Contact:
Bruce Nussbaum
TMG
818-879-7100

Hollywood, CA, February 28, 2006 — TMG and the founders of Zeke’s Smokehouse® are pleased to announce a newly formed partnership to further develop and expand the critically acclaimed BBQ restaurant chain, which was created by famous chefs, Leonard Schwartz and Michael Rosen, and Ron and Kirk Gelsinger of industry-renowned Gelsinger Meats.

Zeke’s Smokehouse opened its doors in Montrose, California in November, 2002 to impressive reviews, offering the kind of authentic barbecue dishes you’d find in Kansas City, Memphis, or Greensboro, North Carolina. It launched its second location, in June 2004 in West Hollywood, again to rave reviews.

“Our original vision for Zeke’s was to take the best BBQ and authentic Americana recipes from where they originated, bringing these delicious, traditional dishes to as many friends and neighbors as we could,” said Schwartz. “We believe that our alliance with TMG, with their vast experience in managing multi-unit chains and in developing and optimizing unique consumer brands, will enable us to realize our goals sooner.”

Schwartz, the former executive chef at Maple Drive restaurant in Beverly Hills and recognized master of “comfort food,” and Rosen, former award-winning executive chef of the acclaimed Reign restaurant in Beverly Hills, have proven a decidedly successful team, working together to successfully launch Maple Drive-and now Zeke’s Smokehouse. These are men who know a great deal about great food. Now, they have shared their deliciously unique barbecue recipes with customers that love and appreciate quality meat. With Zeke’s Smokehouse, they’ve started a new tradition–one of great ‘que in a comfortable, friendly environment.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to grow the Zeke’s Smokehouse concept and be part of Leonard and Michael’s team,” said Ron Lam, a managing partner at TMG. “Both of these gentlemen are highly respected chefs and have brought “quality” and “uniqueness” to traditional, American BBQ and comfort foods in a fashion that is original, replicable and, most importantly, delicious. TMG will work with this team to enhance the overall dining experience and expand as aggressively as it makes sense.”

TMG and the Zeke’s creators are looking forward to launching a third site in late 2006. For addition information, call Bruce Nussbaum of TMG at 818-879-7100. In addition, please visit Zeke’s Smokehouse at www.zekessmokehouse.com and TMG at www.trifecta-mg.com.