Published: October 12, 2006
New Melt Store Opens in Westfield Topanga Mall, Los Angeles
Company Continues Expansion into Major Cities Across the U.S.
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Oct. 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Melt Inc. , owner, operator and franchisor of quick service restaurants operating under the name "Melt gelato & crepe cafe," has opened a new franchise-owned store in the Westfield Topanga Mall, located in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley.
The Westfield Topanga Mall recently underwent a $330 million renovation and expansion project, adding over 100 retail outlets, including a large two-story Target; a Neiman Marcus Department Store; several new restaurants with a cafe-style dining terrace; a "Westfield Playtown" with a "family lounge"; and an indoor carousel.
"The Topanga store opening represents yet another milestone for the Company," commented Clive Barwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Melt Inc. "Our strong relationship with the Westfield Group and other leading property management companies has made it possible for Melt to secure retail space in some of the largest and most popular shopping outlets in the U.S. We look forward to working with these companies as we continue to open franchises across the U.S."
"We have had a fantastic response from the public since the minute we opened," added Charles Kim, franchisee of the Melt-Topanga store. "Customers have been lining up and we look forward to continued success."
Melt's expansion program is initially focused on California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Illinois and Washington states. The program is estimated to drive the store count from 30 by the end of 2006 to 174 in 2008 with operations in 20 states.
To learn more about Melt Inc. please visit the Company's corporate Web site at www.meltgelato.com.
About Melt Inc.
Melt Inc., and its subsidiaries, are in the business of owning, operating and franchising quick service restaurants marketed under the name "Melt gelato & crepe cafe." The Company's main product offerings include Italian gelato and sorbetto, sweet and savory crepes, gourmet Italian cafe, and nutritious smoothies made from 100% crushed fruit.
The Melt concept leverages the universal appeal and enormous volume of ice cream sales and consumption in the United States and around the world. Melt provides its customers with a unique purchase experience in a European atmosphere. Gelato is an authentic Italian dessert that has been popular for hundreds of years in Europe where it is available on almost every street corner. The gelato industry in the United States is in its infancy and Melt has the opportunity to dominate this rapidly growing niche industry.
Melt offers its franchisees dedicated support through marketing and merchandising tools, excellent product and streamlined operational procedures that make running a Melt franchise an exciting and rewarding business experience. Since being founded in 2003 after years of research and development, Melt has rapidly grown from one store to thirty (open and under construction) with major expansion plans ahead. Melt Inc. is headquartered in Laguna Hills, California.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this release are "forward-looking" and as such are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly from the results expressed or implied in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially amongst other risks and uncertainties include Melt's ability to sell further franchises, the impact of competition, the ability to find suitable retail locations, additional capital needs and other risks outlined in Melt's quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB, annual reports on Form 10-KSB and Melt's other disclosure documents filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Melt Inc.
Clive Barwin
310-601-7907
clivebarwin@meltgelato.com
The Investor Relations Group
Kevin Murphy/Adam Holdsworth
212-825-3210
kmurphy@investorrelationsgroup.com
aholdsworth@investorrelationsgroup.com
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