American Hospitality Concepts Inc. Debuts Modern Decor and Menu at Nation's Newest Ground Round in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Business Editors & Restaurant Writers

BRAINTREE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

Prototype's Contemporary Design Signals Rejuvenation and Growth

For This Casual Dining Favorite

American Hospitality Concepts Inc. (AHCI), the parent company of several casual dining concepts, announced today the debut of its new Ground Round Grill & Bar prototype in Maple Grove, Minnesota, a Northwest suburb of Minneapolis. This opening marks the restaurant chain's first ground up construction project in five years and signals a new era of growth for the venerable chain.

AHCI aims to transform the Ground Round's image by infusing the casual-theme restaurant with a more contemporary atmosphere that differentiates it from other casual dinner-house competitors. Tom Russo, Chairman, Chief Executive and President of AHCI, stated, "The launch of the new Ground Round prototype in Maple Grove is the culmination of three years of extensive market research and testing. This site epitomizes the new look and feel of Ground Round combining a fresh decor with an updated menu that appeals to our loyal guests as well as new customers."

The prototype features a lighter interior in a comfortable and family-friendly setting with high ceilings, additional windows, bright colors and unique artwork throughout. Booth-seating dominates the dining area to enhance patrons' privacy and comfort. New signage and a tan, burgundy red and brick color scheme complement the restaurant's updated exterior and enhance its curb appeal. The new logo, while similar to the current logo, signals to the guest an updated look and feel.

In addition to the Ground Round's signature steaks and burgers, the upgraded menu showcases more than 25 new items to improve guest satisfaction - all while maintaining the restaurant's affordable prices. The new items include Chicken Cordon Bleu, Yakitori Steak Sticks, Chicken Satay, Grilled Chicken Vodka Penne and Triple Shrimp comprised of fried, tempora and coconut shrimp.

Over the next several years, AHCI will remodel the entire Ground Round chain to mirror the Maple Grove prototype. In addition, the debut of the contemporary Ground Round Grill & Bar concept in Maple Grove marks the beginning of new expansion for the chain both through company unit growth and through franchising. The company's franchising program plans to add another 110 franchised units over the next five years. Focusing on areas of traditional strength and brand recognition, AHCI is specifically looking to grow the Ground Round brand in the Northeast quadrant of the country. Russo commented, "With many single and multi-unit territories still available, the Ground Round provides an ideal vehicle for owner/operators and franchisees to expand and control powerful real estate."

While Maple Grove, Minnesota is home to the first newly constructed Ground Round in recent years, AHCI opened its first fully remodeled restaurant in South Portland, Maine in October 2000. Recently converted from a local Italian eatery, South Portland's Ground Round features the new menu along with many elements of the modernized decor package. AHCI notes that sales at this restaurant have been 50% above average unit volumes since the remodeling was unveiled.

About American Hospitality Concepts Inc. (AHCI)

Founded in 1998 for the purpose of creating successful brands in the restaurant and hospitality industry, American Hospitality Concepts Inc. currently owns, operates and/or franchises six casual dining concepts - Berkshire Grill, Tin Alley Grill, The Ground Round, The Gold Fork, Tap & Grill and Rumbleseats. Together, these six concepts number more than 150 restaurants located in 25 states in New England, the Mid-West and the Mid-Atlantic region as well as Canada. Headquartered in Braintree, Massachusetts, AHCI is owned by Boston Ventures Fund V. For more information on American Hospitality Concepts Inc., view their web site at www.ahconcepts.com.