Buca di Beppo Brings Great Casual Italian Dining to New England With Four New Restaurants to Open This Fall

MINNEAPOLIS, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- There will soon be more "mangi" in Massachusetts, as Buca di Beppo today announced that it will open four restaurants in the Boston area and beyond by Fall 2010.  The casual dining restaurant chain, famous for its generous family-style portions, will open new locations in Dedham, Lexington, Seekonk and Shrewsbury.

The opening of these eateries is estimated to create more than 275 jobs in Massachusetts, and is just another indicator of the overall success that Buca di Beppo has experienced since its acquisition by Planet Hollywood International Inc. in September 2008.

"We have successfully re-energized the Buca di Beppo brand in the face of some of the toughest economic challenges in recent history," said Robert Earl, Chairman and CEO of Planet Hollywood International Inc.  "We knew that Buca di Beppo held great potential and we have succeeded in improving operational efficiencies, overall food quality and regularly expanded the menu with great new items.  The combined efforts have really resonated with those seeking a great meal at a great value."

Beating the industry performance index in each of the past sixty weeks, Buca di Beppo is the exception in an economic climate that has hit the casual dining sector particularly hard.  Overall performance of the chain has seen comp sales, guest counts and average unit volume increase year-over-year -- all business performance trends that are nearly unheard of in the Great Recession.  The success of the revitalized Buca di Beppo has led to these new Massachusetts restaurants.

"We have been looking for opportunities to expand Buca di Beppo into Massachusetts, and the timing is perfect," said Tom Avallone, President and CEO of Buca, Inc.  "On a personal note, it gives me even more reason to visit my son attending college in Boston, and now I have a fun restaurant to take his group of friends to for a great dinner."

Famous for serving family-style dishes, Buca di Beppo is the perfect place for a great meal at a great value.  With its fun-filled decor, engaging music and over-the-top service, Buca di Beppo is the restaurant of choice for celebratory dining whether it is a family reunion, birthday or celebrating a youngster's winning soccer game. The restaurant is famous for its marinara and meat sauces made in-house daily and served over imported Rummo Italian Spaghetti.  The casual Italian eatery also offers a variety of budget-friendly pastas and entrees including Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana.  In addition, Buca recently introduced 10 new menu items that include Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken, Chianti Braised Short Ribs, Penne San Remo, Baked Rigatoni and many more delectable dishes.

About Buca di Beppo

Owned and operated by Planet Hollywood International, Inc., with locations from Albany to Honolulu and soon Boston, Buca di Beppo restaurants embody the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire the menu, which features both Northern and Southern Italian favorites. While the food has pleased millions of palates from coast-to-coast, Buca di Beppo is equally famous for its quirky decor and upbeat atmosphere. Most Buca di Beppo locations are open daily for lunch and dinner. Delivery is also available at many locations nationwide. Visit www.bucadibeppo.com for locations, hours of operation, menus, reservations or to place an online order for Buca To Go.

SOURCE Buca di Beppo