LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO HONOR MEN & WOMEN IN UNIFORM
Columbus, MS -- May 18, 2006

For the fourth year, University Management, Inc. and Sweet Peppers Franchise Systems, LLC announce that 12 of their restaurants will honor area firemen, policemen, armed services personnel and veterans in uniform with a complimentary entrée on Memorial Day. Participating restaurants include: Bulldog Deli, The Cotton District Grill, The Grill at Jackson Square, Harveys and Sweet Peppers Delis.

“We served approximately 1,000 uniformed personnel with a free meal last year. This year we have opened more restaurants and are excited to be able to offer more options than ever to the men and women who protect and defend our local communities and country on a daily basis,” stated Karen Stanley, Marketing Director.

All area firemen, policemen, armed services personnel and veterans are invited to visit one of the restaurants wearing their military or service uniforms and receive a free salad, sandwich, wrap or other entrée of their choosing on Memorial Day, May 29th. “We encourage the veterans whose uniforms may have ‘shrunk’ over the years to bring their jackets, insignia or medals to show the younger set,” said John Bean, CEO. “Our staff enjoys meeting these heroes and honoring them each year.”

In 2005, this event received the Mississippi’s Restaurant Neighbor Award from the National Restaurant Association. This highly competitive award showcases the philanthropic nature of the food service industry and recognizes member restaurants that demonstrate a dedication to community outreach. “We were honored to receive this award, however the reason we began this program was to honor the men and women for their dedication and service. Giving back to them is always a yearly highlight for our staff,” said Bean.

Posters and fliers will be circulated in all areas to alert the eligible people in the community about the offer. Most participating restaurants will be open from 11am – 11pm. For more information please contact the Corporate Office at 662-327-6982 or any of the participating restaurants listed below.

In Columbus, Mississippi, The Grill at Jackson Square, Harveys and Sweet Peppers Deli will all participate. Bulldog Deli, The Cotton District Grill, Harveys and Sweet Peppers Deli will participate in Starkville, Mississippi. In Tupelo, Mississippi, Harveys, Sweet Peppers Deli, and Sweet Peppers Deli Express in the Barnes Crossing Mall will all participate. In Memphis, Tennessee and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sweet Peppers Deli will participate.