Snowmass Resort Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Transformation in Preparation to Fly the Westin Flag in Winter 2012

Adjacent to the Slopes of Snowmass, The Westin Snowmass Resort will Inspire Wellbeing with a Brand-New Spa, Fitness Center, Hot Tubs and Ski-in, Ski-out Restaurant
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 26, 2012-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the launch of a multi-million dollar renovation to a premier Snowmass resort in preparation for its re-opening under the Westin flag in time for the 2012-2013 ski season. Formerly known as the Silvertree Hotel & Conference Center, the 254-room resort will fully renovate all guest rooms and public areas in order to implement the full suite of Westin signature amenities, designed to inspire wellbeing. Owned by a joint venture between Starwood Capital Group and Wasserman Real Estate, The Westin Snowmass Resort boasts an unbeatable location at the heart of Snowmass Village, adjacent to the ski slopes of Snowmass, one of Colorado’s most prestigious ski mountains.
The Westin Snowmass Resort will feature 254 rooms and expand its suite offerings to 20, all with spectacular slope-side views. The resort’s brand-new restaurant – The Snowmass Kitchen – will offer all-day dining with easy ski-in/ski-out access. The existing gym will be transformed into a first-class spa facility and a brand-new WestinWORKOUT® fitness center will overlook Snowmass Village. The resort’s upper pool will be redeveloped into a landscaped space ideally suited for outdoor events, and the lower pool will be rebuilt to include two spacious hot tubs. The 20,000 square-foot conference center will be fully renovated and is scheduled to re-open by June 1, 2012.
Located in the heart of Snowmass, The Westin Snowmass Resort is walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Snowmass Village. The resort overlooks the slopes of Snowmass and is also convenient to three other ski areas – Aspen, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Aspen/Snowmass is not only one of the world’s most sought-after ski destinations, but it is also a leading destination for summer vacationers, complete with white-water rafting, championship golf courses, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and hiking.
“The Westin Snowmass Resort is a highly anticipated addition to our growing resorts portfolio, offering an unparalleled location with year-round appeal,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Here, guests will enjoy all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to bring to life the brand’s emphasis on well-being and send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”
The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Upon entering the lobby, guests will begin to breathe more easily as they are greeted with soothing elements like relaxed lighting, natural botanicals and stimulating music. All guestrooms will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed with lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly® Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.
“We look forward to fully renovating this spectacular resort in preparation for our re-opening as a Westin next winter,” said John Curnow, general manager of The Westin Snowmass Resort. “One of the area’s top wedding and meeting destinations, The Westin Snowmass Resort will appeal to skiers and summer vacationers who appreciate the brand’s emphasis on a renewing travel experience.”
Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.
For more information on Westin Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.westin.com/ or www.facebook.com/westin.
About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts makes the healthiest choices irresistibly appealing, so guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. With more than 186 hotels and resorts in over 36 countries and territories, Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,090 properties in 100 countries and territories with 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/.
About Starwood Capital Group
Starwood Capital Group is a private, U.S.-based investment firm with a core focus on global real estate. Since the group’s inception in 1991, the firm, through its various funds, has invested over $10 billion of equity capital, representing over $29 billion in assets. Starwood Capital Group currently has $19 billion of assets under management. Starwood Capital Group maintains offices in Greenwich, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and affiliated offices in London, Luxembourg, Paris, Mumbai and Sao Paulo. Starwood Capital Group has invested in nearly every class of real estate on a global basis, including office, retail, residential, senior housing, golf, hotels, resorts and industrial assets. Starwood Capital Group and its affiliates have successfully executed an investment strategy that includes building enterprises around core real estate portfolios in both the private and public markets. Additional information about Starwood Capital can be found at http://www.starwoodcapital.com/.
About Wasserman Real Estate Capital
Wasserman Real Estate Capital LLC is a vertically integrated real estate operating company with in-house acquisition, development, leasing, property management, asset management, legal and financial reporting capabilities. Wasserman’s goal is to create value and manage the long-term interests of its investments on behalf of its investors. Wasserman Real Estate Capital develops, re-develops, and manages a vast array of properties across the United States and internationally. For more information, please visit http://www.wrecapital.com/.
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Contact:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Nadeen N. Ayala, (203) 351-2542
Nadeen.ayala@starwoodhotels.com

