'Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo' Set for Take-off at San Francisco International Airport.

Business Editors and Food Writers

CORTE MADERA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 2000

Il Fornaio Announces Strategic Alliance With D-Lew Enterprises For

Two New Cafes at SFO's New International Terminal

Il Fornaio (America) Corp. (Nasdaq:ILFO) announced today the scheduled opening of two new cafes that will be called "Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo." The two cafes, which will offer freshly baked goods, oakwood-roasted coffees, sandwiches, salads and an extensive selection of wines and gifts, are currently scheduled to open at the new San Francisco International (SFO) international terminal in September of 2000. Two sets of dramatically designed gates are being constructed to service the millions of international travelers that utilize SFO. An Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo will be at the end of both sets of gates.

Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo is a strategic alliance between Il Fornaio and D-Lew Enterprises, LLC, a San Francisco-based company that specializes in airport concessions. Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo will have the exclusive post-security rights to sell baked goods and specialty coffee in the international terminal. D-Lew will be responsible for all operations of the two cafes, which will range in size from 350 square feet to 1200 square feet. Il Fornaio will be the exclusive supplier of all baked goods and coffee to the two cafes.

The larger Il Fornaio Caffe del Mondo will include a large wine bar featuring Il Fornaio-brand Chianti, Chardonnay and Sangiovese along with a wide selection of California wines for on-premise enjoyment or to take home. Il Fornaio retail products will also be offered for sale. The unique design and architecture of the two cafes was crafted by BCV architects of San Francisco.

"We are delighted with this opportunity to partner with such excellent operators as D-Lew on this new project," said Il Fornaio founder and chairman Larry Mindel. "Caffe del Mondo represents a significant opportunity to introduce a new audience of millions of international travelers to Il Fornaio's authentic Italian brand of baked goods, coffees, food and wine. Having recently visited the almost-completed international terminal, I am pleased to announce Il Fornaio's participation in what I believe to be one of the most exciting transportation projects in San Francisco Bay Area history," Mindel commented.

"After a thorough analysis of successful airport concessions, we felt Il Fornaio would be an ideal partner for the cafe franchise at SFO," said Carmen Mayo, D-Lew's chief operating officer. "Their strong brand name, bakery capacity, and expertise in providing quality food at their restaurants and bakeries made them the logical choice to partner with on the launch of this distinctive concept."

D-Lew Enterprises, LLC, is a company formed exclusively for the purpose of developing and operating airport concessions. D-Lew is a partnership that includes Darren Lewis, president, and a member of the Boston Red Sox Major League Baseball Organization; Carmen Mayo, chief operating officer, and a former multi-restaurant McDonalds franchisee; and Michael Levine, founder and president of Marin County-based Events West.

Il Fornaio (America) Corp. (Nasdaq:ILFO) owns and operates 22 full-service Italian restaurants that serve creatively prepared, premium-quality Italian cuisine based on authentic regional Italian recipes. Each Il Fornaio restaurant houses a retail bakery offering artisan breads and other baked goods, prepared foods and a variety of Il Fornaio-brand products. The Company also owns and operates "Canaletto Ristorante Veneto" at The Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Il Fornaio's bakery division operates three wholesale bakeries that produce artisan breads, pastries and other baked goods for sale in its own locations and to high-quality grocery stores, coffee retailers, hotels and other fine restaurants.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events, including plans for, timing of, and the effect of new cafe openings. Actual events or the Company's results may differ materially from the events or results discussed in the forward-looking statements for a number of reasons including, without limitation, timely airport development and cafe construction, obtaining appropriate regulatory approvals, management of costs and recruitment of qualified operating personnel. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements contained in the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999.