Big Boy Restaurants Launches National Online Training Program for Employees.

WARREN, Mich. -- Big Boy Restaurants International LLC has launched an online training program for employees of its 455 restaurants nationwide. The online training program, provided by Bellevue, Washington-based Knowledge Anywhere will complement Big Boy Restaurants' existing intranet programs that allow for real-time communication of information pertinent to the operation of the restaurants.

The new online training program will be used to educate employees, store managers and, eventually, franchise owners about customer service, new products, company initiatives, community events, store openings and other relevant information. Using an online instruction program allows training to occur frequently and when employees are most receptive to new information. For example, servers will have the convenience of completing their online training on laptops in the Big Boy Restaurants where they work, during their workday instead of off-site, after hours. The training will remain fresh and relevant as new information is presented bi-weekly.

"Implementing this online training program is a key strategic element in the growth plans for Big Boy Restaurants," said Tony Michaels, CEO of Big Boy Restaurants International LLC. "This is yet another component in our new franchise expansion program in which we project as many as 100 new Big Boy Restaurants opening in California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida within the next 10 years," Michaels added.

According to the Brookings Institution and Momentum Research Group, U.S. organizations that have adopted Internet applications realized cost savings at an average of 2-4% per year. Because the restaurant industry experiences high turnover rates, especially among non-managerial positions, Big Boy Restaurants will greatly reduce its costs for training new employees.

The assessment available in e-learning afford Big Boy Restaurants the opportunity to better evaluate and measure the knowledge of its employees. This will enable them to identify areas that need improvement much faster than with traditional employee training.

"We are excited about this opportunity to take online education and the benefits it provides into the restaurant industry and look forward to seeing Big Boy Restaurants revolutionize its employee training with this solution," said Wayde Stephens, vice president of Knowledge Anywhere, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Knowledge Anywhere, Inc. is an award-winning company that has emerged as a leader in the specialized arena of building technology-based learning solutions and performance support systems that provide tangible results. The company uses innovative technology to offer a broad base of products and services, including custom and mobile content development, and virtual classrooms. Its clients use its solutions to facilitate the delivery of proprietary knowledge, employee instruction and product training to dispersed audiences via the Web.

Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., Knowledge Anywhere's clients include AT&T Wireless, Microsoft Corp., Kenworth Trucks, Dade Behring Inc., E&J Gallo, Nextel Partners and F5 Networks. In 2004, Knowledge Anywhere was named one of the "Fastest Growing Technology Companies in North America" by Deloitte & Touche's Fast 50 and Fast 500 programs. Also in 2004, Knowledge Anywhere was recognized as one of the "Top High 100 Tech Firms in Washington State" by Washington CEO magazine and as one of the "Fastest Growing Private Companies in Washington State" by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Also, Knowledge Anywhere was recognized by the Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards in the "Custom Content" category.

Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Big Boy Restaurants International LLC is the exclusive worldwide franchiser of more than 455 Big Boy Restaurants in the United States and Japan. Visit us at www.bigboy.com.