Buffets, Inc. And Coca-Cola Sign Exclusive Seven Year Beverage Contract

Buffets, Inc. announced today that they have signed an exclusive contract with Coca-Cola North America for the dispensing of Coca-Cola fountain beverages nationwide at all Buffets, Inc. restaurants. The seven year agreement covers 645 units operating under the HomeTown Buffet®, Ryan’s®, Old Country Buffet®, Fire Mountain® and Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse® restaurant brands.

The contract follows the successful merger of Ryan’s Restaurant Group, Inc. into the Buffets, Inc. chain in November, 2006. At that time, Buffets, Inc. became the nation’s largest steak buffet restaurant company and the country’s second largest family dining enterprise. Under the new long term arrangement with Coke, Buffets’ restaurants will serve Coca-Cola Classic®, Diet Coke®, Sprite®, Nestea® Raspberry, Barq’s® Root Beer, and either Minute Maid Lemonade® or Hi-C Pink Lemonade®.

The relationship between Coke and Buffets dates back 22 years, virtually to the inception of the Old Country Buffet restaurant concept. Speaking of the new contract, Buffets Chief Executive Officer, R. Michael Andrews, Jr. stated that “Coke had been a strong business partner with Buffets, Inc. and Ryan’s for many years. This new agreement will assure that the 220 million guests that visit our restaurants annually to enjoy our steaks and other fresh menu offerings will also benefit from a full range of soft drink choices from the premier company in the fountain beverage industry, Coca-Cola North America.”

Coke echoed these sentiments. Tony Ferlauto, Vice President, National Sales said, “We are honored to continue our partnership with Buffets, Inc. We look forward to earning their business every day, for many years to come.”