RESTAURANTS TO HONOR MEN IN UNIFORM THIS MEMORIAL DAY
Columbus, MS -- May 18, 2004

University Management and Sweet Peppers Deli Franchise Systems announce that the companies' 11 restaurants will honor area firemen, policemen, armed services personnel and veterans in uniform with complimentary entrees on Memorial Day. 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, and Hattiesburg, and Sweet Peppers Deli Express in Tupelo.

"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."

"We held the first event last Memorial Day," says Darlene Comish, Marketing Manager for the companies. "We hosted policemen, firemen, emergency responders, military, reservists and veterans from all over north Mississippi. We even had some WWII veterans. It was very gratifying, and we immediately decided to make it an annual event for our restaurants."

Comish said that one of the highlights of last year's event was seeing the uniforms from different organizations and eras. "Many of our wait staff have never even seen uniforms from WWII, Korea or Vietnam," she said. "Of course, we don't want to exclude those veterans whose uniforms may have 'shrunk' in the last 40 or 50 years. This year, we're encouraging older veterans to bring their jackets, insignia or medals to show the younger set."

Comish estimates that last year the restaurants honored up to 600 military or service personnel with free entrees -- approximately 10% of the day's customers. The company is getting the word out in hopes of exceeding that number this year.

"A free entree is really just a small token compared to the service they provide," said Bean "But, what better day to say thank you than Memorial Day."

All area firemen, policemen, armed services personnel and veterans are invited to visit one of the above restaurants in their military or service uniforms and receive a free salad, sandwich, wrap or entree on Memorial Day, May 31st. Most participating restaurants will be open from 11am - 11pm. For more information, please contact Darlene Comish at 662.327.6982 or any of the participating restaurants.