Mark Matthias to Take Sole Ownership of Beaches Restaurant

VANCOUVER, Wash., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Holland, Inc., parent company of Burgerville, today announced that its president and CEO, Tom Mears, is selling his interest in the Beaches restaurant to longtime friend and business partner Mark Matthias. The change in ownership will be effective as of January 1, 2008, when Matthias takes sole ownership of the restaurant.

The sale will allow Mears to further focus his attention on Burgerville, The Holland's chain of 39 quick-service restaurants located throughout Oregon and southern Washington, known for its fresh, local focus and sustainable business practices.

"Mark and I are good friends, and even though this business partnership is ending, he has nothing but my utmost respect and blessing to continue to grow the Beaches name," said Mears. "This is a good time for The Holland and Beaches to separate so we can both focus on our respective ventures."

The two men opened the first Beaches as a unique upscale dining experience. When Matthias takes ownership on January 1, Beaches' employees and guests will not notice any changes in the operations. Beaches will continue to serve its patrons in the same community-focused, fun and fresh manner they have come to expect and love.

"Tom gave me an incredible opportunity to open Beaches back in 1993. We've had a great run and I'm excited about the opportunity he is giving me of sole ownership. He is truly a good friend," said Mark Matthias, owner of Beaches. "The partnership has been fun because of our mutual passion and commitment to service, our teams, and to our community. Tom and I will continue to meet and brainstorm ideas for the restaurants in the future."

Vancouver's landmark Beaches restaurant serves up food and fun with its classic American seaside menu and beautiful views of the Columbia River and Interstate Bridge. Welcoming guests of all ages, Beaches is also known for its commitment to the communities it serves. The restaurant supports a variety of organizations by hosting several fundraisers each year as well as through its own Beaches Charity Fund and the Beaches Summertime Cruisin' event.

About Burgerville

Burgerville, a chain of 39 quick service restaurants located throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, serves guests fresh, great tasting food and from a mission of "serve with love." Burgerville's values extend beyond locally grown berries and Walla Walla onions, cage-free eggs and all-natural beef. At Burgerville, the commitment to values of fresh, local and sustainable is about helping people and communities thrive. The innovative company, established in 1961, is redefining industry norms by providing affordable health care for hourly employees and their dependents, purchasing wind power equal to their total energy use, converting used trans fat free cooking oil to biodiesel and implementing comprehensive waste recycling. For more information about Burgerville, please visit http://www.burgerville.com.

Burgerville

CONTACT: Katherine Verducci of McGrath|Power Public Relations,
+1-408-727-0351, katherinev@mcgrathpower.com , for Burgerville

Web site: http://www.burgerville.com/