MESA, Arizona, January 2002 - "There's always something happening at Famous Sam's." Famous Sam's™ Restaurant and Sports Bars, the 39-year-old Arizona company known for satisfying food and a variety of entertainment at its locations, announces the opening of its newest Famous Sam's at 250 S. Phelps Drive (480-983-8200), in Apache Junction. Grand opening festivities have been scheduled for Saturday, January 26th, beginning at 11 a.m. and include a classic car show and giveaways from Budweiser® by the Budweiser Girls.

The new Famous Sam's is owned by franchisees Barry and Conny Jacobs, who have owned the Famous Sam's at Baseline and Lindsay (2730 E. Baseline Road), in Mesa, since 1998. Barry Jacobs says they first became interested in a franchise after visiting a Famous Sam's with their daughter. Says Jacobs: "I've traveled all over the world; I've spent a lot of time in restaurants and bars. Famous Sam's was just a real laid-back atmosphere with good food and lots of fun. I said I'd like to do something like this. That's how we got into owning a franchise."

The new Apache Junction Famous Sam's Restaurant and Sports Bar features seating for 293; truly divided smoking/nonsmoking areas, each with its own air purifier; karaoke; 47 TVs on which a variety of sporting events can be seen; and a state-of-the-art Bose® jukebox.

Tame hunger with Famous Sam's food: the all-day menu features a variety of enjoyable offerings - pasta, steak, fish and Famous Sam's famous overstuffed/oversized "Samwiches," including the very popular hot pastrami and cheese that weighs in at a hefty half-pound. Menu prices range from $2.25 To $12.95. Quench thirsts with beverages from a full bar. Choices include soft drinks, 22 beers on tap and other spirits.

Famous Sam's in Apache Junction is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Famous Sam's™ Restaurant Sports Bar originated in Tucson, Arizona, in 1963. Each Franchise restaurant is distinctive to its neighborhood location. Famous Sam's Restaurant Sports Bars focus on food, family entertainment and a fun environment for sports enthusiasts. Presently, there are 30 locations throughout Arizona.