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, today announced the opening of its first restaurant in India. Opened by CPK franchise partner JSMGGC India Pvt. Ltd., a joint-venture between Mumbai-based JSM Corporation and Dubai-based Gourmet Gulf Company, it is located in the upscale Bandra Kula Complex (BKC) district of Mumbai.

BKC is a growing commercial district which hosts a variety of corporations and points of interest such as the American Embassy, NSE, Citibank and two of India’s top schools: The American School and the Dhirubai Ambani School.

The new CPK restaurant is located on the ground floor of one of the many BKC commercial complexes, Maker Maxity, which hosts numerous businesses including Reliance Industries, one of the largest companies in India, UBS, Volkswagen, Audi and Dow Jones.

The 4,000 square-foot restaurant seats approximately 180 people, including additional seating available on the covered outdoor patio. Tastefully decorated with warm colors and rich textures, the restaurant will open Monday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The open-exhibition kitchen takes center stage where guests can watch as all of the innovative creations are prepared. The menu will include a variety of items from the popular Thai Chicken Pizza and Waldorf Chicken Salad to the Kung Pao Spaghetti and Avocado Egg Rolls. The new restaurant will also feature an extensive beverage menu from its full bar, including the CPK Ultimate Margarita and other signature favorites such as the Original Recipe Mojitos and Martinis.

In the Northeastern United States where locally owned pizza shops are abundant, Little Caesars Pizza has been growing with its unique business model and operating system. Little Caesars’ concept offers menu items such as pizza and Crazy Bread® at a great price that are ready when the customers walk in without the need to wait or call ahead. Franchisees who own Little Caesars restaurants in the Northeast feel confident that local customers appreciate the quality, value and convenience offered by the international pizza brand.

Little Caesars franchisee Gabi Bazzi relocated from the Detroit area to open his restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island. “Having been a franchisee with a sandwich shop for seven years, I understand the quick service restaurant industry and I saw huge potential for Little Caesars to expand in this part of the country,” he said.

Bazzi has opened two Little Caesars Pizza restaurants in Rhode Island in the last year and plans to open several more.

“Little Caesars provides high-quality products and unmatched convenience for a great price.  Our customers agree, and have named us the ‘Best Value in America’* for three years running. Value never goes out of style,” he said.

Tom and Pam Ernst left their real estate careers in Tennessee four years ago to become Little Caesars franchisees in the Portland, Maine area. The Ernsts watched the company closely and were impressed to see the brand grow from regional to international.

“We’ve been self-employed since 1978 and have a good understanding of what it takes to make a business successful,” Tom said. “Yet, we weren’t experts in the pizza business. That’s where Little Caesars has an advantage. They’ve been in business for more than 50 years and have fine-tuned the business model. They’ve identified what works, and share that template with franchisees.”  

Clif D’Mello started his career with another quick service restaurant chain in Newark, Del. Within three years, he learned the ropes and was later promoted to district leader where he overlooked the operations of three franchisee-owned stores. After working with the franchisee, he realized that he could become his own boss.  He chose Little Caesars because of the proven franchise system.

“Little Caesars’ operating model is straightforward, it makes sense, and it works,” D’Mello said. “I didn’t have to develop a new business formula from scratch and worry that it wouldn’t work.”

D’Mello also liked the growth opportunity offered by Little Caesars and has expanded his business into Pennsylvania.  ”In an area that is home to many small pizza chains, there is a big opportunity to grow a brand like Little Caesars Pizza that has strong consumer recognition. Customers are loyal to our HOT-N-READY® products, and our Crazy Bread® has an amazing following.”

Little Caesars Vice President of Franchise Development Bob Mazziotti VP Franchise Development adds, “Like a lot of ‘mom and pop’ pizza shops, Little Caesars is a family-owned business, but our franchisees benefit from the economies of scale and support of the larger company. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Domino’s Pizza has announced that it named Michael Lawton as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Lawton, 51, is an 11-year veteran of Domino’s Pizza, and has a proven track record as the head of its highly successful international business. Lawton succeeds Wendy A. Beck, who has accepted a position as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Lines, in Miami, Florida. Beck will remain at Domino’s through a transition period, working with Lawton.

J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We wish Wendy the very best in her new position, as she embarks on new challenges, and thank her for her many contributions to Domino’s. We are most fortunate to have Mike Lawton fully prepared to succeed in the important position of CFO. Mike has done an outstanding job of growing our international business, and getting it to a point of both critical mass and ongoing success. Mike is not only a proven general manager, but highly qualified as a financial expert for a public company — a powerful combination for a great CFO and business partner.”

Lawton joined Domino’s in 1999 as head of finance for the Company’s international division. He was named Executive Vice President of International in October 2004. Under his leadership, the division has driven a retail sales compounded annual growth rate of 12%, and has added over 1,100 stores in both existing and new markets around the world. For 13 years prior to Domino’s, Lawton was with Gerber Products Company, serving as Gerber’s corporate controller, vice president of international finance, senior vice president and chief operator officer of its U.S. operations, and president of its Alima division in Poland. Lawton began his career as a certified public accountant for Ernst & Young. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. He resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife, Janet, and their two sons.

Lawton commented on his new position: “I am very excited to take on the role as the Chief Financial Officer of Domino’s Pizza; and I feel great about the strength of the international business and its well-seasoned team. I look forward to continuing to work with them in my new capacity.”

The Company plans to conduct a thorough search for the position of Executive Vice President of International. Management stated that it expects there to be great interest by a number of highly-qualified candidates, given Domino’s attractive international track record, strong global brand recognition and outstanding growth potential.

Pizza Hut® and If I Can Dream® join to offer one winner $10,000 to fulfill dream

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Starting today, Pizza Hut® is joining with the break-through online-based If I Can Dream, which opens up and democratizes the Hollywood Dream, to give one lucky person $10,000 make their dream come true. Through September 25, Pizza Hut customers can watch the aspiring artists of the If I Can Dream cast pursue their dreams and then, in the spirit of the platform which puts the power in the hands of a global audience on an unprecedented scale, they can enter for a chance to fulfill their own.

To receive an entry code for the “Ultimate Dream Give Away,” order a Pepsi beverage with your meal at www.pizzahut.com (free alternate entry available)*.  Visit http://dream.pizzahut.com to enter the code and find out instantly if you have won. Winners will be greeted by an exclusive video message from an If I Can Dream cast member announcing their prize.  In addition to the grand prize of $10,000, Pizza Hut also will be giving away Pizza Hut pizza for one year and thousands of Pizza Hut gift cards.

“If I Can Dream is an innovative new way for customers to enjoy original programming online,” said Tressie Lieberman, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. “We are excited to work with them to bring one person’s dream to life.”

Created by the visionary force behind American Idol, Simon Fuller, If I Can Dream is designed to pull back the curtain and reveal the truth behind what it takes to “make it” in Hollywood. The platform invites the world to follow young aspiring artists as they pursue their dreams while living together in a house in the Hollywood Hills which gives viewers ultimate access as their every move is streamed live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on www.ificandream.com. Viewers also have full access to the artists through MySpace, Twitter and Facebook in real-time. If I Can Dream is the first original series on Hulu.com and expands the boundaries of mainstream entertainment and empowers a new generation of entertainment fans to decide who has what it takes and who should have the opportunity to be become a star.

