Sale of Romano’s Macaroni Grill to Golden Gate Capital Completed

Brad Blum Joins Romano’s Macaroni Grill as CEO

DALLAS, TX (December 19, 2008) – Golden Gate Capital announced today that it has completed its acquisition of 80 percent of Romano’s Macaroni Grill from Brinker International, giving it majority ownership and operating control.

“This is an exciting day for Romano’s Macaroni Grill, its team members and Golden Gate Capital. This is a great brand with great potential,” said Stefan Kaluzny, a Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital. “Brinker has built Romano’s Macaroni Grill into a leading destination for Italian dining, and we look forward to partnering with them, as continued owners in the new business, to take the company to the next level.”

Golden Gate also announced today the appointment of Brad Blum as Chief Executive Officer of Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Mr. Blum is an experienced restaurant executive with an excellent track-record leading two of the country’s best-known restaurant brands. Mr. Blum previously led both Olive Garden and Burger King where his leadership generated strong same-restaurant sales and profit growth over long periods of time.

“Brad is uniquely suited to lead the Romano’s Macaroni Grill team,” said Mr. Kaluzny. “He brings a unique set of experiences and leadership that will position the company for further success and growth.”

“I am delighted and honored to join the Romano’s Macaroni Grill family to serve as steward of this great brand with Mediterranean roots,” said Brad Blum. “I look forward to working closely with the team to help the company further build upon its many strengths through excellent execution and innovation.”

About Golden Gate Capital

Golden Gate Capital is a private equity firm with over $9.0 billion of assets under management dedicated to investing in change-intensive opportunities. The firm’s charter is to partner with world-class management teams to make equity investments in situations where there is a demonstrable opportunity to significantly enhance a company’s value. The principals of Golden Gate Capital have a long and successful history of investing with management partners across a wide range of industries and transaction types.

For more information, visit www.goldengatecap.com.

About Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Romano’s Macaroni Grill is a leading casual Italian restaurant with more than 220 locations worldwide. Working in open kitchens, Macaroni Grill chefs prepare Italian classics such as Chicken Scaloppini and signature items such as Penne Rustica, as well as grilled specialties, fresh seafood, crisp salads, brick oven pizzas and numerous pasta dishes. The menu is complemented by one of the most extensive wine lists in casual dining, including house wine poured on the honor system, where applicable.
For more information, visit www.macaronigrill.com.