongside a world class management team and board, not to mention a sophisticated investor base, is a CFO’s dream come true.”

Also, a seasoned franchise professional and restaurateur, Craig Hopkins brings to Shakey’s a franchise development and real estate pedigree of international scope, reflecting a who’s who of brands, including Arby’s, Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Popeye’s and Church’s Chicken, Baja Fresh and La Salsa, to name a few. Over the course of his career, he is credited with the cultivation, growth and expansion of more than 1,000 retail units.

At Shakey’s, Hopkins will be responsible for franchise administration and sales, as well as supervising the design and construction of new stores. His duties also include overseeing the facilities teams to ensure they achieve corporate objectives of growth and expansion.

“I am very excited to be part of the future at Shakey’s,” enthused Hopkins. “Our new design model has effectively captured Shakey’s iconic American heritage, while delivering a modern, entertainment-oriented experience for everybody to enjoy. The opportunity for growth is unlimited.”

Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson opened the first Shakey’s Pizza Parlor(r) in a remodeled grocery store on 57th and J Street in Sacramento, California in 1954. Originally established as “ye public house” for pizza & beer, Johnson indulged his passion for Dixieland jazz and added live ragtime music to mix, featuring banjos and player pianos throughout his rapidly expanding franchise. As the concept caught on, the Shakey’s name became synonymous with The World’s Greatest Pizza(r) along with light-hearted slogans such as “You’ll have fun at Shakey’s, also pizza,” and “You can feed your face at any old place, but you can warm your heart at Shakey’s.” Since that time, Shakey’s has been a pop-culture staple referenced in countless television shows, films and even by Bob Hope during an Academy Awards broadcast. And its most famous employee, actor Billy Bob Thornton, continues to share his Shakey’s memories in every interview he gives. http://www.shakeys.com

Pizza Inn, Inc. today reported net income of $0.4 million, or $0.05 per share, for the fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2009, versus net income of $0.1 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. Total revenue for the second fiscal quarter of 2010 declined to $10.4 million from $11.3 million in the same period of fiscal 2009.

Highlights for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 included:

• Sales from Company-owned restaurants increased 34%, or $0.2 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to the opening of a new buffet location in Ft. Worth, Texas in September, 2009.
• Comparable domestic buffet restaurant sales decreased 6.3% for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.
• Chain-wide comparable domestic restaurant sales decreased 7.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.
• Franchise revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was relatively flat to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year at $1.0 million despite the decline in same store sales due to the recognition of franchise fees from six new international openings during the current fiscal quarter compared to one new opening in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.
• For the second consecutive fiscal quarter, there was positive net restaurant growth.
• Subsequent to quarter end, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement with Amegy National Bank that provides for a $2.0 million revolving facility and a $1.0 million term loan facility that provides growth capital for new company-owned restaurant expansion. The Company terminated the previous credit facility with CIT.

Charlie Morrison, President and CEO, commented, “Very few companies are exempt from pressures felt in the current economic environment. However, we remain encouraged by the positive net growth in the number of restaurants in the chain year-to-date and expect more openings in the coming months that will continue that trend. At the end of the second quarter, we have a pipeline of over 100 signed development agreements for new restaurants to be opened in both domestic and international markets over the coming years which we believe will further this developing trend of positive unit count growth.”

Certain statements in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Assumptions relating to these forward-looking statements involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, regulatory framework and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond Pizza Inn’s control. Although the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are believed to be reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in these forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation that Pizza Inn’s objectives and plans will be achieved.

Pizza Inn, Inc. (www.pizzainn.com) is an owner, franchisor and supplier of a system of restaurants operating domestically and internationally under the trademark “Pizza Inn.” The Company and its distribution division, Norco Restaurant Services Company, are headquartered in The Colony, Texas.

For most multiunit pizza operations, media relations are a regular part of business. From limited time offers to earnings reports to damage control, how these milestone events are portrayed in the press largely determines how a brand is perceived by the public. 

