ATLANTA, Oct. 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE) and the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept, is proud to present six of the finest chefs from Louisiana to prepare an elegant representation of Louisiana cuisine in an informative and entertaining dinner event. The Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits Third Annual Culinary Celebration Benefit will be held on Sunday, October 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Featured chefs and restaurateurs will be Paul Prudhomme, John Folse, Leah Chase, Marcelle Bienvenu, R. L. Holmes and Randy Cheramie.
"Popeyes has established traditions that reflect the spirit and spice of our Louisiana Cajun heritage," says Jon Luther, president of Popeyes. "One of our most recent additions to those heritage traditions is the Popeyes Culinary Celebration Benefit -- a very special annual event benefiting the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana."
Propelling the distinctive cuisine of his native Louisiana into the international spotlight, Paul Prudhomme is the owner and chef of New Orleans' famous K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen and author of numerous best-selling cookbooks. As a result of endless requests for his seasoning secrets, Prudhomme created his own line of all natural herbs and spices called Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blends(r).
Known as Louisiana's culinary ambassador to the world, John Folse has poured his passion for Louisiana culture and cuisine into his restaurant, Lafitte's Landing, and his PBS program, "A Taste of Louisiana." In addition, the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University is dedicated to the preservation of Louisiana's rich culinary heritage while fostering Louisiana's role as a culinary leader.
For the past 53 years, Leah Chase has been the owner and chef of Dooky Chase restaurant -- a New Orleans Creole landmark. She has cooked countless servings of jambalaya, Creole file gumbo and shrimp. A cookbook author, Chase has appeared on cooking shows with nationally recognized chefs including Julia Child, Graham Kerr and John Folse.
An author, editor, researcher and consultant, Marcelle Bienvenu wrote "Who's Your Mama," "Are You Catholic" and "Can You Make a Roux?" and currently writes the weekly food column Creole Cooking for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Bienvenu also has extensive catering management experience for restaurants including Commander's Palace and Brennan's of Houston.
R. L. Holmes has been a protege of Chef Paul Prudhomme for many years at K-Paul's in New Orleans. He has also served as executive chef of B. Smith's in Washington, D.C. and as executive chef for the Station Casino concept in Kansas City, Missouri.
Randy Cheramie was the chef and owner of the well-known Randolph's Restaurant in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, for 20 of its nearly 60-year history. He is currently a chef and lecturer at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University.
The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute is an academic college of Nicholls State University. Nestled deep in the heart of Cajun Country, Nicholls State is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, 50 miles southwest of New Orleans. The area is rich in cultural heritage and is known for its hospitality and fine cuisine.
Popeyes is a leader in the Cajun segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes has more than 1,650 locations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 21 other countries and achieved 2001 worldwide sales of approximately $1.3 billion. Visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' website at www.popeyes.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 www.afce.com.