BJ's Restaurants to Donate $1 Million to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Company Vows to Cure Cystic Fibrosis One Pizookie at a Time.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- BJ's Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) announces its pledge to raise $1 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) in 2004. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce abnormally thick mucus which clogs airways and leads to life-threatening lung infections. It affects more than 30,000 children and adults in the United States today.

"The heart of our company beats for the cure of cystic fibrosis, which will eventually be found," said Co-CEO Paul Motenko. Motenko's 18-year-old daughter, Stacy, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. "The goal is within reach, but we can't do it alone. It will take everyone's support."

BJ's Restaurants began supporting CFF in 1998, when Motenko and Co-CEO Jerry Hennessy developed the "Cookies for Kids" program. Each time BJ's sells one of its signature Pizookie desserts - a warm, deep-dish cookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream - a portion of the proceeds goes to CFF.

BJ's partnership with CFF has become a primary element of the company's corporate culture. Through the years, BJ's has contributed more than $1.5 million to CFF from the Cookies for Kids program and fund-raising events. The company plans to reach a total of $2.5 million in 2004 by raising $1 million this year.

BJ's has partnered with CFF on more than 25 fund-raising events in 2004 alone, including golf and tennis tournaments, "Great Strides" 10K walks and fund-raising dinners. BJ's plans to reach its $1 million goal from Pizookie sales, fund-raising events at restaurant openings and through corporate and private donations this year.

Thanks to contributions from companies like BJ's, Stacy Motenko not only turns 18 this year (a landmark her doctors didn't expect her to reach when she was diagnosed), but also graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA and will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall.

"At BJ's, we're proud to do our part in the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis," said Hennessy. "Until that time, BJ's will continue to fight cystic fibrosis one Pizookie at a time." BJ's encourages all guests to lend a helping hand by having a Pizookie for dessert each time they come to the restaurant. A choice of chocolate chunk, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin or white chocolate macadamia nut cookies makes the sweet task an easy one. What better reason to order dessert?

To help BJ's raise $1 million for the fight against cystic fibrosis, send checks payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in care of BJ's Restaurants; 16162 Beach Blvd., Suite 100; Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For more information, call 714-848-3747 or visit www.bjsbrewhouse.com or www.pizookie.com