Joshua Barber Appointed General Manager

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (March 2007) - Joshua Barber has been appointed general manager of Birch River Grill - An American Kitchen in Arlington Heights, Illinois (75 W. Algonquin Rd.; 847-427-4242). Having more than 12 years experience in the restaurant industry, Barber brings a wealth of talent to the team. Prior to joining Birch River Grill, he was general manager of Netherworld Caf�, manager of Applebee's, and manager of Fox and Hound Restaurant Group. He also served as director of operations for Slanski Investment Group, a restaurant investment and management company, where Barber traveled worldwide helping restaurants invigorate their business.

Barber brings a strong philosophy of team work to his new role. Always with a positive attitude, he has many ideas of how to build on the already successful Birch River Grill. "I am very excited and proud to be part of the Birch River Grill team," said Barber. "I am confident and ready to be a part of the growth of this well-conceived and popular restaurant."

With a lifelong commitment to the business, Barber has been in the restaurant industry since age 13 when he performed maintenance tasks at Fendalls, a local ice cream parlor in his home town of Santa Barbara. By the time he was 16-years-old, Barber became manager of the parlor, managing people twice his age. It was there that he learned what it takes to be a good manager.

By the age of 25, Barber's restaurant career had taken off and he became the director of operations for the Slanski Investment Group. He traveled worldwide not only managing the restaurants that they owned, but deconstructing unsuccessful establishments and teaching restaurant managers how create a successful establishment by building a customer base, growing sales and marketing to their local communities. Additionally, Barber worked with venders to negotiate bulk buying and to streamline billing.

Jennifer Nickerson, regional restaurant director for F & F Realty which owns and operates Birch River Grill, is thrilled with the addition of Barber to the restaurant management team. "Josh has been committed to this business for so many years and has proven himself in many different business situations. We're glad to have such a talented and strong manager on the team. He brings a breadth of experience, both operationally and financially to Birch River Grill."

Birch River Grill - An American Kitchen is located at 75 West Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill - An American Kitchen at (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.