Another U-Swirl Opens in Albuquerque

U-SWIRL'S 26th Location Nationwide
HENDERSON, Nev., March 26, 2012 // PRNewswire // -- U-Swirl, Inc. (OTCQB: SWRL), parent to U-SWIRL International, Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt® cafes, announced today that the 26th U-Swirl Cafe in the chain has opened for business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are an additional five locations throughout the United States that are under construction and due to open by June of this year.
"Thank you Albuquerque, for your warm welcome on our first cafe," said Dr. Larry Lehrner, owner of Family Yogurt, LLC, a U-Swirl area developer for the state of New Mexico. He continued, "We are extremely optimistic about this location in the Bricklight District across from University of New Mexico, and will work hard to become the community's preferred frozen dessert cafe. We have an additional U-Swirl cafe under construction and we look forward to that opening in the near future. We are currently looking for seven more great locations throughout New Mexico."
Terry Cartwright, U-Swirl's Chief Operating Officer stated, "Family Yogurt LLC is establishing a positive presence in the community and I look forward to working with Dr. Lehrner and his team on rolling out many more in the near future!"
For more information regarding U-Swirl, Inc., go to http://www.u-swirl.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the timing and financial impact of U-Swirl, Inc.'s ability to implement its business plan, expected revenues and future success. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements are general economic conditions, failure to achieve expected revenue growth, changes in our operating expenses, legal developments, competitive pressures, changes in customer and market requirements and standards, and the risk factors detailed from time to time in U-Swirl's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2010. The forward looking-statements in this press release are based upon management's reasonable belief as of the date hereof. U-Swirl, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Contact:
U-Swirl, Inc.
Office: 702-586-8700
Fax: 702-834-8444
E-mail: info@u-swirl.com
SOURCE U-Swirl, Inc.

Utah is Hot for Dickey's Barbecue

The World's Largest Barbecue Chain is Expanding All Over the State
SALT LAKE CITY, March 27, 2012 // PRNewswire // -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit is feeling the love in Utah. The world's largest barbecue chain has opened six new stores in Utah and is planning to add at least eight more in 2012. They are currently searching for sites to add to their expansion plans.
"We've had remarkable growth in Utah;" said Roland Dickey, Jr., president of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "Utah has embraced our authentic and unique concept and is ready for more!"
Dickey's Barbecue added over 66 stores last year and is planning to add 100 new locations nationwide in 2012.
"Utah is an open field for Dickey's," said John Thomson, owner of multiple Dickey's Barbecue Pits in Utah. "The few barbecue restaurants in the area can't compete with Dickey's Southern style barbecue."
Thomson is a multi-unit franchise owner. He currently owns and operates stores in Salt Lake City, Orem, American Fork, West Valley, and St. George. He has plans to open five more stores.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened its first location in Dallas in 1941. Dickey's began franchising in 1994 and has continued to grow across the country. Dickey's currently has more than 200 locations in 36 states nationwide.
With every new restaurant, the company creates additional jobs for landlords, brokers, construction companies, and of course the state itself. This is great news for Utah.
Dickey's Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.dickeys.com/.
About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants
Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the world's largest barbecue chain. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's is on track to maintain its 61% growth rate in 2012. Currently, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can now be found in 36 states and over 200 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit http://www.dickeys.com/. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.
Media Contact:
Jami Zimmerman
972.248.9899
jzimmerman@dickeys.com
SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue

