Florida Restaurant Industry Leader Boosts Business with Rewards Network Marketing Program

CHICAGO - March 12, 2007 - David Earp, President of the Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, has leveraged his relationship with Rewards Network, a leading provider of marketing services and loyalty programs to the restaurant industry, to attract new diners to his Tucson's Grill & Cantina location.

"I have met many fellow restaurateurs who are part of Rewards Network through my work with the FRLA," said Earp. "Two aspects of the program were very attractive to me: the ability to draw in more of the clientele I enjoy hosting, namely traveling professionals and families; and the information Rewards Network provides me about my diners. The customer trend reports save me time, and also provide a detailed breakdown of who's visiting and why — which makes for a solid marketing program for Tucson's Grill & Cantina."

Since 1990, this southwestern grill has served up south-of-the-border classics with a fresh, contemporary flair. House specialties include applewood BBQ shrimp skewers, chipotle mahi, signature burritos, Santa Fe sirloin, and a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant's spacious layout allows diners to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the main dining room, more formal a la carte room, live music on the outdoor terrace, or extensive banquet facilities.

The time Earp saves by receiving marketing and business intelligence from Rewards Network allows him to commit additional resources to his local and state responsibilities in the FRLA. "I sit on the Culinary Advisory Board for the Pinellas Board of Education, and Chair the FRLA Educational Foundation at the state level," said Earp. "This allows us to reach over 14,000 students at over 200 Florida schools to expose them to programs in hospitality and cooking." The FRLA program curriculum and certification is managed by members of the organization, and provides additional ongoing training for state restaurant operators. The FRLA is also active in lobbying to protect the business environment for restaurateurs, and educating the industry about pending legislation. Additionally, the organization works with the Department of Health to assure the public is provided with safe dining experiences.

"Rewards Network is an excellent fit for a busy restaurateur like David. The marketing and customer insights we provide him give him more time to dedicate to Tucson's Grill & Cantina and the FRLA," said Ron Blake, Rewards Network President and CEO. "We are delighted to work with someone who not only offers diners an excellent experience at his restaurant, but also does so much to further the interests of the restaurant industry in the state of Florida."