Visit the http://dream.pizzahut.com site or the Pizza Hut Facebook Page to watch episodes and exclusive video clips from the If I Can Dream house and cast. Pizza Hut will be delivering the cast’s favorite Pizza Hut pizza, pasta and wings to the house and holding a special Twitter chat with Pizza Hut Tweetologist Alexa Robinson during the partnership.

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at facebook.com/pizzahut and twitter.com/pizzahut.

*No purchase is necessary to participate. To receive a free alternate entry see Official Rules posted online at http://dream.pizzahut.com.

About Pizza Hut

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 nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

Sbarro, Inc. has announced results of operations for the second quarter and six months ended June 27, 2010. The Company’s detailed results are included in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which was filed with the SEC on August 11, 2010.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Revenues were $76.1 million for the quarter ended June 27, 2010 as compared to revenues of $80.1 million for the quarter ended June 28, 2009. The decrease in sales is due to a decrease in comparable-unit sales of $4.5 million or 6.2% in our QSR restaurants and lost sales from stores strategically closed of $1.4 million, partially offset by sales generated by new stores opened, remodeled or relocated in 2010 and 2009 of $1.9 million. Domestic franchise restaurants performed better than company-owned restaurants with a comparable-unit sales decline of 0.9%, mainly due to shifts in the university semesters as compared to the prior year. The decrease in company-owned and domestic franchise comparable-unit sales primarily reflects continued reduced consumer spending throughout the United States as a result of the current economic environment. Without consideration for foreign currency fluctuations, international franchise comparable-unit sales increased 4.1%. The valuation of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies added an additional 3.9% increase in international franchise comparable-unit sales.

EBITDA, as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Company’s bank credit agreements, was $6.3 million for the quarter ended June 27, 2010 as compared to $8.2 million for the quarter ended June 28, 2009. The decline was primarily the result of the decline in company-owned comparable-unit sales and an increase in commodity costs during the quarter, specifically cheese, partially offset by payroll and other cost savings initiatives.

As discussed in Exhibit A, EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is an important metric for us to report to our investors, as we consider it a helpful additional indicator of our ability to meet future debt obligations and to comply with certain covenants in our borrowing agreements which are tied to this metric. Exhibit A includes a reconciliation of EBITDA to net loss, which is the most directly comparable financial measure under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Exhibit A also identifies adjustments to EBITDA that are provided for under the Company’s bank credit agreements.

Year to Date Financial Results

Revenues were $155.1 million for the six months ended June 27, 2010 as compared to revenues of $159.7 million for the six months ended June 28, 2009. The decrease in sales is due to a decrease in comparable-unit sales of $5.4 million or 3.7% in our QSR restaurants and lost sales from stores strategically closed of $3.6 million, partially offset by sales generated by new stores opened, remodeled or relocated in 2010 and 2009 of $3.9 million. Domestic franchise comparable-unit sales declined 3.0%. The decrease in company-owned and domestic franchise comparable-unit sales primarily reflects continued reduced consumer spending throughout the United States as a result of the current economic environment. Without consideration for foreign currency fluctuations, international franchise comparable-unit sales increased 5.8%. The valuation of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies added an additional 7.0% increase in international franchise comparable-unit sales.

EBITDA, as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Company’s bank credit agreements, was $14.3 million for the six months ended June 27, 2010 as compared to $17.3 million for the six months ended June 28, 2009. The decline was primarily the result of the decline in company-owned comparable-unit sales and an increase in commodity costs, specifically cheese, partially offset by cost savings initiatives.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Company’s bank credit agreement at June 27, 2010.

Nicholas McGrane, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Sbarro, Inc. commented, “Our results for the second quarter of 2010 continued to be impacted by the general economic slowdown still present in our operating environment. We are focusing on top line performance to strengthen results in the months ahead while continuing to balance our cost control initiatives.”

Conference Call Scheduled

Sbarro, Inc. will host a conference call on August 19, 2010 at 9:30 AM Eastern Time to discuss results of operations for the second quarter and six months ended June 27, 2010. There are two ways to participate in the conference call-via conference call or webcast. Domestic callers may dial in at 1-877-941-8601. International callers may dial in at 1-480-629-9810. Request to be connected to the Sbarro, Inc. Q2 Fiscal 2010 Earnings Conference Call, confirmation number 4349740. Callers should dial in five to ten minutes before the scheduled start time. You may also access the conference call via webcast by visiting Sbarro Inc.’s website (http://www.sbarro.com), selecting Investors, and going to Investor Presentations.

An archived copy of the call will be available for one week to replay beginning at 12:30 PM (ET) on August 19, 2010. Domestic callers may dial 1-877-870-5176 and International callers may dial 1-858-384-5517. The replay PIN number is 4349740. An archived copy of the call will also be available by accessing Sbarro, Inc.’s homepage.

About the Company

Based in Melville, New York, we are the world’s leading Italian quick service restaurant concept and the largest shopping mall-focused restaurant concept in the world. We have more than 1,000 restaurants in 41 countries. Sbarro restaurants feature a menu of popular Italian food, including pizza, a selection of pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, sandwiches, drinks and desserts. Additional information is available at http://www.sbarro.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” as such term is used in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements about non-historical matters and often are identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements about anticipated future store openings and growth and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, achievements or transactions of Sbarro and its affiliates to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or transactions expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: (1) general economic, inflation, national security, weather and business conditions; (2) decrease in mall traffic, and other events arising from the downturn in the economy; (3) the availability of suitable restaurant sites in appropriate regional shopping malls and other locations on reasonable rental terms; (4) changes in consumer tastes; (5) changes in population and traffic patterns, including the effects that military action and terrorism or other events may have on the willingness of consumers to frequent malls, airports or downtown areas which are the predominant areas in which our restaurants are located; (6) our ability to continue to attract franchisees; (7) the success of our present, and any future, joint ventures and other expansion opportunities; (8) changes in commodity and commodity related prices (particularly cheese and flour), beverage and paper products; (9) our ability to pass along cost increases to our customers; (10) increases in the Federal minimum wage; (11) the continuity of services of members of our senior management team; (12) our ability to attract and retain competent restaurant and executive managerial personnel; (13) competition; (14) the level of, and our ability to comply with, government regulations; (15) our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to make interest payments under our borrowing agreements; (16) our ability to comply with financial covenants and ratios and the effects the restrictions imposed by those financial covenants and ratios may have on our ability to operate our business; (17) our ability to repurchase and/or repay amounts under our borrowing agreements to the extent required in the event of certain circumstances as defined in our borrowing agreements; and (18) other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.

[Financial schedules to follow]

Our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies, since all companies do not calculate this non-GAAP measure in the same manner. Our EBITDA calculations are not intended to represent cash provided by (used in) operating activities since they do not include interest and taxes and changes in operating assets and liabilities, nor are they intended to represent a net increase in cash since they do not include cash provided by (used in) investing and financing activities. The calculation of EBITDA under our bank credit agreements and under the indenture governing our Senior Notes may differ, because of differences in the definitions contained in those two documents. We provide a calculation of EBITDA under our bank credit agreements because we are required to satisfy a quarterly financial measurement that uses EBITDA as a compliance metric. Our indenture does not include a similar quarterly compliance covenant.

The following tables reconcile net loss attributable to Sbarro, Inc. for the following periods in 2010 and 2009, respectively, to EBITDA as defined in the Company’s bank credit agreements for the same periods. We believe that net loss is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA. All amounts below are in thousands.

