December 3, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Shelly Oechsner Waguespack
504/582-6908
fax 504/582-6909

Jeff Zehnder/Melissa Izor
504/558-7778
fax 504/558-7779

PAT O'BRIEN'S BAR CELEBRATES  
64 YEARS OF HAVING FUN

New Orleans--World-famous Pat O'Brien's Bar celebrates its 64th birthday with great music, old friends and the debut of a new, holiday drink -- called Santa's Hat -- on Wednesday, December 3, 1997, beginning at 5 p.m.  The evening festivities begin with the debut of the Pat O's Choir at 5 p.m.  This ensemble, comprised of talented Pat O's employees and entertainers, will sing and make merry while Santa spreads holiday cheer through the Bar.  Featured evening entertainment is the James Rivers Movement, playing live on the Patio beginnin at 8 p.m. Everyone over twenty-one years old is welcome. Admission is free.  

In honor of this special birthday celebration, Pat O'Brien's is introducing a new, holiday drink, called Santa's Hat, a warm, spiced rum concoction, to be served throughout the holiday season.  And, in Pat O's Courtyard, the Chef has prepared a special Reveillon Menu -- a five course feast -- to celebrate Pat O's birthday, as well as the holiday season.  The Reveillon Menu will be served December 1 through December 24, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. To celebrate Pat O's birthday with old friends, Pat O's invited favorite, former bartenders John Pettavino and Keith McDermott to be special Guest Bartenders in the Main Bar.

Pat O'Brien's was founded on December 3, 1933 by Pat O'Brien.  Originally located on the corner of Royal and St. Peter streets, the bar moved to its present location at 718 St. Peter Street in December 1942. Pat O'Brien's attracts visitors from around the world and offers guests several bars and venues to enjoy.  

Featuring many signature drinks, including the Hurricane, Cyclone, Rainbow, Skylab, Typhoon, Purple People Eater and Mint Julep, Pat O'Brien's describes its mission as dispensing fun and entertaining guests.  The bar is touted as having the largest volume business of its size of any drinking establishment in the world, serving over one million Hurricanes per year. The Main Bar, or Locals Bar, features beer steins from around the world suspended from the ceiling and seasonal pictures of guests at Pat O'Brien's.  

Across the carriageway is the Piano Bar, featuring two copper-topped baby grand pianos, live entertainment and Mr. Eddie playing his tray.  Beyond the carriageway is a spacious 4,000 square foot courtyard, home of the Patio Bar and the widely-recognized flaming fountain.  

Fronting Bourbon Street, Pat O's Courtyard Restaurant opened in 1996 and connects to the bar by way of the courtyard.  The grill is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., serving appetizers, entrees, daily specials and, of course, Pat O'Briens' specialty drinks.  Above Pat O's Courtyard is The Briars, an elegant entertainment suite available for private parties, receptions and corporate events.  The Briars' second floor opens on a balcony above Bourbon Street.  

Pat O'Brien's recently announced plans to establish franchise locations in select cities in the United States and around the world.  Pat O'Brien's-Cancun, the first franchise, opened its doors in 1991.  A third location at Universal CityWalk¨ at Orlando, Florida will feature a replica of the New Orleans location and is scheduled to open in 1998.  Franchise information is available by calling (800) 597-4823.