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Press Releases Press Archive Press Kit

UNO® NAMED OFFICIAL PIZZA OF OPERATION PIZZA SURGE
JOINS FORCES WITH PIZZAS 4 PATRIOTS TO HOST WORLD'S LARGEST PIZZA PARTY FOR TROOPS

Boston, MA, June 4, 2009 - Uno Chicago Grill® (www.unos.com) has joined forces with Pizzas 4 Patriots (www.pizzas4patriots.com) and DHL Worldwide (www.dhl.com) to deliver over 25,000 pizzas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the world's largest pizza party on July 4.

This record-breaking event, dubbed "Operation Pizza Surge," was conceived by Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village, IL. In 2008, Evans' 15-year-old son Kent asked if there was a way to deliver freshly-frozen, Chicago-style pizzas to service men and women stationed throughout Iraq in time for July Fourth Independence Day celebrations. Evans' initial effort required 2,000 pizzas and was extremely well received. So much so, that Evans managed to ship another 2,000 pizzas out for this year's Super Bowl.

Now, Evans has a unique new challenge. Operation Pizza Surge will be the world's largest pizza party (to be noted in the Guinness Book of World Records). To pull it off, Evans has once again teamed up with DHL to fill a cargo jet with as many as 28,000 ready-to-bake, freshly-frozen pizzas from UNO®, the inventor of Chicago's original deep-dish pizza.

Participating UNO locations will support the effort with a "4 for 40" Fundraiser, asking patrons to add a $4 donation to their checks. Those who participate will be thanked with a coupon book offering $40 in UNO savings.

"UNO is honored to be a part of Operation Pizza Surge," said Frank Guidara, CEO, Uno Chicago Grill, and Vietnam Veteran. "We have tried for years, without success, to send pizzas to our servicemen and women overseas. This partnership with Ret. MSgt Evans and Pizzas 4 Patriots will finally allow us to accomplish that, and we are excited and proud."

Thousands of pizzas, packaged in temperature-controlled containers, will be picked up in late June at UNO's facility in Brockton, MA and loaded onto trucks. The shipment will fly from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York directly to the Middle East, with delivery to military bases just in time for July 4 celebrations.

"As a retired member of the military, I appreciate what it means to receive such a special care package like this, and I thank UNO and DHL for bringing reminders of home to our U.S. troops stationed thousands of miles away," said Evans. "The reactions we have received from families, friends of the military and the troops themselves about this initiative have been heartwarming."

About UNO: Based in Boston, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes more than 200 company-owned and franchised full-service Uno Chicago Grill units located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The company also operates a fast casual concept called Uno Dué Go®, a quick serve concept called Uno Express®, and a consumer foods division which supplies airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and branded Uno products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

About Pizzas 4 Patriots: Pizzas 4 Patriots is a non-profit organization with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of our service men and women. We proudly support those patriots presently serving, as well as our wounded Veterans. It is our goal to provide our Armed Forces with unique gifts from home. We have been fortunate to receive donations, ranging from financial to products and services, from individuals, families, corporations, and other organizations, all wanting to show appreciation for the sacrifice of our brave troops. Our goal is to bring a little bit of home to the troops, and show them that they are supported by the country and residents who enjoy the freedoms that they provide for us.

For more information on our programs, please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.

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