Noble Roman’s, Inc., the Indianapolis based franchisor of Noble Roman’s Pizza and Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs, has announced results for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010. Net income was $374,673 or $.02 per share basic and diluted, on weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 19.4 million and diluted weighted average shares of 20.0 million. This compares to net income of $415,234 for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, or $.02 per share basic and diluted, on weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 19.4 million, and diluted weighted average shares of 19.9 million. Total revenues for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010 were $1.8 million compared to total revenues of $1.9 million for the comparable period in 2009.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, the company reported a net income of $726,339, or $.04 per share basic and diluted, on weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 19.4 million and diluted weighted average shares of 20.0 million. This compares to net income of $831,995 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, or $.04 per share basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 19.4 million and diluted weighted average shares of 19.9 million. Total revenues for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 were $3.6 million compared to $3.8 million for the corresponding period in 2009. The company’s pre-tax income for the six-month period was $1,202,748 compared to $1,377,704 for the corresponding period in 2009.

Total revenue decreased from $1.9 million to $1.8 million and from $3.8 million to $3.6 million for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 compared to the corresponding periods in 2009. One-time fees, franchisee fees and equipment commissions increased from $57,338 to $83,408 and from $141,961 to $207,092 for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 compared to the corresponding periods in 2009. Ongoing royalties and fees decreased from $1,682,483 to $1,595,367 and from $3,357,473 to $3,107,339 for the quarterly and six-month periods in 2010 compared to 2009. Of this decrease, $92,156 and $194,539 resulted from fewer traditional units being in operation during the three-month and six-month periods in 2010, and $63,334 and $168,619 resulted from a decrease in ongoing royalties and fees from non-traditional units other than grocery stores. These were partially offset by an increase in ongoing royalties and fees from the grocery store take-n-bake additions in the amount of $68,384 and $113,024 for the three-month and six-month periods in 2010. 

The company recently developed a take-n-bake version of its pizza as an addition to its menu offerings. The take-n-bake pizza is designed as an add-on component for new and existing convenience store franchisees and as a stand-alone offering for grocery store chains. The company started offering take-n-bake pizza to grocery store chains in September 2009.

As of June 30, 2010, the company had signed agreements for 190 grocery store locations to operate the take-n-bake pizza program, 166 of which were open at that time. As of August 6, 2010, the company had signed agreements for 234 grocery store locations to operate the take-n-bake pizza program, 180 of which were open at that time. The company anticipates opening almost all of the remaining 54 locations within the next 30 days. Many of the grocery store chains that have signed agreements for certain of their grocery store locations to operate the take-n-bake pizza program have indicated their intent to enter into agreements for the remainder of their grocery stores. The company expects to sign several additional units with existing chains and is also in discussions with several other grocery store chains. 

The company also recently signed an agreement with a grocery distribution company which services approximately 1,700 grocery stores in the western United States. This agreement provides for the grocery distributor to stock the company’s proprietary products for distribution to their customers and promote the company’s take-n-bake program to all of their 1,700 customers. The take-n-bake program has been integrated into the operations of many of the company’s existing convenience store franchises, which has generated significant add-on sales, and is now being offered to all franchise prospects for convenience stores. The company uses the same high quality pizza ingredients for its take-n-bake product as with its standard pizza, with slight modification to portioning for increased home baking performance.

Lack of access to capital in today’s economic environment by many small to medium sized businesses, which make up the larger base of the company’s pool of franchise prospects for its non-traditional franchise program, has slowed the company’s rate of growth in these venues. To address these conditions, the company recently redesigned its layout and equipment specifications for convenience stores to lower their investment to approximately $15,000 down from the old design of $30,000 without decreasing the revenue potential of the concept. The company believes that this lower investment cost, in today’s environment, will substantially increase the growth rate in convenience stores resulting in additional royalty and fee income.

The company also recently began bidding on military base locations through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and has been awarded four contracts and has outstanding bids on several Army/Air Force bases. When awarded a contract, the company locates a franchisee and assigns the contract. The company has already signed franchise agreements for the Keesler Air Force Base and the Tinker Air Force Base and those units are under construction and expected to open in September.

The company is a Defendant in a lawsuit styled Kari Heyser, Fred Eric Heyser and Meck Enterprises, LLC, et al v. Noble Roman’s, Inc. et al, filed in Superior Court in Hamilton County, Indiana on June 19, 2008 (Cause No. 29D01 0806 PL 739). The Plaintiffs in the case originally were Kari and Fred Heyser and Meck Enterprises, LLC, Shawn and Jamie White and Casual Concepts of Texas, LLC, Afifa Abdelmalek and St. Markorios Corporation, Robert and Kathleen Hopkins and Withmere Restaurants, LLC, John and Mariann Dunn and D & G Restaurant, LLC, Jason Clark and Nican Enterprises, LLC, Thomas A. Brintle and Noble Roman’s Mt. Airy 100, LLC, Marikate and Paul Morris and Kapza, Inc., Kim Neal and Mopan Commerce, Inc., and Collett Eugene Harrington and Sazzip, LLC. Plaintiffs Marikate and Paul Morris and Kapza, Inc. have withdrawn their claims against the company. The Judge found the Villasenor Plaintiffs in a Contempt of Court Order and dismissed with prejudice the claims filed by Plaintiffs Henry and Brenda Villasenor and H&B Villasenor Investments, Inc. against the company and the company’s officers that were named in this action. The Defendants originally were the company, Paul W. Mobley, A. Scott Mobley, Troy Branson, Mitch Grunat, CIT Small Business Lending Corporation and PNC Bank. The Court has dismissed the claims against CIT Small Business Lending Corporation and PNC Bank. 

The Plaintiffs are former franchisees of the company’s traditional location venue. In addition to the company, the Defendants include certain of the company’s officers. The Plaintiffs allege that the Defendants induced them to purchase traditional franchises through fraudulent representations and omissions of material facts regarding the franchises, and seek compensatory and punitive damages. In the Complaint, the Plaintiffs claimed damages in the aggregate in the amount of $6.8 million and in some cases requested punitive damages, court costs and/or prejudgment interest. Discovery was completed July 19, 2010 and the Judge has denied Plaintiffs’ request for an extension of the discovery deadlines. To date, all of the remaining Plaintiffs have been deposed except Soltero Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs’ counsel withdrew representation of Soltero Plaintiffs and counsel for Defendants has been unable to locate the Soltero Plaintiffs.

The company filed a Counter-Claim for Damages against all of the Plaintiffs and moved to obtain Preliminary and Permanent Injunctions against a majority of the Plaintiffs to remedy the Plaintiffs’ continuing breaches of the applicable franchise agreements. The company’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction was granted in October 2008. The company has asserted that none of the preliminarily enjoined Plaintiffs fully complied with the Court’s Order and that several of them only minimally complied. Accordingly, the company filed a Motion to Require Full Compliance and To Show Cause why they should not be held in contempt and for attorney’s fees as sanctions. The Court granted the company’s Motion ordering Plaintiffs to fully comply with the preliminary injunction order.

