Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc.’s Miracle Events Fed 6,200 Homeless And Displaced During Holidays

Jan. 8, 2008 - PRLog -- ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANTS, INC.’S MIRACLE EVENTS FED MORE THAN 6,200 HOMELESS AND DISPLACED DURING HOLIDAYS

RBR, Inc. hosted its annual “Miracle” event for the 12th straight year in 10 cities nationwide

LOUISVILLE, Colo. - (Jan. 8, 2008) – Colorado-based Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., a company known for its Old Chicago, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and ChopHouse restaurant concepts, announced today that it fed more than 6,200 homeless and displaced men, women and children during its “Miracle” events held on or around Christmas Day in 10 cities nationwide.  

The events provide a day of warmth and cheer for those who need it most, filled with a homemade holiday meal, warm clothes, a pair of new shoes and in most locations, health check-ups, flu shots, access to phones and essential toiletry items. Participating children also receive a new toy and school supplies.  

“Our company has a long-standing tradition of being involved in and giving back to our local communities, and the “Miracle” events are fantastic examples of how our employees help us stay true to this tradition,” said Ned Lidvall, President and CEO of Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. “It also serves as an opportunity for our staff to live and learn the importance of volunteerism and assisting those in need.”

Miracle events were held in the following cities: Denver, CO; Boulder, CO; Colorado Springs, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Minneapolis, MN; Indianapolis, IN; San Diego, CA and Washington DC.  Each event hosted clients of local homeless shelters and agencies which totaled 6,200 participants nationwide.

The holiday meal included traditional dishes prepared by Rock Bottom chefs, including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pies.  In most markets, RBR provided luxury bus rides for all participants to and from the restaurants. National sponsors of the events included Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc, The Landsburgh, Albertson’s/SuperVALU, County of San Diego, Arizona Association of Mortgage Brokers and Lockton.

“Our “Miracle” events are the base on which we built our corporate Foundation and benefit from the year-long efforts of everyone from our corporate office teams to our restaurant operators and staff,” explained Jessie Newman, Executive Director of the Rock Bottom Foundation. “These events truly represent the spirit of the season and our company’s dedication to its ongoing mission of running great restaurants for the benefit of our communities.”

About Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc.
Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. currently employs over 7,500 nationwide.  It owns and operates 101 restaurants across the United States – 63 “Old Chicago” restaurants and 38 brewery concepts operating under the names “Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery,” “ChopHouse & Brewery,” and “Walnut Brewery”.  The Company also operates two Sing Sing concepts, an entertainment venue featuring a dueling piano bar in a club setting.  It has franchise partnerships under its Old Chicago brand that account for 29 locations.
In 2000, the Company formed the Rock Bottom Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity.  The Foundation’s primary focus is to make a positive impact on the issue of hunger within its communities, help its teammates in crisis, and inspire a culture of giving and volunteerism.
The Company’s annual sales in 2006 were $283 million ($335 million including Franchise locations) a 6% increase over fiscal 2005. Projected sales for 2007 are $315 million ($389 million including Franchise locations).
All of Rock Bottom’s restaurants are casual dining establishments featuring excellent service, high-quality, moderately priced food and a distinctive selection of micro-brewed and specialty beers served in a comfortable, hospitable atmosphere.

Website: www.rockbottom.com