TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott will kick off “Cut My Taxes Week” on Tuesday, March 24th at the Florida State Capitol.  A booth will be set up at the Plaza Level Rotunda from Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00am – 3:00pm where Floridians can bring their bills and use the tax cut calculator to see their savings with the Governor’s proposed cell phone and TV tax cut. Governor Scott will be at the booth on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25. In celebration of Gator Day at the Capitol, University of Florida President Dr. Fuchs and Albert and Alberta will join Governor Scott at the booth on Tuesday. FSU President John Thrasher and Coach Jimbo Fisher will join Governor Scott at the booth on Wednesday.

Governor Scott said, “Florida families know how to spend their hard earned money better than government can. In the last four years, we have cut taxes more than forty times and reduced state debt by $7.5 billion. This year, Florida has a $1.8 billion surplus and we have the resources available to continue to cut $673 million in tax cuts, including our proposal to cut the cell phone and TV tax. Every Florida family will be able to get back real money back with our cell phone and TV tax cut – saving every Florida family around $43 a year for spending as little as $100 a month between cell phone, cable and satellite bills. I look forward to meeting Floridians at our booth this week to talk to them about the savings they will see with our proposed tax cut.”

In his 2015 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget, Governor Scott has proposed cutting $673 million in tax cuts for Floridians. The biggest portion of Governor Scott’s proposal includes cutting the tax that families and businesses pay for their cell phone and TV services. Currently, Florida families pay a state cell phone and TV tax rate of 9.17 percent on nonresidential landlines, cell phone, and cable services, and 13.17 percent on satellite services.

The Tax Cut Calculator is also available online at CutMyCellPhoneTVTax.com.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott recognized John Schrowang, president of the Red Elephant Pizza and Grill with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. The Governor’s Business Ambassador Award is given to individuals and business in recognition of their efforts to create jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to award Red Elephant’s President John Schrowang with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for creating opportunities for families in Florida. Since December 2010, Florida has added more than 801,000 private sector jobs, and small businesses like the Red Elephant have played a big role in that growth. John and his family are a great example of how hard work and determination can lead to achieving the American Dream in Florida.”

The Red Elephant President John Schrowang fulfilled his life-long dream of owning a family-friendly restaurant in November 2006, when he opened his first location in Tallahassee.  During the first few months, John worked 97 straight days, his wife Melanie rolled silverware, and his triplet sons and daughter bused tables. Just six months later, they opened their second location in Tallahassee. The Red Elephant began with 60 employees, and today it has grown to seven locations in two different states with over 400 employees.

John Schrowang, Red Elephant Pizza President, said, “I am proud to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award on behalf of our entire team at the Red Elephant. Our dream was to create a place that offered great food, but even more importantly, a place where people could recharge and reconnect. We are honored to be able to share our success with our fellow Floridians by creating jobs opportunities, and we look forward to our future growth.”

Same-store sales increase: 6.6%
Customer traffic increase: 4.6%
*1/1/15-3/18/15

SAN ANTONIO, TX, March 23, 2015 – Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BH) announced  that its wholly-owned subsidiary Steak ‘n Shake is on track to reach its 25th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. This momentum has been propelled almost exclusively by an approximate 40% cumulative increase in same-store customer traffic over the same time period.

Sardar Biglari, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “When present management took over the reins in August of 2008, Steak ‘n Shake was generating negative cash flows from its core operations, was out of compliance with its debt covenants, and was within 90 days from insolvency. The situation was so dire that we were taking measures such as paying some of our vendors with company shares to stay afloat.”

“We quickly succeeded in turning around the chain because of our entrepreneurial culture, by placing the customer first, and in doing so we have been on an impressive streak. Steak ‘n Shake will reach a major milestone when it registers its 25th consecutive quarter of increases in same-store sales. All our approximately 23,000 employees, especially those who weathered the most perilous times in our history, ought to be proud of their achievements. I am most grateful for their efforts,” continued Mr. Biglari.

Steak ‘n Shake’s focus on quality – using 100% beef without preservatives or artificial ingredients, as well as fresh produce, always made-to-order – has created the benchmark for success in the premium burger category with nearly 550 locations.  Steak ‘n Shake’s momentum has been supported by geographic and franchise expansion, along with the introduction of new restaurant formats. Steak ‘n Shake’s flexibility in design and concepts has made the brand popular in universities, casinos, airports, turnpike oases, convenience stores,  gas stations, shopping centers, and other venues – always created with the same commitment to award-winning premium quality.

Since the repositioning of the brand, Steak ‘n Shake has been the recipient of Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain Award. Zagathas recognized Steak ‘n Shake as creating the #1 Milkshake, and Consumer Reports has ranked Steak ‘n Shake as one of the Top 10 finest-tasting burgers.

About Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake, a classic American brand, serves premium burgers and shakes in more than 500 restaurants across the country and the world. Since 1934, Steak ‘n Shake has served hand-crafted, premium Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Steak ‘n Shake is a Biglari Holdings company.

About Biglari Holdings Inc.
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, as well as restaurants. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements which may concern anticipated future results are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ markedly from those projected or discussed here. Biglari Holdings cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, for actual results may differ materially from expectations. Biglari Holdings does not update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Further information on the types of factors that could affect Biglari Holdings and its business can be found in the company’s filings with the SEC.

SOURCE Biglari Holdings Inc.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray, [email protected], 850.224.2250 x255
Christina Johnson, [email protected], 850.391.5040

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, March 29, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse travels throughout South Florida visiting a few of his favorite restaurants in the region.

“South Florida has become a culinary epicenter because of the rich melting pot of cultures, an array of local ingredients and fresh seafood,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The FRLA is proud that this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida highlights three must-visit restaurants, located in a region that is home to some of the best hospitality establishments in the state.”

Emeril’s first stop in the South Florida episode takes him to Miami Beach. Pubbelly is the first restaurant by the Pubbelly Restaurant Group led by Andreas Schreiner, Jose Mendin and Sergio Navarro. Opened in 2010, Pubbelly has helped redefine the culinary scene in Miami by introducing a casual tavern-like restaurant setting with chef-driven cuisine. The contemporary, pork-centric Asian-inspired gastropub is even credited for revitalizing the neighborhood where it is located.  Emeril talks with the owners about their journey and samples some of the restaurant’s signature dishes including Short Rib Tartare, Bone Marrow with Miso Butter Toast and Bacon Jam, and Mofongo with Pork Belly Confit and Shoyu Broth.

Emeril’s next stop is Islamorada locatedin the Florida Keys at the historic Cheeca Lodge and Spa, a pillar in the Islamorada community since 1946. The Lodge sets the standard for luxury in the Florida Keys and offers a tropical retreat for those looking to escape. The resort is home to three world-class restaurants including Atlantic’s Edge. Atlantic’s Edge is a fine dining restaurant renowned for its tropical inspired seafood, year-round stone crab, prime steaks, organic produce and island inspired desserts. Executive Chef Richard Smith has revitalized most of the menu since his arrival in 2012. The cuisine at the restaurant has a Caribbean flair and uses local ingredients including fresh fish. Chef Smith and Emeril sit down to taste some of specialties including Maine Lobster Grilled Cheese, Blackened Mahi Tacos, and Guava Glazed Mahi with Bok Choy and Coconut Bamboo Rice.

Emeril ends the show at Robert Is Here, a fruit stand and farm operating in Florida City. Robert Is Here was established by Robert Moehling in the fall of 1959, when he was just six-years-old. Robert set up on the same corner the fruit stand sits today with some of his father’s surplus cucumber crop. Not a single person stopped all day. The next day, Robert’s father placed a sign on each side of the table proclaiming in big red letters “Robert Is Here.” By noon, Robert had sold all of the cucumbers and the fruit stand was born. Robert is now a farmer specializing in tropical fruits and has been featured on NBC’s “Today Show”, “World News Tonight”, and in newspapers and magazines across the country.  Chef Emeril and Robert tour the fruit stand and discuss how Robert’s business has grown throughout the years.

The show reruns on Monday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. EST.  Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Three is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the third season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series. For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.

Editor’s Note:
For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with personnel from Pubbelly and Cheeca lodge, photos of signature menu items, and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at[email protected]or 850.224.2250 x255, or Christina Johnson at[email protected] or 850.391.5040.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC at its next Southwest Florida Chapter meeting. Fox leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and is scheduled to give a presentation titled, “Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand” on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Fox will offer insight on developing and leading a high performance organization. The event is open to FRLA chapter members and non-members. Media is invited to attend.

“This is a must-see presentation that is truly inspiring. Don Fox is an incredibly engaging speaker with a wealth of industry knowledge. He helped lead the growth of the Firehouse Subs brand – one of the top franchises in the country. There’s no doubt he’s a successful veteran of the business and will motivate restaurateurs, hoteliers, and other businesses to take their brand to the next level,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Under Fox’s leadership, the Firehouse Subs brand has grown to more than 750 restaurants in 41 states and Puerto Rico. Fox sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author. He was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as 2011’s Operator of the Year. In 2013, he received the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA), and was recognized by FastCasual.com as the No.1 Executive in the fast casual restaurant community.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Southwest Florida Chapter Meeting
“Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand”
Presented by Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Firehouse of America, LLC

WHEN:     
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Registration and Networking
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Luncheon and Presentation
*Media is Invited to Attend

COST:
$23 Per Person
$190 For Reserved Table of 8

WHERE:     
Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center
9931 Interstate Commerce Dr.
Fort Myers, Florida 33913
*Royal Palm Ballroom

To register for the event, please email [email protected] or click here to see the event flyer.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

To view the latest Capital Updates please follow the links below.