The company filed a Motion to Revoke the Temporary Admission Pro Hac Vice of David M. Duree, Plaintiffs’ former counsel, for filing fraudulent affidavits with the Court. The Court granted this motion in March 2009. In the same ruling the Court: continued the Motion to Show Cause to allow parties time to conduct discovery, including depositions on the preliminarily enjoined Plaintiffs, on that issue; granted preliminary injunctions against Plaintiffs Gomes and Villasenor; dismissed claims against CIT Small Business Lending Corporation and PNC Bank with prejudice; and struck the fraudulent affidavits. New counsel for Plaintiffs entered his appearance in the case on behalf of the Plaintiffs in May 2009. 

The company also filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment as to several claims in the Complaint, which the Court granted in September, 2009. In October, 2009 Plaintiffs filed a Motion to Correct Error, Reconsider and Vacate Order; Request for Clarification; Alternatively, Motion for Certification of Appeal of Interlocutory Order and for Stay of Proceeding Pending Appeal. In January, 2010, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ Motion and in the same Order the Court denied Plaintiffs’ Motion for Certification of Appeal of Interlocutory Order and for Stay of Proceedings Pending Appeal. The Court also denied Plaintiffs’ request to amend their Complaint. In February, 2010, counsel for the Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the Indiana Court of Appeals and subsequently filed their Brief of Appellants. Defendants’ Counsel filed a Brief of Appellees in opposition to the appeal, both for lack of jurisdiction and also on the merits. The Plaintiffs did not file a Reply Brief. Briefing is completed and the parties are now awaiting a decision from the Indiana Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals has not scheduled an oral argument for this appeal.   

Defendants have all been deposed by Plaintiffs’ counsel. Defendants have filed Motions for Summary Judgment as to all of the Plaintiffs as a result of their deposition testimony. Through various extensions, the Court has now set a deadline of August 12, 2010 for Plaintiffs to file their responses to Defendants’ Motions for Summary Judgment against all remaining Plaintiffs and has ruled that Plaintiffs cannot request any further extensions of time in this respect. Pursuant to the Court’s mandate, Defendants will have 14 days after Plaintiffs file their response briefs to file any Reply Briefs in support of Defendants’ summary judgment motions. Once summary judgment briefing has concluded, the Court will set a hearing on the Motions for Summary Judgment upon the parties’ request, or issue a ruling on the briefs.

The Defendants’ counterclaims against all of the original Plaintiffs are still pending. The counterclaims are not affected by the withdrawal of Plaintiffs Marikate Morris, Paul Morris and Kapza, Inc., or by the dismissal of the claims by Henry Villasenor, Brenda Villasenor and H&B Villasenor Investments, Inc. and thus remain viable. 

Although there can be no assurance regarding the outcome of litigation, the company believes that it has strong and meritorious legal and factual defenses to these claims, viable counter claims against the Plaintiffs and will vigorously defend its interests in this case.

The statements contained above in this press release concerning the company’s future revenues, profitability, financial resources, market demand and product development are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to the company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the company, as well as assumptions and estimates made by and information currently available to the company’s management. The company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the company’s operations and business environment, including, but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, the current litigation with certain former traditional franchisees, shifts in market demand, general economic conditions and other factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand for the company’s products or franchises, the success or failure of individual franchisees, the impact of competitors’ actions and changes in prices or supplies of food ingredients and labor as well as the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2009. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.

Uno Chicago Grill will celebrate the grand re-opening of its Warwick Commons location on Wednesday, August 11, after historic floods devastated the area this past March.  To show its support for this hard-hit community, UNO will offer a 10 percent discount on all entrees for the first month, now through September 12.  

“With more than 10,000 homes in Rhode Island suffering damage, 240 companies closing, and almost 4,900 people losing their jobs, the magnitude of this flood is just horrific.  Many businesses in the area are still closed.  We feel fortunate that we are able to open at this time, and we want to do a little something extra to show support for the community that has supported us for the past twenty-four years,” said UNO President and CEO Frank Guidara.

UNO is among the first retail locations to re-emerge after driving rains and overflowing rivers caused it to shut down.  ”The damage was extreme,” said Duncan Chan, managing partner, UNO and resident of Cranston.  ”We had to gut the restaurant down to the studs and rebuild, but we’re coming back better, and greener, than ever!”

The result is a brand-new UNO that is the first location to incorporate the latest elements of the brand’s new “way deeper” look and feel.  Among the changes will be a completely redesigned space with a Wood Stone™ oven, featuring a terracotta brick interior, that will bake UNO’s thin-crust pizzas made with an all-natural, hand-formed crust available in a choice of traditional or five grain.  

Guests will also be able to enjoy a spacious new lounge area featuring a huge Matrix flat screen TV, which is perfect for game nights (as well as any other night!).  Food lovers will truly enjoy the new open-view kitchen that lets diners watch the chefs prepare UNO’s signature deep dish pizzas, along with a variety of exciting new dishes.  

The lounge and dining room each have a “networking nook,” which is an intimate dining space with a private television.  Guests can watch the game or whatever they might enjoy on the television, or can plug a laptop directly into it via a USB port for business presentations or slide shows of the latest family vacation.  In addition, the restaurant will provide wireless Internet for guest use.

The new UNO is also the company’s “greenest” restaurant yet.  In addition to using low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, the new restaurant features compact fluorescent and LED lighting which is significantly more energy efficient.  The building now has an on-demand water heating system (which is 90 percent more efficient than a tank-based system), hands-free restrooms, dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals, which are estimated to save 40,000 gallons of water per year.  

Materials used include recycled and refurbished wood tables and recycled flooring materials.  The new bar is made from American-grown mahogany, and the new pizza ovens run on 30 percent less gas; all resulting in a lower carbon footprint for the restaurant.

The new look and menu items are among a series of changes UNO is incorporating as part of an overall strategy to evolve as the world evolves.

“Our brand has a strong presence in New England, and we felt it was particularly important to maintain and enhance our location in Warwick,” said Guidara.  ”Rebuilding this restaurant and being among the first to recreate jobs, 112 to be exact, in this hard-hit area is very important to us.  It illustrates UNO’s commitment to the local community, as well as our desire to work side-by-side with our neighbors to rebuild and set a path for future growth and development.”

About UNO

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes 161 company-owned and franchised restaurants located in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Company also operates a fast casual concept called Uno Due Go, a quick service concept called Uno Express and a consumer packaged foods business which supplies airlines, movie theatres, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and Uno branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

Domino’s Pizza is once again delivering in unexpected ways, giving Facebook users the power to choose the company’s next “Extreme Delivery.” Now through August 30, customers have a chance to vote on what they think is the most extreme method to deliver a Domino’s Pizza.

“Domino’s has made many unique and surprising moves in the last year, reconnecting with our consumers and fans in new ways,” said Chris Brandon, Domino’s Pizza spokesperson. “This is really an extension of just that – and our most recent way of answering the question ‘Did Domino’s really do that?’ with a resounding ‘Oh Yes We Did!’”

Facebook users who visit www.facebook.com/dominos can vote on one of the following extreme delivery options:

• The first weightless pizza delivery in a zero gravity airplane
• A high-wire delivery by daredevil Jade Kindar-Martin
• Dan “SpiderDan” Goodwin climbing the Campanile Tower at The Venetian® Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas
• Hitting terminal velocity with a skydiving delivery
• Plunging to earth with BASE jumpers at Bridge Day 2010

Those who log onto Facebook to vote can also enter to win a $1,000 Domino’s Pizza gift card. To enter and see official rules and details of the contest, visit www.facebook.com/dominos.  Domino’s will execute the delivery that is crowned “Most Extreme” later this year.

