Bear Rock Cafe Agrees On 20 Units In Philadelphia Metro; National Mountain Lodge Bakery-Cafe Continues Expansion in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2003

Bear Rock Franchise Systems, Inc. today announced a multi-unit area development agreement to expand its mountain lodge bakery-cafe restaurant franchise into metropolitan Philadelphia. The area agreement for 20 Bear Rock Cafe restaurants was reached with Boomer Lifestyles Developer, LLC, and initiates the next phase with Bear Rock Franchise Systems to identify real estate and prioritize one or two locations to open in mid-2004. Bear Rock Cafe currently has 18 locations open in five states, with an additional 10 slated to open this year across the country. The announcement today brings a total of 128 franchise commitments that span 16 states.

"What we refer to as our 'mountain fresh' idea continues to resonate with customers and attract experienced, multi-unit franchisee groups. In our second year of national franchising, we find it especially rewarding that Bear Rock Cafe has attracted another outstanding franchise group. Boomer Lifestyles Developer is primed to continue our brand's success," said Gary Bryant, Bear Rock Franchise Systems president and chief executive officer. "Philadelphia is a key market for us as it exemplifies the continued acceptance of our bakery-cafe concept in large metropolitan areas. One thing remains certain, we will always maintain our standard of growth as one sandwich, one customer, one restaurant, one market at a time."

Bear Rock Franchise Systems franchises restaurants under the name Bear Rock Cafe, a growing bakery-cafe concept in the fast-casual dining segment. Bear Rock Cafe features a comfortable mountain lodge atmosphere, combined with quick, friendly service, and a menu of fresh foods that include "mountain-stuffed" sandwiches, breads, soups, salads and pastries, as well as gourmet coffees. Units typically occupy between 3,500 to 4,500 square feet of space in community and lifestyle shopping centers.

In recent weeks, Bear Rock Cafe announced area development agreements with JPW Restaurant Group to expand into Allentown-Bethlehem, Pa., and central New Jersey, as well as with Lykos, LLC for Hudson and Bergen Counties in New Jersey.

Founded in 1997, with corporate headquarters in Cary, N.C., Bear Rock Cafe has built a loyal following of customers who enjoy its fresh foods and friendly service. Its upscale mountain lodge atmosphere features large stone fireplaces, wooden support beams and other lodge decor to create a comfortable place where friends gather. Current locations include the states: Alabama, Colorado, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Bear Rock Cafe has commitments to open in the next 12 months in: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. For franchise information, contact Chris Cheek in the corporate office at 919.859.6610 or visit www.bearrockfoods.com.