ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- (WITH PHOTO) Cinnabon(R) Inc., a subsidiary of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE), is giving Venezuela "a new twist on an old favorite" -- by rolling out SupremeStix(TM), an extension of CinnabonStix(R), which features three popular flavors: Dulce de Leche, Chocolate and Berry/Vanilla. The new product is part of an approach to expand the number of product options in Venezuela and offer a great value to Cinnabon's guests.
A photo accompanying this release can be found at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/cinnabon/index.mhtml?pkgid=238
SupremeStix is the follow-up to the highly successful CinnabonStix launch. "We introduced CinnabonStix, to capture new guests who wanted a fresh-baked product in addition to the traditional roll from Cinnabon," said Venezuelan Franchisee, Roberto Ricciardi. "The SupremeStix offers variety to our guests who prefer CinnabonStix, but would like more flavor-choices."
Cinnabon's Venezuelan franchisee, Mercia y Ricciardi, currently operates 10 bakeries in Venezuela including locations in Caracas, Valencia, Punta Fijo and Margarita Island. SupremeStix, which are priced at 2.200 Bs, is an attractive addition to the Cinnabon menu that has the ability to incorporate regional taste preferences.
"SupremeStix is designed to gain additional snack category market share for Cinnabon by appealing to customers with an affinity for indulgent baked goods," said Jerry Bell, Cinnabon's International Chief Operating Officer. "This new product capitalizes on providing a variety of flavors which features a regional favorite -- Dulce de Leche -- and gives our guests another reason to visit more often."
Cinnabon is the world-wide leader in the cinnamon roll bakery category. As of July 14, 2002, the company operated and franchised 577 bakeries worldwide. The bakeries are located in 43 states, Puerto Rico and 17 other countries. Founded in Seattle, Wash., in 1985, Cinnabon bakeries are traditionally located in high-traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, train stations and travel plazas. The bakeries typically are located in 500- to 1,500-square-foot areas. Cinnabon bakeries have built a reputation for serving fresh, aromatic, oven-hot cinnamon rolls made with premium Indonesian cinnamon and topped with sweet, rich, cream cheese-based frosting. Cinnabon had system-wide sales of approximately $205.5 million in 2001 and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.cinnabon.com.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 3,911 restaurants, bakeries and cafes in the United States, Puerto Rico and 28 foreign countries under the brand names Church's Chicken(TM), Popeyes(R) Chicken & Biscuits, Cinnabon(R), Seattle's Best Coffee(R) and Torrefazione Italia(R) Coffee. AFC's primary objective is to be the world's Franchisor of Choice(R) by offering investment opportunities in highly recognizable brands and exceptional franchisee support systems and services. AFC Enterprises had system-wide sales of approximately$2.6 billion in 2001 and can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.afce.com.
Forward-Looking Statements -- Certain statements in this release, and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of AFC or its brands, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are the cost and availability of our principal food products, increased energy costs, labor shortages or increased labor costs, our ability to franchise new units and expand our brands, our and our franchisees' ability to successfully operate existing units and open new units, changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends, competition, general economic, political and regulatory conditions and the risk factors detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001 and the other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, since those statements speak only as of the date they are made.