Consumers can visit the extreme delivery poll directly at http://bit.ly/dpz_Xtreme.

Last year, Domino’s delivered Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes to tourists enjoying the breathtaking views at Mount St. Helens. Because no Domino’s store delivered to the spot, Domino’s hired a helicopter to make it a truly extreme delivery. Domino’s fans can view video of this feat at http://bit.ly/dpz_lava.

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. & DC, 18 years and older.  Void in AK, HI and where prohibited.  Sweepstakes begins on 8/9/10 and ends 8/30/10. To Enter and for Official Rules and complete details, visit http://www.facebook.com/dominos.  

Consumers can learn more about The Venetian® Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas at www.venetian.com.

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 9,097 franchised and Company-owned stores in the United States and over 60 international markets. The Domino’s Pizza® brand, named a Megabrand by Advertising Age magazine, had global retail sales of over $5.6 billion in 2009, comprised of nearly $3.1 billion domestically and over $2.5 billion internationally. During the second quarter of 2010, the Domino’s Pizza® brand had global retail sales of nearly $1.4 billion, comprised of approximately $755 million domestically and over $645 million internationally. In June 2010, Pizza Today, the leading publication of the pizza industry, named Domino’s its “Chain of the Year” – making the company a two-time winner of the honor, which they previously received in 2003. Domino’s has expanded its menu significantly since 2008 to include Oven Baked Sandwiches and BreadBowl Pasta(TM), and in 2009 debuted its ‘Inspired New Pizza’ – a permanent change to its core hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up with new sauce, cheese and garlic seasoned crust.

Order – www.dominos.com

Mobile – http://mobile.dominos.com

Info – www.dominosbiz.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/dominos

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

Today, Pizza Hut is announcing a promotion with location-based service foursquare, becoming one of the first pizza chains to launch a national promotion with foursquare in the United States.  The promotion rewards the “Mayor” of each restaurant with a free single order of breadsticks with the purchase of a large pizza.  

The deal begins tomorrow and is currently planned to run through the end of the year.  The “Mayor” of each Pizza Hut location on foursquare must show on their phone that they are the “Mayor” in order to receive the special.  This offer is only valid for Dine-in and Carry Out orders placed at the restaurant.  The “Mayor” special can only be redeemed once a day at each participating location, and there can only be one “Mayor” per restaurant per day.

“Through past experience, we’ve learned that our customers are spending a considerable amount of time using social media and mobile tools, increasingly incorporating them into their daily lives,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut.  ”We see this promotion with foursquare as a win-win situation – loyal, digital-savvy customers will be able to take advantage of a fun promo, while we hope to see a bump in repeat traffic from Mayors looking to take advantage of this offer.”  

“We love to see QSRs using the foursquare platform to reward loyal patrons and bring in new customers,” said Tristan Walker, Director of Business Development for foursquare. “We’re very excited that Pizza Hut will be reaching out to their customers through foursquare on such a large scale.”

Over the past decade, Pizza Hut has surprised and delighted fans by continuing to expand their menu of digital offerings, emerging as a leader in the digital space.  In October 2008, Pizza Hut launched a Facebook ordering application, where customers could place orders without leaving the Facebook interface, and last July, Pizza Hut became the first national restaurant chain to launch an iPhone ordering app, an award-winning service that led to approximately $1 million in sales in three months.  

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at facebook.com/pizzahut and twitter.com/pizzahut.  And “Mayors,” we’ll see you at Pizza Hut!

About Pizza Hut

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 nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

About foursquare 

Founded in 2009, foursquare creates mobile phone applications that are designed to make cities easier to use and more interesting to explore. Foursquare combines friend finder functionality, social city guide elements, and game mechanics to reward people for seeking out new experiences. Visit http://foursquare.com for more information.

NPC International, Inc. (the “Company”), today reported results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2010.

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Comparable store sales increased 10.4% rolling over a decrease of -12.6% last year.
• Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $14.1MM was $7.8MM or 125% greater than last year.
• Adjusted EBITDA (reconciliation attached) of $25.7MM was comparable with last year.
• Net income of $5.1MM was $1.8MM or 53% greater than last year.
• Cash balances increased to $26.8MM from $12.7MM last quarter and debt remained unchanged.

YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Comparable store sales from continuing operations increased 10.3% rolling over a decrease of -8.8% last year.
• Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $41.4MM was $16.4MM or 66% greater than last year.
• Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (reconciliation attached) of $58.1MM increased by $2.6MM or 5% from last year.
• Income from continuing operations of $14.6MM was $5.2MM or 55% greater than last year.
• Debt has been reduced by $31.3MM and cash balances have increased by $12.1MM from last fiscal year end.
• Our leverage ratio declined to 4.11X Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in our Credit Agreement, from 4.51X at last fiscal year end, compared to our existing maximum leverage covenant of 4.75X. Including the benefit of excess cash balances of $22.8MM, our leverage ratio would have improved to 3.88X.

The Company’s second quarter financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are set forth in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2010 which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

NPC’s President and CEO Jim Schwartz said, “We maintained the exceptional sales momentum that we experienced in the first quarter this year with comparable store sales growth of 10.4% during our second quarter on the strength of our $10 Any Pizza promotion.

This promotion has resonated strongly with the consumer due in large part to the clarity of the message and the great value that it delivers to the consumer on their favorite abundantly topped Pizza Hut pizzas.

Our operators did an excellent job of controlling the business this quarter while confronting significant traffic increases and higher food costs associated with the lower selling price that accompanies the $10 Any Pizza promotion. The results of these efforts are reflected in lower labor costs versus last year, despite the July 2009 minimum wage increase, and excellent cost controls in the other restaurant operating expense category.

We are pleased to report that our free cash flow generation has remained strong during the first half of fiscal 2010 at $41.4MM, an increase of $16.4MM or 66% over last year. As a result, we have increased our cash balances by over $12 million from last fiscal year end while reducing debt by $31.3 million and improving our leverage ratio from 4.51X to 4.11X. Including the benefit of our excess cash balances our leverage position at the end of the second quarter would have been 3.88X.

The pizza segment has led the restaurant category in terms of category share of traffic growth as the consumer has found great value in the pizza segment. One of our on-going challenges will be balancing our value proposition with our cost structure, in a way that drives value and enhances profitability. However, we are pleased with the results to date and we look forward to sharing our progress with you as fiscal 2010 plays out.”

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION:

The Company’s second quarter earnings conference call will be held Monday, August 9, 2010 at 9:30 am CDT. You can access this call by dialing 866-510-0712. The international number is 617-597-5380. The access code for the call is 72484555.

Go to www.npcinternational.com and click on the Thomson Financial logo in the investor information section or go to www.earnings.com.

For those unable to participate live, a replay of the call will be available until August 16, 2010 by dialing 888-286-8010 or by dialing international at 617-801-6888. The access code for the replay is 92746130.

A replay of the call will also be available at the Company’s website at www.npcinternational.com.

NPC International, Inc. is the world’s largest Pizza Hut franchisee and currently operates 1,143 Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery units in 28 states.

