Media Advisory

Gold Star Chili Names Mike Rohrkemper New CEO
Seasoned Managing Partner and Financier Replaces John Sullivan After 18-Year Run

CINCINNATI, OH – [April 2, 2008] – Gold Star Chili, one of Cincinnati’s iconic brands, today announced that Mike Rohrkemper has been named its new CEO. Rohrkemper succeeds John Sullivan, who will retire on May 1 after a distinguished 18-year career at Gold Star.

Rohrkemper joins Gold Star from Kemper and Brown Business Consultants where he provided management counsel for a variety of clients including Gold Star Chili.

Rohrkemper brings more than 30 years of senior-level experience to Gold Star Chili. His strong background in finance and management includes CFO and directorship positions from 1993 to 2005 at Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc. and a partnership in the Cincinnati accounting firm of Rohrkemper Ossege & Combs Ltd., from 1991 through 2001.

“We have great confidence in Mike's leadership and financial abilities,” said Basheer Daoud, Gold Star Chili’s director of development. “His previous work experience and knowledge of our business will allow for a seamless transition and his vision will set the stage for a strong future both creatively and financially.”

“It is an honor to take the reins of a true Cincinnati institution,” said Rohrkemper. “Gold Star Chili occupies such an important place in the minds and hearts of Cincinnatians and I’m proud to now be a part of it. It’s also an honor to follow John Sullivan, whose successful 18-year career at Gold Star helped to grow this brand into what it is today.”

One of Sullivan’s many accomplishments during his tenure with Gold Star includes the highly successful introduction of Gold Star Chili products to grocery stores. Under Sullivan’s leadership, Gold Star Chili was named “Small Business of the Year” in 1999 by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and earned the “Ohio Award of Excellence” in 2001.

ABOUT GOLD STAR CHILI

Gold Star Chili, the official chili of the Cincinnati Bengals, was established in 1965 by the four Daoud brothers. The first Gold Star Chili was located in Mt. Washington, and it was here that the brothers settled on the recipe that has become one of Cincinnati's classic tastes. To this day, the spice blend is a closely guarded secret. Gold Star now has more than 100 restaurants located throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and operates concessions at Paul Brown Stadium, Children's Hospital, and the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. To join the Gold Star Chili eClub or for more information, please visit www.goldstarchili.com.

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