Straw Hat Named the 5th Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain by Technomic Inc. and Restaurant Business News

    SAN RAMON, CA, July 12, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Despite the current recession, Straw Hat Restaurants was named the 5th top fastest-growing restaurant company on a team of rising-star chains with sales between $25 million and $50 million, according to Technomic Inc., the most recognized and experienced food industry consulting and research firm. The "Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report" is the most comprehensive ranking, analysis and overview of the U.S. chain restaurant industry.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, Straw Hat has long held to its original family-friendly, community-focused, California pizza concept. It's a strategy that's served the company well, especially during the recession, says president Jonathan Fornaci, who was brought on in 2006 to kick-start growth. The 61-unit San Ramon-based chain grew its sales to $40 million (up 50.9 percent) last year, and added 20 units. Fornaci is taking Straw Hat outside of its West Coast territory to expand nationally and internationally. Within two years, it should reach 150 restaurants.

"This survey confirms what we've always believed: among restaurant chains, Straw Hat offers consumers the best overall pizza experience," said Fornaci. "We have been able to preserve what is important to the American family - being together and sharing a meal. We're focusing on this simple, key ingredient of the American family. "
The annual ranking shines the spotlight on restaurant chains that are employing winning sales and marketing strategies to identify growth opportunities. The eateries ranged in concept from seafood to Mexican; barbecue to coffee; Asian to ice cream. They range in size from five-unit steak-based Redstone American Grill, which grew 17.5 percent last year to $38 million in sales; to the 61-unit Straw Hat, to the 173-unit Pita Pit, which grew its sales by nearly 32 percent and added 21 new units. Nine of the Future 50 saw sales increase by 40 percent or more last year, and nearly half achieved growth of 20 percent or more.

The No. 1 chain on the list was the South Florida-based Salad Creations, which crossed
the 50-unit milestone and hit an estimated $35 million in sales, a whopping 79.5 percent more than in 2007.

For five decades, Straw Hat has been among the most popular gathering spots for sports teams and families looking for a way to come together in community - and eat a hearty, mouth-warming meal, that's inexpensive and tasty. When jobs are drying up and the country is facing its worst recession ever, the people are still coming to Straw Hat.

About Straw Hat Restaurants

Straw Hat is celebrating its 50th anniversary in July, 2009. The company is in growth mode, poised to open new stores in Canada and the Western United States, along with launching a new, full-service line of eateries - Straw Hat Grills. Straw Hat Pizza: a traditional family restaurant focusing on pizza, oven-baked sandwiches and fresh salad bar. Straw Hat Grill: 3500 to 5000 square foot restaurants offering gourmet pizza, burgers, salads, and unique beverages. Straw Hat Pizza Express: a fast-paced delivery. Many of the restaurants feature large, wide-screen TVs and banquet rooms designed for sports team gatherings, off-site business meetings, and family events as well as arcade rooms containing old-fashioned pin ball machines, plush toy cranes and video games. Recently, it has received several honors: Seal of Fair Franchising by the American Association Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD); America's Hottest Franchise Award, 2008; Ranked number five of fifty fastest growing chains in the U.S. by Restaurant Business News. www.Strawhatpizza.com.

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