ATLANTA, Sept. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCE), today announced that the company and its franchise operators have launched a national, in-restaurant donation program to provide their customers and employees a means to support the individuals in the communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
The in-restaurant donation program will enable customers and employees to make $1, $5 or $10 donations through all participating Popeyes restaurants nationwide. All of the money collected will support the Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
"Without New Orleans, there'd be no Popeyes," stated Ken Keymer, president of Popeyes. "We are working together with our franchise operators to provide our customers and employees with a simple way to help rebuild the Gulf Coast communities."
The company and its franchisees previously pledged a total of $2 million in support of the relief efforts. As part of its pledge, Popeyes immediately donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross, another $500,000 will come in the form of relief to both Popeyes employees and others affected by this tragedy, and franchise operators have undertaken efforts to raise $1 million dollars through this national in-restaurant donation program.
"This fundraising effort reflects our unwavering commitment to the families, individuals and flavor of the region that was devastated by the recent hurricane. This is our way of helping to bring back the unique rhythm of these impacted communities," concluded Keymer.
About Popeyes:
Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept based on number of units. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes had 1,831 locations as of September 4, 2005, in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 25 foreign countries. Visit the Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits Web site at www.popeyes.com.
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