Dallas, Texas - April 28, 2004 - Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (CRW) is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Ellis to the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team. In his role as senior vice president of development, Ellis is responsible for all aspects of real estate, construction and design, equipment purchasing and new restaurant development for T.G.I. Friday's U.S.A. He started his position with the company on April 19, 2004.

Ellis brings with him several years of experience in restaurant development. Most recently, Ellis was executive vice president and chief development officer for Burger King Corporation, overseeing all aspects of development. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of development for Darden Restaurant Inc. Other positions held by Ellis include senior vice president of development for DF&R Restaurants Inc.; in addition, he previously served as director of real estate and director of development for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.