Acclaimed Florida Chef's Latest Restaurant Joins Rewards Network.

CHICAGO -- Ponte's Tuscan Grill, one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants according to Florida Trend magazine, has joined with Rewards Network, a leading provider of marketing services and loyalty programs to the restaurant industry.

"Our other Tampa Bay restaurant, Cafe Ponte, has been on the Rewards Network program for the last three years," said Executive Chef and Proprietor Chris Ponte. "It's been working so well that we had to go with Rewards Network for Ponte's Tuscan Grille, too."

Ponte's dedication to hospitality and carefully-crafted meals was rewarded early in his career. Working as a sous chef in 1991, he received frequent requests from a regular diner with special dietary needs. After months of preparing custom meals to meet these requests, the diner asked to meet Ponte. He asked Ponte what he would like to do with his future, to which Ponte replied, "Study in France." With financial backing from that diner, four years later he graduated at the top of his class from the world-renowned Cordon Bleu and began an apprenticeship at the famous Taillevent restaurant in Paris.

Ponte has since been widely recognized for his restaurant and culinary skills. A four-time recipient of Florida Trend's Golden Spoon Award, he has also been featured in Wine Spectator, Southern Living, and Continental magazines.

"Our customers keep coming back to Ponte's Tuscan Grill for the atmosphere and ability to tailor your meal--if you want a pizza and a nice bottle of wine, you can do that; if you want to create your own entree and go more upscale, you can do that too. We get a lot of families because everyone can get something they'll enjoy," said Ponte. "Whatever our diners order, we make sure they have the best experience we can offer."

As part of Rewards Network, Ponte's restaurants are marketed through Web pages on the Rewards Network site and targeted emails to Rewards Network members. Ponte also receives detailed marketing reports to help him gain a better understanding of his diners.

"There is a developing national restaurant scene in the Tampa Bay area, and Chris Ponte is one of the driving forces," said Ron Blake, president and CEO of Rewards Network. "His innovative menus and the attention he gives his diners make Ponte's Tuscan Grill a must-visit for Rewards Network members."

Ponte's Tuscan Grill

* Northwoods Plaza, 2544 Mcmullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, Florida, Phone: [phone]

Cafe Ponte

* 13505 Icot Blvd., Suite 214, Clearwater, Florida, Phone: [phone]

For more information about Ponte's restaurants visit www.cafeponte.com.

For more information about the Rewards Network program in Florida, contact Rewards Network representative Jason Aquilar at [phone] or visit restaurants.rewardsnetwork.com.

About Rewards Network

Rewards Network (AMEX: IRN), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading provider of marketing services and loyalty programs to the restaurant industry. Thousands of participating restaurants and other merchants across North America benefit from the Company's extensive email, internet and print marketing efforts; member ratings/feedback and other business intelligence; customer loyalty programs; and access to capital. In conjunction with leading airline frequent flyer programs, club memberships, and other affinity organizations, Rewards Network provides over three million members with incentives to dine at participating restaurants, including airline miles, college savings rewards, loyalty/reward program points, and Cashback Rewards(SM) savings. Additional details about Rewards Network can be found at www.rewardsnetwork.com or by calling 1-877-491-3463.