February 9,1999

PRESS RELEASE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
FEBRUARY 1, 1999  

PAT O'BRIEN'S GOES UNIVERSAL  
Grand Opening is February 9, 1999 at    
Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando, Florida  

New Orleans - Pat O'Brien's, a New Orleans icon and home of the world famous Hurricane, has announced February 9, 1999 as the Grand Opening for its first U.S. location outside of New Orleans at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando, Florida.  This Orlando venture with Universal is part of Pat O'Brien's national franchise expansion program for its world famous entertainment concept.  The 17,500 square-foot replica of New Orleans' Pat O'Brien's will include the Piano Bar, the Main Bar, and the outdoor Patio with Pat O's famous Flaming Fountain.  Universal Studios CityWalk is a 30-acre entertainment complex offering a legendary gathering of entertainment trend-setters presented through live music, themed restaurants, one-of-a-kind specialty shops, state-of-the-art movie theaters and electrifying dance clubs.  

Pat O'Brien's has prepared for many years to expand its operations.  With the opening of Cancun in 1991 and the Universal Studios CityWalk in February, Pat O'Brien's has clearly established acceptance of its concept outside New Orleans.  

Pat O'Brien's is currently negotiating with various potential franchisees for locations in the United States and internationally.  Markets identified for potential franchises include Atlanta, Branson, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, San Antonio, San Francisco, and San Diego.  

Bill Warshauer, who heads Pat O'Brien's International, Inc. says, "Pat O'Brien's is optimistic that future franchise announcements will be forthcoming during 1999."  Owner and President George D. "Sonny" Oechsner, III stated that they have conducted extensive research of most major U.S. cities to identify markets that meet the stringent Pat O'Brien's formula for success.  Their formula favors cities with strong tourist and convention trades and vital downtown areas that attract pedestrian traffic.  

"Visitors from all over the world have continued to experience the original Pat O'Brien's for more than 65 years.  It is only natural to want to bring a piece of New Orleans to these locations," Oechsner said.  "Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando is a perfect match for Pat O'Brien's, and the excitement continues to grow as the Grand Opening date nears."  

For more information, contact Pat O'Brien's William H. Warshauer at (504)582-6910 or Shelly Waguespack at (504)582-6908 or fax to (504)582-6909.  For Universal Studios Escape, contact Brad Bohnert, Manager of Publicity, at (407)363-8220.