New Albany, Indiana - 1 June, 2002 -

Pizza Today magazine, the leading publication in the pizza industry, announced today it will present its second annual Chain of the Year award to CiCi’s Pizza. Jeremy White, Executive Editor of the monthly trade publication, says CiCi’s was honored with the coveted award for several reasons. “This chain is poised for serious growth,” says White. “After a major overhaul of its logo, store prototype and food product, the revamped CiCi’s has become a rising star in the pizza industry. “More importantly, if you look at the numbers, you’ll be amazed. The average CiCi’s store generates over $900,000 a year in sales. That’s impressive because CiCi’s operates with an all-you-can-eat buffet that is priced at just $3.99, and allows kids under three years of age to eat free. You can’t do that and make the kind of money CiCi’s makes without great people, great franchise support and great execution. This truly is a model for others in the pizza business.” CiCi’s Pizza, based in Coppell, Texas, currently operates 378 pizza restaurants in 18 states, and plans to add 275 units, mainly through multiple unit developments, over the next five years. The chain’s signature buffet features 16 different pizzas as well as salads, pasta and desserts. CiCi’s founder, CEO and president, Joe Croce, says receiving Pizza Today’s Chain of the Year award is an honor for all CiCi’s employees and franchisees. “I’m very pleased and proud to accept this recognition on behalf of the CiCi’s Pizza Franchise Family,” he says. “It is through their collective vision and hard work over the years that we are now able to win such a prestigious award.” In addition to being on the cover of Pizza Today’s June issue and profiled extensively inside the magazine, CiCi’s executives will be presented the Chain of the Year award at the Chicago Pizza Expo on August 1. The Expo, at Chicago’s Navy Pier, runs July 31-August 1 and serves to bring together the pizza industry’s top products and operators. Pizza Today, launched in 1982, is a monthly trade publication with a circulation of approximately 45,000. The magazine is geared towards helping owners and operators of pizza restaurants make their businesses more efficient and profitable. For more information on Cici’s Pizza, Pizza Today, or Pizza Expo , log on to www.pizzatoday.com.

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