3.6.15: Capital Update Week One
3.13.15: Capital Update Week Two
3.20.15: Capital Update Week Three
3.27.15: Capital Update Week Four
4.3.15: Capital Update Week Five
4.10.15 Capital Update Week Six
4.17.15 Capital Update Week Seven

FRLA member Steak ‘n Shake continues to achieve strong results in its six-year turnaround and is about to record its 25^th consecutive quarter of positive same store sales. With 77 company-owned stores and two franchised restaurants in Florida, Steak ‘n Shake has created more than 8,000 jobs in our state.

The ongoing performance increases, which began in late 2008 when owner Biglari Holdings took over management of the 550-unit chain, are even more remarkable considering that they occurred during a period when many national quick service restaurant operators faltered in the face of shifting competition and consumer tastes. CEO Sardar Biglari and his team got the 80-year old iconic brand back on track with a return to basics, focusing on improving guest experiences and operational execution. Anything that was a distraction to these strategic priorities was eliminated, allowing the chain to build a nearly 40 percent cumulative increase in guest traffic since 2009. In its latest quarter, Steak ‘n Shake reported same store sales increased 6.6 percent, with customer traffic up 4.6 percent.

“We quickly succeeded in turning around the chain because of our entrepreneurial culture, by placing the customer first,” explained Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Holdings. “Steak ‘n Shake will reach a major milestone when it registers its 25th consecutive quarter of increases in same-store sales. All our approximately 23,000 employees, especially those who weathered the most perilous times in our history, ought to be proud of their achievements.”

Unlike many restaurant chains that rely on price increases and unit expansion to drive sales, Biglari has taken minimal price increases and opened only four new company stores since the turnaround began.  Instead the focus has been within the four walls of each restaurant, finding better ways to serve guests while preserving price value, improving the quality of the menu items, and tightening operations controls to improve restaurant level performance.  The result has been a turnaround that has far outpaced most competitors.

Building on its success with existing restaurants, Steak ‘n Shake has embarked upon international expansion, bringing the premium steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes that have made the brand famous in America to the United Arab Emirates and other nations.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Miramar Beach, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to highlight nationally renowned songwriters at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. As a founding partner, FRLA is thrilled to participate in the third annual charity event scheduled for Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. During the four days of lively tastings, seminars, winemaker dinners and musical performances, the festival will showcase more than 800 flavors. The FRLA will sponsor the songwriters as a continuation of the Endless Summer Music Series in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management representing more than 8.5 million works of more than 65,000 copyright owners.

“These Nashville songwriters help to create the ideal environment in which to sip and savor some of the world’s finest food and wines in an exceptional beach location while supporting local children in need,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to continue our participation in this event, and encourage both residents and visitors alike to join us as we enjoy an incredible destination that helps make our state a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Last year, 4,000 wine and food lovers participated in the event, and raised more than $2.1 million for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) at an auction held during the festival. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to DCWAF, which has affected the lives of over 60,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse.

Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, the songwriters will perform and tell stories about their biggest hits written for the stars of the music business, including Tim McGraw, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and many others.  The featured songwriters include nationally renowned BMI artists: Sherrié Austin, Aaron Barker, Steve Bogard, Brent Cobb, Jon Mabe, Kendell Marvel, Will Rambeaux and Tyler Reeve. The songs written by the songwriters include the current Love & Theft single, “Whiskey On My Breath,” “Baby Blue” made popular by George Strait, “The Climb” written for Miley Cyrus and Faith Hill’s “Wild One” to name a few.

Please go to www.sowalwine.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. 

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
This year’s annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 23-26, 2015 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines the world has to offer. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars and live entertainment. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information, including a list of attending winemakers and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to highlight a diverse line up of more than 150 artists performing in more than 40 live shows at the Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a leader in music rights management. As a sponsor of the 20^th annual event, FRLA is thrilled to bring five days and nights of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 10 in conjunction with VISIT FLORIDA.

“We are honored to sponsor the Key West Songwriters Festival as it celebrates its 20^th year showcasing songwriters and headlining acts in a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event gives festival-goers the chance to hear the stories behind chart-topping hits and experience the restaurants, bars and hotels in Florida’s southernmost paradise.”

A majority of the shows during the festival are free including “in-the-round” sessions with writers, the kick-off party presented by SunTrust Bank at Ocean Key Sunset Pier, and a concert in the heart of Duval Street featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist Chris Young. Additionally this year, the impressive list of artists performing at some of the island’s most popular beaches, boats, bars, resorts and historic theaters consists of Rhett Akins, Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Guthrie Trapp and The Mule Kickers, Aaron Watson, and many more.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research facility leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Please go to www.KeyWestSongwritersFestival.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. 

About the Key West Songwriters Festival
The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. The event’s 1995 debut was small but memorable, featuring Mickey Newbury and Shel Silverstein. BMI stepped in as a partner and sponsor in 1996 and has helped it grow into both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights of free shows staged at an array of the island’s most popular drinking holes and hot spots, where live music introduces crowds to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs. Diverse lineups featuring more than 100 top songwriters deliver rare, “Key West-only” moments. More info available at www.KeyWestSongwritersFestival.com.

About BMI
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 8.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music Inc.’s Facebook page.