Famous Dave’s of America Announces the Appointment of Alfredo Martel as Chief Marketing Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 18, 2016 -- Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) today announced the appointment of Alfredo Martel as Chief Marketing Officer. An industry leader with broad experience in brand building, reinvention and business turnaround strategy, Martel most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, International for Caribou Coffee. He will be responsible for overall brand strategy and innovation, planning and execution of marketing activities, advertising and public relations initiatives. 

“Alfredo has a proven track record of delivering a cohesive brand management strategy that focuses on utilizing assets wisely to generate strong ROI for food and beverage businesses,” said Adam Wright, Famous Dave’s CEO. “Alfredo’s expertise is vital as we focus on improving our workplace culture, growing our brand, and giving our Guests the best Bar-B-Que experience. We are truly excited to have Alfredo on board as our Chief Marketing Officer and look forward to leveraging his vast skillset as we continue on our mission to revitalize Famous Dave’s.”

Prior to serving as COO, International for Caribou Coffee, Martel spent six years as Senior Vice President of various product innovation and marketing roles with the company. During that time, Martel and his team were instrumental in reinvigorating Caribou Coffee’s business performance through a series of brand reinvention and activation platforms. Martel also led key initiatives to enhance the company’s digital marketing capabilities and online presence. Previous to his time with Caribou Coffee, Martel was employed by KFC USA, YUM! Brands where he last served as Director of National Field and Multicultural Marketing. Additionally, Martel possesses broad experience in sales and marketing with various Consumer Packaged Goods companies and large multi-national advertising agencies. Martel received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from Boston College.

“I am excited to join the Famous Dave’s organization and help tell its incredible story. This brand has an impressive legacy of award winning Bar-B-Que products and authentic American values, supported by great people who make our guests feel Famous every day,” said Martel.

About Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave's of America, Inc. develops, owns, operates and franchises Bar-B-Que restaurants. As of today, the company owns 44 locations and franchises 135 additional units in 33 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Its menu features award-winning barbequed and grilled meats, a selection of salads, sandwiches, side items, and made-from-scratch desserts.

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical, including but not limited to statements regarding the timing of our restaurant openings and the timing or success of our expansion plans, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from expected results.  Although Famous Dave's of America, Inc. believes that its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements will be attained.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Famous Dave’s expectations include financial performance, restaurant industry conditions, execution of restaurant development and construction programs, franchisee performance, changes in local or national economic condition, availability of financing, governmental approvals and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports. 

MEDIA CONTACT:				
Richard Pawlowski 
Famous Dave’s of America, Inc.
952-294-1300
[email protected]