ATLANTA, Nov. 27, 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 teaming up with Hollywood Entertainment Corporation (Nasdaq:HLYW), owner of the Hollywood Video(r) chain of over 1,800 video superstores, for a special `Free Flick With A Cajun Kick' promotion this holiday season. The promotion, which began November 25, provides customers at participating Popeyes restaurants a free rental certificate from Hollywood Video with the purchase of any combo or family combo meal at the regular menu price while supplies last.
"We are very excited to forge a national relationship with Hollywood Video which will expand our marketing reach and help us build relationships with new customers," said Jon Luther, president of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits. "It's this kind of far-reaching program with a national partner that will continue to build the Popeyes brand."
Customers who purchase a combo meal or family combo meal will receive a free Hollywood Video certificate good for all New Releases, DVDs and Hollywood Video Film Library movies. Popeyes combo meals feature Popeyes fried chicken in New Orleans spicy or Louisiana mild flavors or Popeyes chicken strips. The meals also include buttermilk biscuits and Signature Side items such as Popeyes' world-famous red beans and rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, Cajun battered fries and Cajun rice.
"We're giving a little something extra this holiday season," said Luther. "We are thrilled to distribute over 7,000,000 free Hollywood Video movie certificates to our customers nationwide! It's our special way of thanking them for Lovin' that Chicken from Popeyes!"
Customers wishing to participate in the promotion can find the nearest Popeyes restaurant by visiting www.popeyes.com and the nearest Hollywood Video store by visiting www.hollywoodvideo.com.
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 1,672 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 3,970 restaurants, bakeries and cafes in the United States, Puerto Rico and 30 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.
Hollywood Entertainment owns and operates the second largest video store chain in the United States. Hollywood Entertainment and Hollywood Video are registered trademarks of Hollywood Entertainment Corporation.
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.