Peter Piper Pizza Adds 2 New Vps To Launch Initiatives In Human Resources, Information Systems

(Wednesday, September 27, 2006) - Peter Piper Pizza, the Southwest's premier pizza and entertainment chain, has appointed Michael Brown as VP of Information Systems and Greg Palmer as VP of Human Resources. Both positions are strengthening the infrastructure of the company as Peter Piper Pizza prepares to launch new initiatives in technology, recruitment and talent development.

Technology updates at all restaurants will allow Peter Piper Pizza to capture actionable transaction information instantly on everything from game token sales to food costs. On the HR side, tools are being developed to assist managers in the field in taking a larger role in the selection and training of associates – with a focus on sharing the opportunities Peter Piper Pizza offers that are likely to appeal to Generation Y.

"We've put a surge of energy into transforming this brand over the past few years, with new menu items, a remodeled restaurant design and investments in prime real estate locations," said Frank Sbordone, president and CEO. "Human resources and information systems are the next areas for us to innovate, and Michael and Greg bring the enthusiasm and strategic thinking that will keep our momentum building."

Both Brown and Palmer are wasting no time in supporting Peter Piper Pizza's mission of "Making it Magic". Brown is rolling out a new point-of-sale system for the chain that is expected to be installed in all company-owned restaurants by the end of the year. A touch-screen will replace the current keyboard system, making the ordering process easier for operators and faster for guests, while capturing critical transaction data for analysis. At the same time, the system will set in place the infrastructure for future enhancements – including plans down the road to automatically rank orders for the cooks (prioritizing a customer's appetizer to be done before their pizza, for example) – saving valuable time in the kitchen.

"All of our software needs to be customized for our menu," said Brown. "With five types of crust, 23 choices of toppings and game tokens available as well, there are a lot of different menu and pricing options for a guest. Our system needs to reflect those variables and still make it fast and easy to track orders. Processing that data for evaluation is going a step further, and will help us get real-time figures on guest preferences that will help us continue to shape our menu."

While Brown creates the tools for a more efficient environment, Palmer is developing the talent acquisition strategies to find the right people to implement them. The brand's success is derived from employees at all levels who embrace the company's special culture, and Palmer is working on ways to build upon that passion and create the infrastructure to assist managers in identifying and developing the candidates who will share it best. A revamped orientation program for new hires has just been rolled out. Additionally, a leadership assessment system, management career development ladder and a pay-for-performance strategy are all in the works.

"I want Peter Piper Pizza to be an employer of choice among parents, who can feel proud that their son or daughter is working for a company with vision and values, and that they're doing so in a safe environment," said Palmer. "Our brand is all about fun, and that should be for employees as well as our guests. Our people create the magic that differentiates our culture and service mindset. Connecting with Generation Y is critical, because they are the employees who our guests interface with the most during visits to our restaurants."

Palmer previously worked at Elliot Associates, where he spent seven years as Vice President for the N.Y.-based executive search firm. He brings more than 24 years of industry leadership experience including 12 years with PepsiCo, serving as an HR director for their Pizza Hut Division. Subsequent roles included Director of HR and Training for DAKA International, Inc. and Senior VP of HR for AVI Food Systems. Brown has more than 20 years of experience in IS, including a post as director of restaurant applications for Vicorp Restaurants, Inc., operator of Village Inn and Bakers Square. He was also IT director for Yellow Transportation in the mid-‘90s when they became the first major cab fleet in North America to launch GPS systems in their vehicles.

About Peter Piper, Inc.
Peter Piper, Inc., is based in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is the Southwest's leading family pizza and entertainment restaurant chain. The company and its franchisees operate 135 restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico and the Republic of Mexico, and have been satisfying guests for more than 30 years. The restaurant locations range in size from 8,500 to 10,000 or more square feet, offering an abundance of dining and entertainment options. For more information, contact Peter Piper, Inc. at (480) 609-6400 or visit www.peterpiperpizza.com.

For more information, photography, or to schedule an interview, please contact Julie Reed of Morgan Marketing & Public Relations LLC: (949) 261-2216 or julie@mmpr.biz.

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