Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. Announces New Hire, Jay Miller, VP of Research & Development for Perkins, 2010 Top Operators & Chainwide Community Giving Initiative

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. (PMCI), the preeminent family restaurant company in the United States announced today the appointment of Jay Miller as Vice President of Research & Development, Perkins; the 2010 top performing award winners at Perkins; and a Free Pancake Day at Perkins benefitting Give Kids The World.

Research & Development:  Mr. Jay Miller joins Perkins as Vice President of Research & Development with responsibility for creating and delivering innovative food items consistent with the evolving taste preferences of Perkins consumer.  With over 20 years of R&D and Food & Beverage experience in the Restaurant Industry, Miller was most recently Director of Product Innovation for Black Angus Steakhouse and previously held positions at IHOP and Max & Erma's Restaurants.  His educational background includes an AOS degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, as well as Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island.  Cheryl Ahlbrandt, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Research & Development for Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. comments, "Jay brings both breadth and depth of knowledge to the R&D position.  He will be an integral part of the team, contributing to the future success of the Perkins brand."

Operations:  Rick Arras, President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakeries recently announced the 2010 top-performing operators at Perkins.  They include, Mr. Nick Schaffer, 2010 Regional Manager of the Year; John Howard, 2010 Franchise Consultant of the Year and Kim Blake, General Manager of the Year.

Nick Schaffer began his career with Perkins in 1994, resides in the Orlando area and oversees Perkins Restaurants in the Orlando and Kissimmee markets; John Howard, a 22-year veteran of the company, hails from Madison, Wisconsin and during 2010 worked with franchisees in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin markets.  Finally, Kim Blake, currently General Manager of the Fort Myers South Perkins, oversaw the Perkins Restaurant in North Port, Florida during 2010.  All three individuals were recognized for their outstanding achievements and were inducted into Perkins 2010 President's Club.  

Community Giving:  On March 21, 2011, participating Perkins restaurants will give away one free short stack of made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes to guests dining in the restaurant on that day (times may vary per location.)  In return, guests can consider making a donation to Give Kids The World, a non-profit organization that provides weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their deserving families at a fanciful, "storybook" retreat in Central Florida.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery has supported Give Kids The World for nearly 20 years. Since their partnership began, Perkins has raised more than $10 million dollars for the organization, through the generosity of employees, franchisees and guests.

About Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries:

Founded in 1958, Perkins operates 480 restaurants in 34 states and five Canadian provinces.  The Perkins system includes 161 company-owned and operated restaurants and 319 franchised units.  More information about Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries can be found as www.perkinsrestaurants.com.

SOURCE Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc.