FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Updated January 13, 2006)

BAR LOUIE TO OPEN IN CHAMPAIGN

CHAMPAIGN (December 9, 2005) - Restaurants-America announces the opening of Bar Louie Champaign on Wednesday, February 1st, 2006. Located at 510 E. John Street, Bar Louie Champaign is the 16th location nationwide of the popular Chicago-based chain.

Bar Louie, a casually cool neighborhood restaurant and bar known for its signature martinis, wine bar and handcrafted beers, also features a large selection of uniquely prepared appetizers, deluxe burgers and hearty entrees at prices that won't break the bank. A large selection of tempting "Small Plates" includes Potstickers with Thai chili and peanut sauces ($6.99); Bacon-Wrapped Dates filled with chorizo ($5.99); and Smoked Chicken Taquitos served with sour cream and salsa ($5.99).

Bar Louie's deluxe sandwiches are large enough to share but so irresistible you won't want to. Popular choices include the Luigi Steak ($7.99) and Vesuvio Melt (7.99), among others. Or, try a hot and juicy burger, like the monster Southwest Burger with provolone cheese, guacamole and jalapeño peppers ($6.99) and Blue Louie with blue cheese, bacon, spinach and buffalo sauce ($6.99).

"Large Plates" are hearty and satisfying. Favorites include Thai Pepper Steak served over rice ($11.99); Blackened Salmon with charred corn, tomato, spinach ($12.99) and Lemon Chicken Pasta tossed with mushrooms and lemon alfredo sauce ($9.99). Children's selections are also available.

One can hardly escape the lure of Bar Louie's "artfully concocted," handcrafted martinis, which dominate the drink list, from the classic "up" to avante garde creations like the "Chocolate Dream," Luau" or "Cherry Bomb." Beer lovers can choose from over twenty domestics, imports and microbrews; while wine enthusiasts can order from an interesting assortment of Californian, Italian and Australian selections available by the glass or bottle.

The 5000 square foot space seats 150 and has design elements characteristic of all Bar Louie locations. Warm surroundings with an urban feel include contemporary photography, hand-laid mosaic tiling, hardwood floors, wood-paneled walls, retro light fixtures, plasma televisions and a variety of seating options from high-top bar tables to plush, circular booths. An inviting patio seats up to 100 when the weather's warm.

Bar Louie Champaign is located at 510 E. John Street. Open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily; Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The restaurant is handicapped accessible. All major credit cards are accepted. Reservations are not accepted. For more information, call the restaurant at 217.328.3700 or visit www.barlouieamerica.com.

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