For more complete information regarding the Company’s financial position and results of operations, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s quarterly financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, incorporated into the Company’s Form 10-Q which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained in this news release that do not relate to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding our plans and expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. NPC’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including lower than anticipated consumer discretionary spending; continued deterioration in general economic conditions; competition in the quick service restaurant market; adverse changes in food, labor and other costs; price inflation or deflation; and other factors. These risks and other risks are described in NPC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including NPC’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings may be obtained by contacting NPC. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are made as of the date hereof. NPC does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

⁽¹⁾ The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated net income plus interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, facility impairment charges and pre-opening expenses. The Company has substantial interest expense relating to the financing of the acquisition of us in 2006 and substantial depreciation and amortization expense relating to the acquisition of us in 2006 and to our acquisition of units in recent years. Management believes the elimination of these items, as well as taxes, pre-opening and other expenses and facility impairment charges give investors useful information to compare the performance of our core operations over different periods. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, the Company’s financial information reported under generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, may not be similar to EBITDA measures of other companies. The Company has included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors a helpful measure for comparing the Company’s operating performance with the performance of other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates.

⁽²⁾ The Company defines Free Cash Flow as cash flows from operations less capital expenditures. Management believes that the free cash flow measure is important to investors to provide a measure of how much cash flow is available, after current changes in working capital and acquisition of property and equipment, to be used for working capital needs or for strategic opportunities, including servicing debt, making acquisitions, and making investments in the business. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures.

⁽³⁾ Equivalent units represent the number of units open at the beginning of a given period, adjusted for units opened, closed, acquired or sold during the period on a weighted average basis.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the appointment of Tom Sterrett to Senior Vice President, International. Sterrett will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s international operations, consisting of more than 700 restaurants in 28 countries.

Sterrett has been with Papa John’s for more than 15 years serving in a variety of operations roles, most recently as Papa John’s Division Vice President for the South division since 2008 where he helped lead the division to record sales and profits.

“Tom is an extremely talented operator, with tremendous operations experience, and we are pleased to have him lead our growing international business,” said Jude Thompson, Papa John’s president and co-CEO. “Tom knows what it takes to run successful Papa John’s restaurants, markets and franchises. With a very solid international leadership and support team already in place, I am confident that our international business will thrive under his leadership.”

From 2007 to 2008, Sterrett was Papa John’s Division Vice President for the Midwest, Papa John’s largest division, and from 2005 to 2007, served as Operations Vice President for the Midwest. Prior to his time with Papa John’s, Sterrett spent 11 years in Domino’s system, both as an employee and a franchisee.

“As our international business continues to gain momentum, our goal is to consistently make and deliver the same quality pizza around the world as we do in the US,” said Thompson. “Tom has done an outstanding job on the domestic side of our business, and has proven he is committed to profitable sales and growth. I look forward to working with him as he replicates our domestic success in markets throughout the world.”

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s is the world’s third largest pizza company. For ten of the last eleven 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 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.

CEC Entertainment, Inc. has announced the appointment of Tiffany B. Kice to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective August 16, 2010.

Tiffany Kice, a Certified Public Accountant, has over 22 years of accounting and retail experience, including spending the past 14 years in public accounting with KPMG LLP where she has served as an Audit Partner since 2006. During her tenure at KPMG, Ms. Kice performed financial statement audits, audits of internal controls, and other related services for several large public companies, including a significant number of multi-location companies in the restaurant and retail industries.

CEC Entertainment, Inc. President and CEO Michael H. Magusiak said, “The Board and I are pleased that we have been able to attract a CFO candidate with Tiffany’s qualifications and believe her extensive experience across several consumer-related industries will benefit the Company and its shareholders in the years ahead. Tiffany brings with her a deep understanding of accounting matters, management experience and executive leadership that represent a tremendous asset for CEC.”

Ms. Kice stated that “CEC is one of the most recognized and successful brand names in the industry and I am honored to be joining this organization as CFO. I see this as a tremendous opportunity and I am excited to be joining a company with such a long history of success in serving families with young children. I look forward to being a part of CEC’s executive leadership team and working to ensure its future growth.”

About CEC Entertainment, Inc.

Celebrating over 30 years of success as a place Where a Kid can be a Kid(R), CEC Entertainment, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment. Chuck E. Cheese’s stores feature musical and comic entertainment by robotic and animated characters, arcade-style and skill oriented games, video games, rides and other activities intended to appeal to families with children between the ages of two and 12 and offers a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, a salad bar and desserts. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of 546 Chuck E. Cheese’s stores located in 48 states (excluding Wyoming and Vermont) and six foreign countries or territories. Currently, 500 locations in the United States and Canada are owned and operated by the Company. For more information, see the Company’s website at www.chuckecheese.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Statements that are not historical in nature, and which may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “project,” “estimate” and similar expressions (or the negative of such expressions) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and, therefore, involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ from those anticipated, estimated or expected.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in consumer discretionary spending and general economic conditions;
• Disruptions in the financial markets affecting the availability and cost of credit and our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage;
• Our ability to successfully implement our business development strategies;
• Costs incurred in connection with our business development strategies;
• Competition in both the restaurant and entertainment industries;
• Loss of certain key personnel;
• Increases in food, labor and other operating costs;
• Changes in consumers’ health, nutrition and dietary preferences;
• Negative publicity concerning food quality, health, safety and other issues;
• Continued existence or occurrence of certain public health issues;
• Disruption of our commodity distribution system;
• Our dependence on a few global providers for the procurement of games and rides;
• Adverse affects of local conditions, events and natural disasters;
• Fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations due to seasonality;
• Conditions in foreign markets;
• Risks in connection with owning and leasing real estate;
• Our ability to adequately protect our trademarks or other proprietary rights;
• Government regulations, litigation, product liability claims and product recalls;
• Disruptions of our information technology systems;
• Application of and changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and
• Failure to establish, maintain and apply adequate internal control over financial reporting.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements were made. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances after the date on which the statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended July 4, 2010. Total quarterly revenues decreased 2.1% to $181.0 million during the second quarter of 2010 from total quarterly revenues of $184.8 million in the second quarter of 2009. Second quarter 2010 comparable store sales on a same calendar week basis (comparing weeks 14 through 26 of fiscal year 2010 to weeks 15 through 27 of fiscal year 2009) decreased 2.2%.

Net earnings for the second quarter ended July 4, 2010, were $4.8 million compared to net earnings of $9.0 million in the second quarter of 2009. Diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.22 for the second quarter of 2010, compared to $0.39 in the second quarter of 2009. A tax adjustment was recorded during the second quarter of 2010 that unfavorably impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.13. Diluted earnings per share between the two quarters was impacted by the Company’s repurchase of approximately 2.7 million shares of its common stock since the beginning of the second quarter of 2009.

For the first six months of 2010, total revenues decreased 1.3% to $427.3 million compared to total revenues of $432.9 million in the first six months of 2009. Comparable store sales for the first six months of 2010 on a same calendar week basis (comparing weeks 1 through 26 of fiscal year 2010 to weeks 2 through 27 of fiscal year 2009) decreased 0.5%. Total reported revenues for the first six months of 2010 were impacted by one additional operating week in the Company’s 2009 fiscal year which caused the seasonally strong first week of the 2010 calendar year to shift into the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 instead of in the first fiscal quarter of 2010.

Net earnings for the first six months of 2010 were $38.6 million compared to net earnings of $43.0 million in the first six months of 2009. Diluted earnings per share decreased to $1.77 for the first six months of 2010, compared to $1.86 in the first six months of 2009, and was impacted by the $0.13 tax adjustment recorded during the second quarter of 2010. Diluted earnings per share between the two periods was also impacted by the Company’s repurchase of approximately 2.7 million shares of its common stock since the beginning of the first quarter of 2009.

