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Contact: Jennifer June
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Vice President of Company Operations Returns to His Shoney’s Roots as Franchisee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 8, 2005) – Mike Hissong, formerly vice president of company operations, has decided to go back to his Shoney’s roots and become a franchisee. 

“The Shoney’s brand is an enduring brand,” said Hissong.  “The company is moving in a positive direction and I want to be a part of the continued success as a franchisee.  This is a very exciting time at Shoney’s.”

Hissong owns and operates a total of nine Shoney’s restaurants throughout the Southeast including Athens, Florence, Huntsville and Muscle Shoals, Ala., West Memphis, Ark., Corinth, Miss., and Jackson and Memphis, Tenn.

“We are thrilled to have Mike as a franchisee,” said Joe Phraner, COO of Shoney’s Restaurants.  “Mike’s knowledge and history of the brand is an invaluable asset. It’s because of franchisees like Mike who believe in Shoney’s heritage and vitality that make us a better brand.”

Hissong began his career with Shoney’s Restaurants 20 years ago as a manager trainee in Memphis, Tenn., for franchisee Shoney’s South.  Since then, Hissong has held several positions at Shoney’s including area director, director of operations and regional vice president.