Scharbo Splits With Rare Hospitality

ATLANTA - Ron Scharbo, president and chairman of Scharbo and Company, has announced his agency will end its relationship with RARE Hospitality Management effective Sept. 3.

RARE operates LongHorn Steakhouse, Bugaboo Creek Steak House and the Capital Grill, among others. The client is reviewing its account and Scharbo chose not to participate. The agency had LongHorn for 14 years, and Capital Grill and Bugaboo for six years.

"Any time your client relationship can be counted in years, you learn a great deal about an industry," said agency president and chairman Ron Scharbo. "Now is a good time for us to look ahead. I'll put our experience and expertise building restaurant brands up there with any agency in the country."

Among the recognition Scharbo has earned for his agency's work with its restaurant clients includes a coveted national Addy Award for its work on LongHorn. The Addys are given by the American Advertising Federation and honor creative and strategic excellence.

"Ron's folks are going to be a tough act to follow," said RARE president and chief operating officer Gene Lee. "Their contribution to our growth is considerable. And we wish them continued success."