Ignite Restaurant Group Expands Partnership With SPM Communications

DALLAS, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SPM Communications adds Ignite Restaurant Group concepts Romano's Macaroni Grill and Brick House Tavern + Tap to its client roster of top national and regional restaurant, food and retail brands, including its ongoing work with Ignite-owned Joe's Crab Shack.

The addition follows the April acquisition of Macaroni Grill by Houston-based Ignite. SPM will now manage media relations and communications for Ignite's full family of concepts, including Brick House, which currently has 15 locations and recently announced it will begin franchising, and Macaroni Grill, with more than 200 locations in 36 states.

"The acquisition of Macaroni Grill was a big step forward for Ignite, and there is a lot of excitement about bringing this high-quality brand into our family," said Ignite Restaurant Group CMO Robin Ahearn. "SPM has been an excellent partner in promoting and protecting our Joe's Crab Shack brand, and we are glad to have them on board to help manage our full portfolio of brands."

Founded in 1988, Macaroni Grill has earned a reputation for innovative Italian cooking, regional ingredients and a diverse wine list in an elegantly casual setting. The restaurant is also known for its honor wine system and opera singers, which showcase the restaurant's heritage.

"We are honored to be entrusted with Ignite's whole family of well-loved restaurants," said SPM founder and President Suzanne Miller. "We are fans of Ignite's talented leadership team and are eager to support their plans for the Macaroni Grill and Brick House Tavern + Tap brands."

In addition to the three Ignite concepts, other SPM restaurant clients include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cheddar's Casual Café, CiCi's Pizza, Bruegger's Bagels and Salata.

For more information on SPM Communications, go to www.spmcommunications.com, www.facebook.com/spmcommunications or Twitter @spmspm. For more information on Ignite Restaurant Group, go to www.igniterestaurants.com.

About SPM Communications
Founded in 1999, SPM Communications is a thriving, Dallas-based PR agency that promotes and protects brands through media relations, social media and crisis communications. With staff in Dallas, Denver and Atlanta, SPM represents iconic brands including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Michaels Stores, CiCi's Pizza, Van's Natural Foods, Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q and Bruegger's Bagels. In 2008, Founder and President Suzanne Parsonage Miller received the "Make Mine a Million" award from Count Me In, which recognizes top women in business who demonstrate great potential to impact their communities. The company has also garnered national media coverage for its "No Jerks" policy of mutual respect and trust among clients, team members and company leaders.

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Kristen Kauffman
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SOURCE SPM Communications