FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2005
Contact: Tyler Fray 704.944.5176
tfray@firebirdsrockymountaingrill.com


FIREBIRDS® ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL
OPENS IN HOOVER-Birmingham

A Charlotte based restaurant group Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill opened a new location in Hoover Alabama on February 16th, 2005.  Located in the Patton Creek Shopping Center, this marks the eighth Firebirds location in the country.

Bold southwest flavors incorporated with aged steaks, chicken, and pizza are signature items for the restaurant. The 7,000 square foot restaurant features the ambiance of a Colorado ski lodge with an open-air kitchen, large exposed high wooden beams and an expansive fireplace in the bar area. The restaurant seats approximately 225 guests.

Local restaurant executive Sara Forgash has been named managing partner for the Birmingham location. Ms. Forgash brings more than 10 years of restaurant management to the Hoover Store. She holds a degree in restaurant management from Florida International University and has held management positions in such operations as J. Alexander’s in Florida, Brio Tuscan Grille and TGI Friday’s.

Michael Bolling, a native of Mobile, Alabama, has been named as chef and will lead a culinary team of more than 50. Chef Bolling has been in the kitchen since age six where his love for food developed. A graduate of the prestigious Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., chef Bolling has served as director of food and beverage for Atlanta’s Buckhead Wyndham Hotel and as kitchen manager for Rio Bravo in Atlanta.

Prior to opening to the public, Firebirds partnered with the Make-A-Wish foundation on Thursday, February 10th.  Guests were invited to take a taste of Colorado before the restaurant opened to the public.  The evening featured and array of Firebirds signature appetizers and desserts as well as complimentary beer and wine.  The event help raise $3,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hoover and Firebirds is proud to have been part of their fundraising efforts.

Firebirds is deeply committed to every community we enter,” says Rob Kendall, president of Firebirds. “We are passionate about inspiring people within our organization and are very excited to have been able to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The life changing impact of their gift granting work positively enriches the lives if those in the Hoover community and Firebirds is proud to have been part of their fundraising efforts.

The 1.6 million dollar building was constructed by Van Tassel-Proctor, Inc. An average check of $12.50 can be expected at lunch and $25.50 for dinner. Firebirds International started in 2000, opening its first store in Charlotte. Since its inception, Firebirds has seen tremendous growth and plans to open in several more locations through 2005.

For more information visit:
www.firebirdsrestaurants.com