Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille Opens Two New Locations

July 25th, 2005

Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille Opens Two New Locations
Redefining "Fresh Mexican" Fast-Casual Dining, Company Continues Aggressive Franchise Expansion For 2005

(Valley Cottage, NY, July 25, 2005) Desert Moon Holdings Corp., the company that operates and franchises Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille, today announced the opening of two new franchise locations. The new restaurants, in the Manhattan Mall in New York City and Manchester, New Hampshire, are the ongoing effort to expand the company’s operation, primarily throughout the Northeast.

Both new Desert Moon franchise locations are owned by seasoned entrepreneurs. In Manhattan Mall, New York, Andy Mak, a long-time multi-unit, multi-brand restaurant developer, also owns The Desert Moon located in the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, NY. “When I first saw Desert Moon I knew I’d found the right concept to grow with” says Mak.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, Mike Keehan has chosen the Desert Moon concept as his first foray into the restaurant business. Keehan’s new restaurant, located in The Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, opened this week. Mr. Keehan has the development rights to open other Desert Moon restaurants in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

For Desert Moon Holdings Corp., the new locations mark the 15th and 16th restaurants the company has opened since they began franchising in 1999. Known initially as a mall food court quick–serve concept, Desert Moon began opening 1900 to 2200 square foot in-line units located in community shopping centers and downtown urban sites in 2000. Unlike most Mexican fast food, Desert Moon operators prepare the products on-site, and each guest’s selection is made to order. The Desert Moon menu is inspired by the lighter, fresher cuisine of Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California and is a fusion of Southwestern and Fresh Mexican flavors.

“The new locations further our expansion in the Northeast. Both restaurants now give us a presence in two new markets, New York City and New Hampshire” said Gary Occhiogrosso, President & Chief Operating Officer for Desert Moon Holdings. “We anticipate opening up another 6 units this year and a total of 20 new Desert Moon locations within the next 12 months”.

About Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille

Desert Moon Holdings Corp., currently operates and franchises 19 Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille locations in six states. Serving only the highest quality, skillfully prepared food, their restaurants define a new higher standard for fast-casual, fresh Mexican cuisine. Visit them today at www.desertmooncafe.com. For franchise information, call (877) JOIN-DMC. For media inquiries/interviews, contact Eric Reyes at (845) 358-7263.