Phoenix, AZ - April 1, 2002 marks the date Ranch *1 emerges from bankruptcy with an approved plan of reorganization. Ranch *1 owns, operates, franchises and licenses upscale quick-service restaurants that specialize in grilled chicken breast sandwiches, promoted as "The Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Earth." With four company-owned and 46 franchise restaurants, the 50-unit chain's new owners, Kahala Corp, is wasting no time in its efforts to expand awareness for the Ranch*1 brand. "Effective immediately, we're pulling out the stops to give the Ranch*1 brand the focus it deserves", enthused Kevin Blackwell, CEO of Kahala Corp. "The opportunity is enormous," he continued, "that's why we bought it."

The cornerstone of Ranch*1's menu is boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated in a secret Ranch*1 recipe, flame-grilled to perfection, topped with a gourmet salad featuring radicchio, watercress and toasted almonds, and served on a fresh-baked, semolina roll. "The exceptional taste will be replicated in each sandwich and in each menu item, consistently ensuring that Ranch*1 is an instant hit time and time again in every market", Blackwell notes.

The simple operation, featuring proprietary recipes is marked by high-speed service (under one-minute), a sensory-centric environment in which guests can see, smell and hear foods sizzling on open grills, and an intriguing menu of specially prepared dishes offering an appealing and tasty alternative to conventional fast foods.

Ranch*1 is Kahala Corp's latest addition to its existing portfolio of franchise concepts that include Surf City Squeeze, Rollerz, Frullati Café & Bakery and Tahi Mana. Blackwell saw a winning combination in Ranch*1's unique grilled chicken concept and Kahala's franchise development savvy. "The convenience of fast food coupled with the appeal of a healthier menu is sure to put Ranch*1 at the top of the pecking order for consumer quick-serve choices," Blackwell added.

The revitalization plan includes a disciplined growth strategy to leverage the popularity of this Manhattan brand - hailed by New York Magazine as the best fast food in New York - into a dynamic nationwide concept. Work has already begun on an aggressive re-branding effort and new store prototype under the stewardship of newly appointed marketing and design firms whose track records are noteworthy in the franchise arena. In anticipation of the Ranch*1 brand re-launch and expansion strategy, numerous leases, franchise agreements, and area development deals for locations throughout the United States are in various stages of negotiation - with many expected to be finalized in the near future.

An aggressive expansion was originally planned by former Ranch*1 chairman, George Naddaff - the restaurant industry icon who 10 years ago transformed Boston Chicken (now Boston Market) from a neighborhood restaurant into the franchising and financial phenomenon it became by the early nineties. "There's perfect synergy between Kahala and Ranch*1," espouses Naddaff. "Kahala doesn't have to prove the Ranch*1 concept, it simply has to get the concept into the hands of qualified franchise operators to achieve market dominance - and that's what Kahala does best." Sharing Naddaff's vision, Blackwell still maintains that "The Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Earth" has the potential to supplant the hamburger as the fast food of the 21st century. And to ensure its success, Blackwell has assembled a seasoned management team to actualize Ranch*1's ambitious expansion strategy in the U.S.

"Ranch*1 represents a ground-floor opportunity for area developers to participate in the growth of an extraordinary concept with great sales-to-investment ratios and some of the best unit economics in the industry," says Raymond DioGuardi, president of Ranch*1. The company has identified "select markets coast to coast with strong potential," adds DioGuardi, who is targeting multi-unit food-service operators and others capable of opening at least 20 Ranch*1 locations in a defined territory. Appealing to visionaries who "recognize the value of proven operating systems and a unique concept that satisfies consumers' growing demand for taste, convenience, value and high quality food Ranch*1 is destined to become the dominant franchise brand in the chicken sandwich arena," says DioGuardi.

Blackwell adds "an escalating trend toward healthier foods in America," with annual chicken consumption (80 pounds per person) having surpassed that of beef (65 pounds) nationwide. However, he contends, "Americans don't want to forsake taste and convenience. Our distinctive menu not only surpasses the public's demand for taste and convenience, it also satisfies their desire for freshness, value and quality while providing less fat and fewer calories. It's the winning recipe for the 21st century."