Chick-fil-A's Father-Son Management Team to Discuss How Companies Can Become Debt Free During Recession at Press Club on Nov. 13

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- S. Truett Cathy (Founder and CEO) and Dan Cathy (President/COO) of Chick-fil-A, Inc., the nation's second largest chicken restaurant chain, will address a Speakers Series luncheon event on Friday, November 13, at the National Press Club. The Cathys will announce Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A's 2009 projections for annual sales revenues, marking an unprecedented sales increase and a 42nd consecutive year of growth despite the current economic climate. The business executives will challenge the restaurant industry to confront weak spots in customer service as a long-term strategy to weather the recession and build for the future, and they will discuss plans for an aggressive new product rollout planned for next year.

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The company recognized for its award-winning "Eat Mor Chikin" ad campaign and its closed-on- Sundays policy has set a goal to become debt-free, while expanding store locations and avoiding layoffs as recession-rocked competitors suffer staff downsizing, store closures, product discounting, and financing woes.

One of the country's largest family-owned businesses, Chick-fil-A ranked as one of Business Week's Top 25 National Customer Service Champs. Chick-fil-A shuns promotional discounts and limited time coupon offers, focusing instead on the more intangible concept of "second mile service," a multi-million-dollar financial investment program to improve customer service that includes etiquette training for franchisees. Company executives contend corporations can turn a profit in tough economic times and build brand loyalty by offering value and exemplary service. S. Truett Cathy started in the restaurant business in 1945, founded the chain in 1967, and is credited with creating the original chicken breast sandwich. He received a Lifetime Volunteer Service Award from President Bush and was the first recipient to receive the award in the Oval Office. Cathy directs the company's charitable efforts through the WinShape Foundation, which funds foster care services among other programs, and the chain has awarded its restaurant employees over $25 million in college scholarships.

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Dan Cathy took the reins of Chick-fil-A, Inc. in 2001 and touts customer-centered service as the key to successful business, and one that affects the bottom line. Under his leadership, the chain has expanded to more than 1,475 locations and more than 60,000 employees.

The Speakers Series luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, in the Holeman Lounge on the 13th floor of the National Press Club. Remarks begin at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. The event is open press coverage for credentialed members of the media.

NPC will be streaming live video of the event on day of luncheon at www.press.org. A blue box will appear 5 minutes before the luncheon allowing visitors access to the site. No registration is required.

The National Press Club is located at 14th and F Streets, NW, one block west of Metro Center. More information about the Club and its programs is found on its website, www.press.org.