What, then, does “no comment” say about a company?
 
According to many media experts and a growing number of restaurant executives, nothing good. Especially in this age of unbridled social media chatter and even more so since Domino’s recent campaign has shown how responsiveness resonates with reporters – and consumers.
 
Domino’s is particularly pertinent here because vice president of communications Tim McIntyre is known by the media as one of the most open and responsive PR representatives in the industry. McIntyre said that’s simply part of the company’s corporate culture.
 
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Whoever said you can’t have too much of a good thing was right. That’s why after selling more than 750,000 pizzas on Super Bowl Sunday, Papa John’s is offering America another tasty deal – three free toppings on any large cheese pizza for only $9, February 8-10.

The offer is the result of Papa John’s “Toppings for Touchdowns” promotion, announced last week, promising that for every touchdown scored by the winning team in Super Bowl XLIV, customers would receive a free topping on a Papa John’s large cheese pizza for only $9, for the three days following The Big Game. Since three touchdowns were scored by New Orleans in its Super Bowl XLIV victory, that adds up to three free toppings!

As predicted, Super Bowl Sunday is on track to be Papa John’s busiest day of 2010, the company’s first year as Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL and proud sponsor of Super Bowl XLIV.

Papa John’s also appeared for the first time in the Super Bowl telecast, with a 30-second enhancement which aired near the two minute warning of the first half. The integration, produced by NFL Films, featured Papa John’s Founder John Schnatter making pizza deliveries to fans and people behind the scenes who make the game great. For more information about Papa John’s and to order pizza online, visit www.papajohns.com.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For nine of the last 10 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment, ranked first among pizza companies in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

Good at participating restaurants only. Customer pays applicable sales tax. Delivery charges may apply.

Grown children who have moved away from the Fenton area come back to “Johnny’s” for their favorite Italian dishes — and to visit the owner, Delio Barletta.

That’s how strong the memories are for loyal customers of John’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, now celebrating its 45th year as a dining destination in Fenton.

“We love the community of Fenton and appreciate our loyal customers who have supported us all these years,” said Barletta, whose thick Italian accent is as authentic as the Italian dishes he and his daughter, Sandy Zdenek, dish out at Johnny’s, seven days a week.

Zdenek will be taking over the restaurant for her father someday, but for now, they’re a father-daughter duo enjoying life at the helm of their family-owned-and-operated restaurant.

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Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Domino’s Pizza sent out a press release this week – timed coincidentally for Superbowl Sunday – claiming that an “independent, blind taste test of nearly 1,800 random pizza consumers” proves their new recipe is better than those of their main competitors: Papa John’s and Pizza Hut.

That’s good news for American pizza lovers, but don’t expect to be able to find the new, improved menu items in Canadian Domino’s restaurants this Superbowl weekend.

“The new pizza is in the US only right now,” said a spokesman Friday. “Not sure of any other plans [...] I don’t have any info on what’s happening in Canada.”

Dominos faced a torrent of criticism when USA Today published the results of a national pizza taste survey that ranked Domino’s behind every other pizza restaurant but Chuck E. Cheese.

That pushed the company to recently launch a campaign called “Oh Yes We Did,” in which executives admitted focus groups had lambasted their product as being “like cardboard,” “worst excuse for pizza I’ve ever had” and “totally devoid of flavour.”

“The cardboard complaint is the most common one we hear,” said Lozen in an ad for the campaign.

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California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., home of the original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, announced today their new Small Cravings menu. Small Cravings deliver the big innovative flavors CPK is known for, but in smaller portions, inviting guests to explore the many tastes the restaurant offers. Whether guests choose to combine a Small Craving with their CPK favorite or have a few as a meal, Small Cravings has a little something for everyone.

