Claim Jumper opens first of two Denver-area restaurants in Littleton on July 2; Denver seen as perfect venue for mining-theme chain's expansion; will traditional opening-day stampede hold true in new market?

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 1995--Claim Jumper Restaurants, one of the most successful independent family-style restaurant chains in the nation, will open its first out-of-state restaurant in Littleton on July 2.

The company is also planning to open a second location in the Mile High City in 1996. Coupled with another new opening in California, the chain will have 17 restaurants by the end of 1995.

"Opening our first restaurant in the Denver area is extremely exciting," said President Craig Nickoloff. "Our mining-theme concept fits perfectly with the character of Denver, and our great location in the growing south metro area promises to draw big crowds."

The grand opening of Claim Jumper's first Denver restaurant is scheduled for July 2. The site is located in Littleton, west of I-25 at C-470 and Quebec. If tradition holds true, crowds will fill the lobby and patio of the 11,200-square-foot restaurant throughout the day. Claim Jumper doesn't take reservations, and in fact, has never advertised. Word of mouth keeps the dining rooms full, with waiting times of over an hour typical on weekend evenings.

"Once local residents visit, we think they will become loyal Claim Jumper customers," said Larry Bill, director of guest relations. "Our great food and big portions bring guests back again and again. In fact, many travel up to 25 miles to visit one of our restaurants, which is quite unusual in this industry."

Claim Jumper, a family-style dinner house, has built its reputation and following on a great traditional American menu of baby back ribs, certified Angus steaks, dinner-sized sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, fresh fish, wood-fired pizza and more -- all served in huge portions. With a per-guest check average of $12, customers see Claim Jumper quality and portions as one of today's best dining values.

The new restaurant includes many signature Claim Jumper features -- antiques, antler chandeliers, wood-hewn chairs and tons of river rock, all of which fit the mining theme. Kids' meals are priced at 5 cents per pound -- that's per pound of weight of the child, and an old-fashioned scale stands in the lobby where young guests are ceremoniously weighed before eating.

In 1992, Claim Jumper was ranked first nationally among independent restaurant chains for unit volume, which today averages approximately $5 million in annual sales per location. The chain's busiest location has a volume of nearly $8 million. In 1993, Claim Jumper ranked among the nation's top 400 restaurants by the industry trade magazine Restaurants & Institutions, as well as placing 16 among the industry' top growth leaders by units and 20 by sales volume.

Brian Hunt is Claim Jumper's Rocky Mountain regional manager and the Littleton restaurant's general manager is Chris Romo. Currently there are 100 employees, with efforts under way to add approximately 30 more to the staff.

Visuals:

-- Opening-day crowds overflowing the lobby and patio; -- Young guests "weighed in" on an old-fashioned scale; -- A produce bar loaded down with enough salad and fixings to

feed a small army; -- Football-sized (almost) baked potatoes; -- The biggest prime rib you've ever seen! -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: A special invitation-only pre-opening party has been scheduled for Saturday, July 1. To attend, contact Sheri Johnson at 714/753-1111.

CONTACT: Claim Jumper Restaurants

Larry Bill, 303/790-7015

or

Laer Pearce & Associates

Sheri Johnson, 714/753-1111, after hours 714/495-9015