Michael Magusiak, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated that, “I am very disappointed with the 2.2% decrease in same week comparable store sales during the second quarter. I believe there were a number of factors that accounted for our weak sales performance, including the reduction of discounts in many of our coupon offers, an economic slowdown in June, and very strong box office receipts for kids’ and family movies. Certain coupon strategies have already been modified in July. In addition, on July 17, we began airing a national television commercial featuring a $9.99 summer special large cheese pizza. I believe that the modification of some of these sales strategies in July has contributed to a same week comparable sales increase of 2.1% during the first four weeks of the third quarter.”

Magusiak further stated, “Considering the current economic environment with unemployment rates near 10%, I remain cautious about our sales outlook. However, despite my disappointment in the second quarter, we have a solid strategic plan and a business that continues to generate significant free cash flow. We intend to execute our sales and growth strategies, including the enhancement of our coupon offers, and expect positive comparable store sales in the second half of 2010.”

Business Outlook:

Based on its current estimates, the Company is projecting fiscal year 2010 diluted earnings per share to be in a range of $2.52 to $2.62. This guidance incorporates the following assumptions:

• comparable store sales for the last six months of the year, on a calendar week basis, flat to up 2.0%;
• eight additional Company-owned stores, including two franchise acquisitions, during the last six months of the year;
• average cheddar block prices in a range of $1.57 to $1.65 per pound for the second half of 2010;
• fiscal year 2010 depreciation and rent expense will grow 4% and 3%, respectively;
• fiscal year 2010 advertising expense as a percentage of total revenue will decrease approximately 0.2 percentage points;
• effective tax rate of approximately 38.0% for the second half of 2010;
• total fiscal year 2010 capital expenditures will range from $100.0 million to $103.0 million;
• intent to repurchase Company common stock on an opportunistic basis.

Second Quarter 2010 Conference Call:

The Company will host a conference call Thursday, August 5, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time to discuss its second quarter 2010 financial results and outlook for the 2010 fiscal year. A live webcast of the call (listen only) can be accessed through the Company’s website, www.chuckecheese.com. Shortly after its conclusion, a replay of the call will be available on the website through Friday, September 24, 2010.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

The Company reports and discusses its operating results using financial measures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). From time to time in the course of financial presentations, earnings conference calls or otherwise, the Company may disclose certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Free Cash Flow and diluted earnings per share excluding the benefit of the extra week in fiscal year 2009. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this earnings release should not be viewed as alternatives or substitutes for the Company’s reported GAAP results.

The Company believes that Free Cash Flow provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the amount of cash generated by the business that, after the acquisition of property and equipment, can be used for other strategic opportunities, including servicing debt, funding additional capital expenditures and making investments in the business. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Free Cash Flow is set forth in a table accompanying this release. Free Cash Flow as defined herein may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

The Company believes that presenting fiscal year 2009 diluted earnings per share excluding the estimated benefit of the extra week provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the Company’s year-over-year results and projected growth. The Company believes that an understanding of the impact of the 53^rd operating week in fiscal 2009 on diluted earnings per share provides a more meaningful understanding of the Company’s performance because the periods being compared consist of a different number of weeks. A reconciliation of reported diluted earnings per share to diluted earnings per share excluding the estimated impact of the 53^rd week is set forth in a table accompanying this release.

The Company believes that presenting estimated diluted earnings per share for the full fiscal year 2010 excluding the impact of second quarter 2010 unfavorable tax charges provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the Company’s year-over-year results and projected growth. The Company believes that an understanding of the impact of the second quarter 2010 unfavorable tax charges on estimated diluted earnings per share for the full fiscal year 2010 provides a more meaningful understanding of the Company’s performance because the impact of this matter may be considered an isolated occurrence. A reconciliation of estimated diluted earnings per share for the full fiscal year 2010 to estimated diluted earnings per share for the full fiscal year 2010 excluding the impact of second quarter 2010 unfavorable tax charges is set forth in a table accompanying this release.

About CEC Entertainment, Inc.

Celebrating over 30 years of success as a place Where a Kid can be a Kid®, CEC Entertainment, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment. Chuck E. Cheese’s stores feature musical and comic entertainment by robotic and animated characters, arcade-style and skill oriented games, video games, rides and other activities intended to appeal to families with children between the ages of two and 12 and offers a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, a salad bar and desserts. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of 546 Chuck E. Cheese’s stores located in 48 states (excluding Wyoming and Vermont) and six foreign countries or territories. Currently, 500 locations in the United States and Canada are owned and operated by the Company. For more information, see the Company’s website at www.chuckecheese.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Statements that are not historical in nature, and which may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “project,” “estimate” and similar expressions (or the negative of such expressions) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and, therefore, involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ from those anticipated, estimated or expected.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in consumer discretionary spending and general economic conditions;
• Disruptions in the financial markets affecting the availability and cost of credit and our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage;
• Our ability to successfully implement our business development strategies;
• Costs incurred in connection with our business development strategies;
• Competition in both the restaurant and entertainment industries;
• Loss of certain key personnel;
• Increases in food, labor and other operating costs;
• Changes in consumers’ health, nutrition and dietary preferences;
• Negative publicity concerning food quality, health, safety and other issues;
• Continued existence or occurrence of certain public health issues;
• Disruption of our commodity distribution system;
• Our dependence on a few global providers for the procurement of games and rides;
• Adverse affects of local conditions, events and natural disasters;
• Fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations due to seasonality;
• Conditions in foreign markets;
• Risks in connection with owning and leasing real estate;
• Our ability to adequately protect our trademarks or other proprietary rights;
• Government regulations, litigation, product liability claims and product recalls;
• Disruptions of our information technology systems;
• Application of and changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and
• Failure to establish, maintain and apply adequate internal control over financial reporting.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements were made. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances after the date on which the statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by the Company as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.

The Company believes that Free Cash Flow provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the amount of cash generated by the business that, after the acquisition of property and equipment, can be used for other strategic opportunities, including servicing debt, funding additional capital expenditures and making investments in the business. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. The non-GAAP financial measure presented in the table above should not be viewed as an alternative or substitute for the Company’s reported GAAP results. Free Cash Flow as defined herein may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

The following table sets forth diluted earnings per share (“Diluted EPS”) excluding the estimated impact of the additional 53rd operating week in fiscal 2009:

The Company’s 2009 fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks as compared to 52 weeks in 2010, resulting in the 2009 fiscal year having one additional operating week as compared to the 2010 fiscal year. The Company estimates that the additional operating week benefited the fourth quarter and fiscal year-end diluted earnings per share approximately $0.17. The Company believes that presenting fiscal year 2009 diluted earnings per share excluding the estimated benefit of the extra week provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the Company’s year-over-year results and projected growth. The Company believes that an understanding of the impact of the 53rd operating week in fiscal 2009 on diluted earnings per share provides a more meaningful understanding of the Company’s performance because the periods being compared consist of a different number of weeks.

The following table sets forth estimated diluted earnings per share (“Estimated Diluted EPS”) for the period shown excluding the impact of the second quarter of 2010 unfavorable tax charges:

^† Ranges are provided only to reflect possible variability and are not intended to sum to an estimated amount.

