Charlotte Knights upgrade fan experience

CHARLOTTE, Nc. - Levy Restaurants, North America's market leader in premium and concession sports and entertainment dining, has been selected by the Charlotte Knights to be the official concessionaire at Knights Stadium. The partnership also includes Levy operating concessions at Zephyrs Field in New Orleans, also owned by Beaver Sports. Levy Restaurants has held a strategic alliance with Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice organization, with North American headquarters in Charlotte, NC, since 2001.

"Working with Compass and Levy Restaurants at the stadiums was a natural progression for us, not only are the two teams involved but Morrison (another Compass sector) will provide food service for several of the nursing homes that Mr. Beaver operates," says Bill Blackwell, Vice President and General Manager of the Charlotte Knights.

While the upgrades are still in the initial stages of development, Levy Restaurants has added two new themed concession stands, the "Smokehouse BBQ," serving specialty items such as Sonny's barbecue pulled pork sandwich and barbecue chicken sandwiches and the "Thrill of the Grill" concession stand, offering popcorn chicken and fan favorites including char-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. In addition, Knights Stadium's Home Run Café will introduce guests to Levy's signature Chef's Table®, featuring a variety of selections from game time favorites, including BLT Salad, Baby Back Ribs, Popcorn Chicken to a Southwestern Nacho Bar. New offerings will be available for fans at the opening game at Knights Stadium on Thursday, April 7 against the Columbus Clippers.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Charlotte Knights to bring fans an upgraded food experience at the ballpark, and while we've already made some changes, the best for Knights fans is yet to come," says Levy Restaurants Regional Vice President Mike Plutino.

Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is recognized as one of the country's fast-growing and most critically-acclaimed restaurant companies and is the market leader in premium sports and entertainment dining. The company owns, manages or operates 97 locations, including 25 restaurants and 72 sports and entertainment venues, in 41 markets across the country, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Levy's portfolio includes award-winning restaurants such as Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago and Fulton's Crab House in Walt Disney World, as well as Super Bowl XXXIX, the Grammy Awards, major league all-star and championship games, the World Series, the Kentucky Derby and NASCAR racing. For more information visit the Company web site at www.levyrestaurants.com.