Moe's Southwest Grill(R) Names Paul Damico as Brand President

    ATLANTA, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- FOCUS Brands(R) announced today that
 Paul Damico has been named brand president of Moe's Southwest Grill(R), the
 fast growing fast-casual restaurant best known for its flavorful
 Southwestern fare served in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
 
     Since acquiring the brand in August 2007, FOCUS Brands President and
 CEO Steve Romaniello has been leading the Moe's(R) brand while seeking the
 right leader to grow the concept to the next level. With plans to open 75
 new Moe's locations in 2008, the FOCUS Brands executive team, with the help
 of a nationwide executive search firm, underwent a rigorous interview
 process with numerous candidates and carefully selected the brand's new
 president.
 
     "We were looking for the sort of leader whose experience reflected a
 strategic and long term approach to operations and a sound grasp of concept
 development," said Romaniello. "Paul's extensive operational background and
 ability to lead people makes him ideal in this role, and we are thrilled to
 have him on board."
 
     Damico joins Moe's from SSP America, formerly known as Creative Host
 Services, Inc., where he was the chief operating officer responsible for
 the operations of 42 airport properties in North America, Canada and the
 Caribbean for this 170 unit restaurant concessions company. Prior to that
 Damico was co-founder and vice president of operations and concept
 development for FoodBrand, LLC, a leading foodservice operator focused on
 restaurants and food courts. Damico spent 13 years in various roles with
 Host Marriott Service Corporation prior to joining FoodBrand.
 
     "The Moe's concept is unique and compelling and has an extremely
 dedicated consumer following," commented Damico. "I am looking forward to
 growing this brand while making operational adjustments as needed along the
 way to make this brand not only a consumer favorite, but a sustainable
 model for our franchisees as well."
 
     About Moe's Southwest Grill
 
     Moe's Southwest Grill is the neighborhood burrito place offering
 flavorful Southwestern fare with a healthy twist. With almost 400 locations
 across the country, Moe's Southwest Grill serves only the freshest
 ingredients prepared right before your eyes, including the Homewrecker
 burrito, the Billy Barou nachos, and the Close Talker salad, in a fun and
 welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2000, Atlanta-based Moe's Southwest Grill
 is ranked the #1 fast-casual chain based on change in system-wide sales
 according to QSR Magazine and the #2 fast-casual chain under 300 units in
 2006. For more information, visit www.moes.com.
 
     About FOCUS Brands
 
     FOCUS Brands Inc.(R) is the franchisor and operator of over 2,200 ice
 cream stores, bakeries, restaurants and cafes in the United States, the
 District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and numerous foreign countries under the
 brand names Carvel(R), Cinnabon(R), Schlotzsky's(R), Moe's Southwest
 Grill(R) and the franchisor of Seattle's Best Coffee(R) on military bases
 and in certain international markets. Based in Atlanta, the primary
 objective of FOCUS Brands is to "FOCUS on making people happy." Please
 visit www.focusbrands.com to learn more.
 
 
 

SOURCE Moe's Southwest Grill