Get A Blast of Asian Flavors at Asiana Grill Yoshinoya

Yoshinoya America, Inc.’s New Restaurant Concept Opens in May 2012 in Fullerton, California
TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yoshinoya America, Inc. announces the launch of Asiana Grill Yoshinoya where customers experience a blast of exotic Asian flavors put together the way they like it. The new restaurant concept of fast-casual dining centers on the customer combining a rich selection of menu styles, sauces, proteins, and sides to create the perfect blend of Asian flavors.
“We are excited to take this bold step, and move forward to expand the Yoshinoya brand and reach new markets.”
The Asiana Grill Yoshinoya create-your-own menu concept is a departure from the meal-in-a-bowl service for which Yoshinoya is famous. The exhibition style open kitchen allows customers to watch Asian dishes cooked fast and fresh before their eyes. Depending on the protein choice selected by the customer, dishes are prepared either teppanyaki style or yakitori style. Customers can also choose their meal to be served on a plate, as a soup, a salad, or on a bun. The rich, distinct flavor of each dish, which customers will savor in every bite, comes from the unique Asian sauces Yoshinoya has created exclusively for Asiana Grill Yoshinoya. A Yoshinoya customer favorite, the signature Beef Bowl®, will be also be joining the Asiana Grill, Yoshinoya menu. Cooked fresh on the grill, Asiana Grill Yoshinoya’s dishes are nutritious, healthy, and low in fat.
Yoshinoya America, Inc., a leading quick-service restaurant chain with franchises in California and Nevada has assembled, for this launch, a brilliant team led by Executive Vice President, Manuel Villarreal. Villarreal says, “We are excited to take this bold step, and move forward to expand the Yoshinoya brand and reach new markets.”
The launch of our first of many planned locations, located at 450 North State College Blvd, Fullerton, California, is scheduled for May 2012. By 2013, Yoshinoya expects to make the new concept available for franchising.
About Asiana Grill Yoshinoya
Asiana Grill Yoshinoya offers customers a blast of Asian flavors put together they way the customer likes it. It provides a nutritious and fresh Asian-style cuisine with a selection of unique and authentic Asian flavors. United States operations are headquartered in Torrance, California. For more information on Asiana Grill Yoshinoya, email lear@yoshinoyausa.com.
Contact:
AJGPR
Alison Graham, 310-494-1554
ALISON@AJGPR.COM

Alamo Drafthouse Announces A New State Of The Art Location In North Austin

Alamo Drafthouse Announces A New State Of The Art Location In North Austin
March 26, 2012 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX - Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is pleased to announce its plans for a new state of the art theater, located at the corner of Lakeline Blvd and Pecan Park Blvd, adjacent to Lakeline Mall, in the new Lakeline Market Shopping Center. Alamo Lakeline will have 10 screens, the largest of any Alamo theater yet, and boast a bar for beer lovers with a robust selection of brews on tap. Map of new location can be found here, Alamo Drafthouse is building G.
"Ever since opening the Alamo Lake Creek in 2003, we have had tremendous support from the neighborhood. The New Alamo Lakeline will be the newest state-of-the-art Alamo design. We are so proud to bring it to our loyal fans in north Austin", says Tim League Founder and CEO.
Lakeline Market is a new community retail center being developed at the southwest corner of Lakeline Boulevard and US Highway 183 by a partnership of the Barshop & Oles Company of Austin and the HEB Grocery Company of San Antonio. The initial phase of Lakeline Market is projected to open in November of 2012 and will feature a 117,000 square foot HEB Plus Grocery store and Fuel Station. Additional buildings will be constructed to accommodate retail, restaurant and service tenants and upon full build out the project is projected to total 265,000 square feet.
For developments on the Alamo Lakeline theater, follow us on Twitter @drafthouse and Facebook.com/AlamoDrafthouse.
About Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United States and a collectible art store. Named "the best theater ever" by Time Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover's oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed "The Geek Telluride" by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. The Alamo Drafthouse's collectible art boutique, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities are available on the official website http://drafthouse.com/.
Contact:
Brandy Fons
(310) 809-8882
brandy@fonspr.com

