Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. Builds Playground In Five Hours For Local New Orleans Learning Academy

By: Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. | 1,023 Shares 84 Reads

Two hundred company volunteers completed project as part of annual conference

March 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., a Colorado-based casual dining company, and 200 of its employees and vendors used its annual General Manager's conference to build a playground for Auntie B Learning Academy in East New Orleans. The playground build, which was coordinated by The Rock Bottom Foundation, was part of the company's efforts to participate in the Gulf Coast region's rebuilding efforts.

"We always look for opportunities to be involved and we're fortunate to have the resources needed to do so," said Ned Lidvall, Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. President and CEO. "The Gulf Coast was a natural fit for us with the region's strong food history and culture, and a way to further educate our employees in the importance of community outreach."

The one-day playground build was made possible through a partnership with KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe place to play within walking distance of every child in America. As part of their mission, the organization has invited companies to participate in Operation Playground, a project to build 100 new playgrounds in the Gulf Coast for children affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The RBR playground was the 84th playground completed as part of Operation Playground.

Photos from the event are available. For more information, please contact Jessica Newman, Executive Director of The Rock Bottom Foundation.

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 2007 were $306 million ($371 million including Franchise locations) an 8% increase over fiscal 2006. Projected sales for 2008 are $324 million ($409 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.

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