Fee Hedrick Family Entertainment Group

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. March 20, 2008 - The largest Tony Roma’s restaurant in the world opens on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. on Monday, March 24. Considered the pioneer of baby back ribs, Tony Roma’s has a global presence with more than 250 restaurants in 35 countries including the U.S., and average in size around 5,600 square feet. The Pigeon Forge location is close to 12,000 square feet - a statistic that will help meet the dining demands of a tourist destination with around 13 million visitors a year. It is also the largest restaurant in Pigeon Forge with 346 seats and will employee 160 people.

The new franchise location is co-owned by David Fee, president, and Jim Hedrick, vice president, of the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group. Both agree that size is not their ultimate objective, but rather offering a quality family dining experience. Fee says, “The decision to open this particular franchise was based more on location and timing, in addition to the world-class reputation of Tony Roma’s first-rate food. This is a beautiful, first-class restaurant that specializes in providing a quality casual dining experience for families.

I ultimately chose to open a Tony Roma’s after seeing how it anchors large-scale developments in other tourist areas like Nashville and Myrtle Beach.” Fee says. The Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group also owns the nearby Black Bear Jamboree Theater and The Miracle Theater, which is next door to the new restaurant. Fee adds, “Our opening takes advantage of the latest interior designs and menu additions Tony Roma’s has to offer customers. We’re happy to be the first restaurant to incorporate these new concepts.”

Tony Roma’s worldwide success story is attributed to its award-winning famous ribs and variety of mouth-watering sauces. But the Tony Roma’s story does not end with ribs. USDA Choice char-grilled steaks, original barbecue chicken, delicious seafood and fresh salads, make up a menu that is sure to please every guest.

The decor of the new Pigeon Forge restaurant features rustic stack stone accents, set against mustard-yellow walls, dark wood trim, sleek contemporary lighting, black leather and grey-printed upholstered seating and cherry-stained table tops. The interior focal point is a handsomely-trimmed wooden bar with a reflective glass backdrop that can accommodate 16 people at a time. The location will serve beer and wine, in addition to specialty non-alcoholic cocktails and milkshakes.

Vintage artwork hung in the restaurant features pictures of the original Tony Roma’s chef and a picture of the original Tony Roma’s restaurant in North Miami, Fla. that opened 30 years ago in 1978. To incorporate local flare, inset display cases at booths around the restaurant salute some of the biggest names in Country music - Kenny Chesney and Faith Hill to name a few.

Shane Womack, director of franchise operations for Tony Roma’s, is in Pigeon Forge for the restaurant’s opening. “This is considered an iconic opening for us. Tony Roma’s is a very recognizable brand that has a solid history of doing very well in tourist destinations. The business opportunity in Pigeon Forge is very similar to when we opened the International Drive location near Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. We are hoping for big things from this new franchise as well. This appears to be a very good fit not only on the business side, but also for area residents and visitors alike.”

The new restaurant offers customer’s several special service options, including a private meeting/party room that can accommodate up to 60 people, a carry-out Ribs To Go service, gift cards available in any denomination, and Tony Roma’s online Roma Rib Expert Club, where you can get all the latest scoop on promotions, news, and special offers from the restaurant chain at www.tonyromas.com.

Tony Roma’s is located at 2050 Parkway (traffic light 0) in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The new restaurant is at the same location as the former Country Legends Grill and Alabama Grill. Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations for parties of eight of more people are accepted depending on the day and time by calling (865) 908-8777. For more information or to view the menu online, visit www.tonyromaspigeonforge.com.