CPK’s Small Cravings range in price from $4-$7 and include:

• Asparagus & Arugula Salad Fresh arugula, asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes tossed in a homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette, topped with toasted almonds and shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Crispy white meat chicken lightly fried and tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce. Served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
• Sweet Corn Tamale Ravioli Ravioli filled with poblano peppers and cheese, tossed in a roasted pepper cream sauce with fresh sweet corn and fresh cilantro.
• Crispy Artichoke Hearts Artichoke hearts lightly fried with Japanese panko bread crumbs, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Served with a homemade remoulade sauce.
• Mediterranean Plate Tuscan white bean hummus, Feta cheese topped with extra virgin olive oil and a Greek Salad with cucumbers, red onions, fresh Roma tomatoes and Greek olives in a homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette. Served with traditional pizza-pita bread.
• The Wedge Salad Crisp iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing, applewood smoked bacon, chopped egg and fresh diced Roma tomatoes.
• White Corn Guacamole & Chips Fresh avocado, sweet white corn, black beans, jicama, green onions, red bell pepper, cilantro and Serrano peppers served with blue & white corn tortilla chips.

To complement the Small Cravings, CPK is also offering Wine Cravings. The new Wine Cravings menu features wines from the recently launched wine list and will be poured as half glasses, most for under $5. The wine list is comprised of high quality distinctive wines hand-picked by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, co-founders and co-CEOs of California Pizza Kitchen.

“With the new Small Cravings menu we are offering the innovative and bold flavors we are known for, but in smaller portions,” said Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. “We are encouraging guests to explore the many tastes of CPK, one small plate at a time.”

CPK’s new Small Cravings are available to guests who dine-in, order online at cpk.com, place a take-out order or use CPK’s Curbside Service.

No matter who wins Super Bowl XLIV, there’s something all fans can rally behind this Sunday: touchdowns, lots and lots of touchdowns. That’s because Papa John’s, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowl XLIV, will make consumers winners, too.

Here’s how it works: For every touchdown scored by the winning team in Super Bowl XLIV, customers will receive a free topping on a Papa John’s large cheese pizza for only $9, for the three days following The Big Game (Feb. 8-10). Three touchdowns, three toppings. Seven touchdowns, SEVEN toppings!

“For 25 years, we’ve kept the same recipe of fresh never frozen dough for our original hand-tossed pizzas, fresh-packed tomato sauce, cheese made from 100% mozzarella and superior-quality toppings,” said Papa John’s founder and chief executive officer, John Schnatter. “We believe better ingredients make a better pizza, and our customers tell us they can taste the difference. We hope for a high scoring game so all of our customers win, with lots of better ingredients at an unbelievably low price.”

Papa John’s “Toppings for Touchdowns” has scored big among football fans in a number of NFL markets this season, including Indianapolis, Baltimore, Dallas and Phoenix. Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, February 7, marks the first time “Toppings for Touchdowns” will be offered at Papa John’s throughout the country.

From now through Super Bowl XLIV, Papa John’s will have exclusive offers and deals available at www.papajohns.com, including its Super XL IV Pizza – an extra-large pizza with up to four toppings for only $11.99, and its 1^st and 10 Offer – any large pizza for only $10.

Papa John’s has already announced plans of a :30 second enhancement to air during the telecast of Super Bowl XLIV. The integration through NFL Films includes company Founder John Schnatter making surprise deliveries to people behind the scenes who make the game great.

In addition, Papa John’s is supporting a cause-related effort around The Big Game called the “Papa John’s Take It to the House Super Bowl Challenge:”

• If either team “takes it to the house” by returning the opening kickoff of the first or second half for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV, Papa John’s will donate $1 million to Habitat for Humanity.
• Even if the challenge is not met, Papa John’s will donate $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity.

Consumers can help increase the challenge donation by signing up as Papa John’s Facebook fans. If Papa John’s surpasses one million fans on Facebook (currently 765,000+) by kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV, the company will double its donation to Habitat for Humanity: $2 million if a player achieves the Take It to the House Challenge; $100,000 if not.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For nine of the last 10 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment, ranked first among pizza companies in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.