Comforcare Senior Services Named Finalist For Excellence In Patient Transitions

Premier, Franchised Provider of Private-Duty, Non-Medical Home Care Nominated for Award Honoring Exemplary Patient-Centered Transitions
March 26, 2012 // Franchising.com // Bloomfield Hills, Mich. - ComForcare Senior Services has been named a finalist in the “Managed Care: Transition of Care Programs” category in the third annual Dorland Health Case In Point Platinum Awards Program. The awards program recognizes the most successful and innovative case management programs working to improve health care across the care continuum and sets the standard for programs that deliver sustained success.
ComForcare Senior Services is one of four finalists in the nation to be nominated for an award in the 2012 “Managed Care: Transition of Care Programs” category, which recognizes programs that have made inroads to improving the transitions of care.
“We are extremely honored to be recognized as a finalist for this prestigious award,” said Mark Armstrong, president and CEO of ComForcare Senior Services. “Each and every one of our dedicated franchise business owners is committed to providing compassionate and reliable home care solutions for the elderly who prefer to remain at home where their quality of life is enhanced to its greatest potential.”
Mr. Armstrong founded ComForcare Senior Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1996. Focused on selecting only the most highly qualified, responsible and compassionate caregivers, ComForcare Senior Services has grown rapidly over the past 16 years to include more than 135 franchise owners who operate 150 territories in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. ComForcare Senior Services ranks among the top 10 franchised providers of home care.
The 2012 Case in Point Platinum Awards showcase the work of care coordination professionals across 22 categories. Case In Point is one of the most widely-read publications in the case management industry, providing healthcare professionals with original, comprehensive and insightful news, trends and information.
On May 9 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Dorland Health will hold an awards luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to give each finalist public recognition for their work and announce the Silver Crown Awards winner from each category. Setting itself apart from other healthcare awards programs in the U.S., the Platinum Awards Program provides the opportunity for organizations and professionals to celebrate their successes in a way that elevates the senior care practice. The keynote speaker at the luncheon will be Alfred Lewis, founder and president of the Disease Management Purchasing Consortium International. For more information, please visit: http://www.dorlandhealth.com/case-in-point-platinum-awards/.
About ComForcare Senior Services
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based ComForcare Senior Services is a premier, franchised provider of private-duty, non-medical home care. Caregivers provide professional personal care and companionship services for individuals in many settings including their homes, independent living communities, nursing homes, hospitals or wherever clients reside. Services are provided primarily to seniors, but individuals with disabilities, accident victims, new mothers or those recovering from a recent illness or surgery can also benefit.
ComForcare has more than 135 franchise owners who operate more than 150 territories in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Long-term growth plans call for approximately 40 new franchise locations by the end of 2012 and to reach 200 or more franchises by the end of 2013. For more information, visit http://www.comforcare.com/.
Media Contact:
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd.
Christine Picchietti
312-829-4350
christine@sandersonpr.com

Benihana Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend Payment of $0.08 per Common Share

MIAMI, March 26, 2012 // PRNewswire // -- Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced that the Board of Directors has authorized and declared a dividend in the amount of $0.08 per Common Share. The dividend is payable in cash on April 23, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 6, 2012.
The Company currently intends payment of regular quarterly dividends; however, the actual declaration of such future dividends and the establishment of the per share amount, record dates and payment dates for such future dividends are subject to the final determination of the Company's Board, and will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.
Richard C. Stockinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Benihana Inc., said, "We are pleased to announce our second quarterly dividend to stockholders in the amount of $0.08 per Common Share. Our strong operating results continue to generate substantial cash flow, allowing us to provide a market competitive dividend yield while maintaining more than sufficient resources to fund anticipated new restaurant growth."
About Benihana
Headquartered in Miami, Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN) is the nation's leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 16 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc. and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video at www.benihana.com/about/video.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the business and prospects of Benihana, including, without limitation: risks related to Benihana's business strategy, including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related to Benihana's ability to operate successfully in the current challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana's efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its RA Sushi and Haru brands; and other risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Benihana's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contact:
Jeremy Fielding or Anntal Silver
Kekst and Company
(212) 521-4800
SOURCE Benihana Inc.