Monday, October 17, 2005

Six Local Burger King Restaurants purchased by

Heartland Food Corp.

Heartland Food Corp., based in Downers Grove, IL, and multi-unit franchisee of Burger King restaurants, announced today that it has acquired six restaurants in and around the Spartanburg area. The company paid an undisclosed sum to Piedmont Foods, Inc. for the rights to own and operate three Burger King locations in Spartanburg; one each in Inman and Landrum, SC; as well as one location in Columbus, NC.

According to Jeff Rogers, CEO of Heartland Food Corp., "It is our plan to invest substantially in these facilities in immediate remodeling, service system and employee training program upgrades, as well as focusing on an improved overall dining experience in these restaurants." Rogers said, "The 180 employees of our six new stores are excited about the opportunity to have the financial and operating support needed to reach their full potential. These units fit well in our organization, as we currently own and operate approximately 35 additional Burger Kings in the Carolinas."

Steve Wiborg, COO of Heartland Food Corp., added, "We are excited about the future potential of this market. We intend to successfully revitalize facilities, marketing, and service techniques to earn back the strong customer base these Burger Kings once had; just as we have accomplished in our other markets."

Heartland Food Corp. operates a total of 217 Burger King units in North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Burger King Chain recently recognized Heartland Food Corp. as one of the preeminent franchisees in their system, winning the Brand Leadership Award for 2005.

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