Press Releases

LOCAL RESTAURANTS' COMMUNITY SERVICE HONORED

October 06, 2005 -

University Management and Sweet Peppers Deli Franchise Systems have been awarded Mississippi's Restaurant Neighbor Award by the National Restaurant Association for their "We Support Our People in Uniform" community service program.

Held each year on Memorial Day, the program honors all Firemen, Law Enforcement Officers, Emergency Medical Responders, members of the US Armed Forces and Veterans with a free meal at any of 11 company-owned stores and various franchise units. Participating restaurants include: Harveys in Columbus, Starkville and Tupelo, Cotton District Grill in Starkville, the Grill at Jackson Square in Columbus, Bulldog Deli in Starkville, Sweet Peppers Deli in Columbus, Tupelo, Hattiesburg and Cordova, Tenn., and Sweet Peppers Deli Express in Tupelo.

The highly competitive Restaurant Neighbor Award was instituted seven years ago by the National Restaurant Association to showcase the philanthropic nature of the food service industry and to recognize member restaurants who demonstrate a dedication to community outreach. Restaurants are given awards both on the state and national level.

"We are very honored to receive this award for a program that has become a yearly highlight for our team. We feel it's important to express appreciation to the men and women who protect and defend our country and our local communities as well," explained John Bean, company president. "This is our way of honoring them for their dedication and service."

The "We Support Our People in Uniform" program began in 2003, and has grown in popularity each year since. In 2005, the participating restaurants collectively served over 1000 uniformed personnel with a free meal. The meals each consisted of any entree and drink from the menus, totaling over $12,700 or 28% of the day's total sales.

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