GOLD STAR CHILI’S NEW CHILIBURGER

RESULTS IN ONE OF COMPANY’S BEST PROMOTIONS

CINCINNATI, Ohio - (May 21, 2002) - Chili enthusiasts around the tristate discovered a new way to enjoy a local favorite -- on top of a burger instead of a hotdog. The result was one of Gold Star Chili’s strongest new product introductions.

Gold Star Chili introduced the Chili Burger to Cincinnati on April 1, 2002. The promotion kicked off on Cincinnati Reds Opening Day with sampling at the O pening Day Parade and a WLW Chili Burger Building Contest awarding the winner with opening day tickets.

Gold Star Chili’s new chiliburger, which just concluded a 6 week promotional product campaign, contributed to a 13 percent lift in sales for the chili chain.

"A 13 percent lift is great for a first-time product in this market," said John Sullivan, chief executive officer, Gold Star Chili. "We are seriously considering bringing the chili burger back again as one of our future promotional products."

Gold Star Chili has experienced similar success with its introduction other new products, including chili cheese fries – now a regular, very popular menu item.

"We’ve been considering and testing new product ideas for while, but have been careful to introduce products only after they are really ready for market," Sullivan said. "Tri-state residents tend to get hooked on Cincinnati-style chili for a lifetime, but Gold Star has proven that consumers can satisfy their chili cravings through products that move beyond ‘ways and coneys’. We’ll always keep the focus on chili, but continue to provide new ways for consumers to enjoy it."

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Established in 1965, Gold Star Chili has more than 100 restaurants located throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. For more information about Gold Star Chili, please log onto www.goldstarchili.com.

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