The Company’s historical Diluted EPS includes the effect of unfavorable discrete adjustments recorded to income tax expense during the second quarter of 2010. The Company believes that presenting Estimated Diluted EPS for the full fiscal year 2010 excluding the impact of second quarter 2010 unfavorable tax charges provides useful information to the Company, investors and other interested parties about the Company’s year-over-year results and projected growth. The Company believes that an understanding of the impact of the second quarter 2010 unfavorable tax charges on estimated diluted earnings per share for the full fiscal year 2010 provides a more meaningful understanding of the Company’s performance because the impact of this matter may be considered an isolated occurrence.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPKI) today reported revenues and net income for the second quarter ended July 4, 2010.

Highlights for the second quarter of 2010 relative to the second quarter of 2009 were as follows:

• Total revenues decreased 4.6% to $163.1 million
• Comparable restaurant sales decreased 5.9%
• Net income of $4.2 million, or $0.17 per diluted share

Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, co-CEOs of California Pizza Kitchen, stated “Earnings were at the high end of our recent guidance, but reflect the impact of not conducting the Thank You Card Program during the second quarter, as we did in 2009. With that challenging comparison behind us, we are encouraged that third quarter comparable restaurant sales to date are negative 0.9% and we are excited that our 2010 Thank You Card Program is now underway and runs through October 8^th. The program has proven to be popular with guests and we are thrilled to raise the level of excitement this year with a cash grand prize of $100,000.”

Rosenfield and Flax continued, “Additionally, the new menu items rolled out in June continue to perform extremely well. Product innovation remains a hallmark of our brand and we will continue to create unique, craveable menu items to drive traffic. We also look forward to the August launch of two new licensed products outside the frozen category in line with our strategy of leveraging the brand in this higher margin channel.”

Rosenfield and Flax added, “As we look to the remainder of this year and into 2011, we plan to maximize long-term value for our shareholders by driving the brand through menu innovation and by enhancing free cash flow and return on invested capital, both inside and outside the restaurants’ four walls.”

Rosenfield and Flax concluded, “As a reminder, on April 12, 2010, we announced that the Company was exploring strategic alternatives. This process is continuing and the Company does not expect to make further comment unless its Board of Directors has approved a specific course of action.”

Average weekly sales for the Company’s 196 full service restaurants were $61,491 in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $64,171 in the same quarter last year.

During the second quarter, the Company opened a new full-service restaurant in Murray, UT. The Company’s franchise partners also opened quick-service restaurants in the King of Prussia Service Plaza in Philadelphia, PA; the Honolulu International Airport in Honolulu, HI; the Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, HI; a kiosk in the Fresno Yosemite Airport in Fresno, CA; and in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA; as well as a full service restaurant in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, Mexico.

Finally, the Company outlined its financial guidance for the third quarter of 2010 based on the following assumptions:

• Comparable restaurant sales between negative 1.0% and positive 1.0%
• Opening four Company-owned full service restaurants
• Opening two international franchised full service restaurants
• Opening one domestic franchise restaurant
• Earnings estimated in the range of $0.17-$0.19 per diluted share

The Company will host a conference call today at approximately 4:30 pm ET. A webcast of the conference call can be accessed at www.cpk.com.

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. The average guest check is approximately $15.00. Of the chain’s 261 restaurants as of August 5, 2010, 206 are Company-owned and 55 operate under franchise or license agreements. CPK premium pizzas are available to sports and entertainment fans at three Southern California venues including Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and STAPLES Center. 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 Nestle S.A. to manufacture and distribute a line of California Pizza Kitchen premium frozen products. For more details, visit 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,” “forecast” and similar words.

This release may also include measures that are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. This may include non-GAAP earnings per diluted share or other information. 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 changing consumer preferences and demands, the execution of our expansion strategy, the continued availability of qualified employees and our management team, the maintenance of reasonable food and supply costs, our relationships with our distributors 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.

Pizza Hut, the world’s largest pizza chain, has launched PizzaHutFranchise.com.  The new website showcases franchising opportunities nationwide and makes it easier for potential franchisees to join the Pizza Hut team.

“We’re excited to offer people a way to really understand, step by step, what it means to become part of the Pizza Hut franchise system,” said Jim Avery, Senior Manager, New Franchise Business Development at Pizza Hut.  ”With the new site, potential franchisees will find it easier to pinpoint possible opportunities in their areas and learn more about franchising with the Pizza Hut brand.”

PizzaHutFranchise.com will impact franchisee engagement and growth by giving potential franchisees access to the following:

• Buzz data about the pizza business
• News and information about the Pizza Hut brand, mission and position as a category leader
• Clear geographic breakdown of opportunities across the United States
• Schedule of the training and support exercises in place for new franchisees
• Breakdown of the Pizza Hut new franchisee process, from qualification to developing multiple restaurants
• Detailed information concerning the initial investment costs of becoming a Pizza Hut franchisee

In addition to functionality, the site also resembles the newly revamped PizzaHut.com website, creating a sense of familiarity for the visitor.  With the April re-launch of the “Virtual Flagship” and the new franchising presence online, Pizza Hut continues to display its innovation in the tech category and commitment to engaging consumers and potential franchisees across America.

About Pizza Hut

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 nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries.  Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM).  To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced revenues of $280.6 million for the second quarter of 2010, representing an increase of 4.5% from revenues of $268.5 million for the second quarter of 2009. Net income for the second quarter of 2010 was $13.2 million, or $0.49 per diluted share (including after-tax income of $1.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, from the consolidation of the results of the franchisee-owned cheese purchasing company, BIBP Commodities, Inc. (“BIBP”), a variable interest entity), compared to 2009 second quarter net income of $14.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share (including after-tax income of $4.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP).

Revenues were $566.4 million for the six months ended June 27, 2010, representing an increase of 3.1% from revenues of $549.4 million for the same period in 2009. Net income for the six months ended June 27, 2010 was $30.1 million, or $1.11 per diluted share (including after-tax income of $3.9 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP), compared to net income of $32.0 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2009 (including after-tax income of $10.0 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP).

“During the second quarter, we were proud that Papa John’s earned the highest rating among all limited service restaurants in the prestigious American Customer Service Index (ACSI),” commented Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, John Schnatter. “This marks the 10^th time in 11 years that Papa John’s has received the highest ACSI rating among all pizza chains, confirming that the consumer values our long-term commitment to quality.”

“We had a solid second quarter with our system posting positive transaction growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, as well as positive comp sales this quarter,” said Papa John’s President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Jude Thompson. “We are pleased with our system’s performance in what continues to be a challenging competitive environment.”

Non-GAAP Measures

Certain components of the financial information we present in this press release exclude the impact of the consolidation of BIBP, which is not a measure that is defined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures should not be construed as a substitute for or a better indicator of the company’s performance than the company’s GAAP measures. Management believes the financial information excluding the impact of BIBP is important for purposes of comparison to prior periods and development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. Management analyzes the company’s business performance and trends excluding the impact of BIBP because they are not indicative of our principal operating activities. In addition, annual cash bonuses, and certain long-term incentive programs for various levels of management, are based on financial measures that exclude the impact of the consolidation of BIBP. The presentation of the non-GAAP measures in this press release is made alongside the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

The company provides the following table to reconcile the financial results we present in this press release excluding the impact of BIBP to our GAAP financial measures for the three- and six-month periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009.