Todd Bolin, president of Bolin Marketing and Advertising, Minneapolis, announced today that the agency has been awarded the creative and media placement for Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (NASDAQ National Market: DAVE).

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to partner with Famous Dave’s,” said Bolin.

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, operates 30 barbecue-themed, full-service and counter service restaurants in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Maryland and Virginia. The company recently announced plans to build a minimum of six new restaurants during 2000, and as of January 1, 2000, announced the acquisition of four Red River Barbeque & Grill Locations in Maryland and Virginia.

“Our strategy with Bolin will be to develop a consistent brand image in advertising as well as in-store,”said Howard Polski, vice president of marketing for Famous Dave’s. “We’ve been impressed with Bolin’s capabilities in both creative and media, and look forward to our relationship with them.”

Bolin will develop and produce thematic regional magazine, newspaper and outdoor advertising as well as collateral in-store materials.

According to John Porter, Bolin’s creative department head, the branding effort will be driven by the vision of founder and Chairman, Dave Anderson. “Dave’s passion for barbecue has given the company its personality,” said Porter. “We were able to demonstrate our understanding of Dave’s vision, and this will help us shape the consistent image for Famous Dave’s in all our creative.”

Bolin has a growing client roster that includes Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, ABRA Auto Body and Glass, the Twin Cities Cable Consortium, Home Valu and MSC/Midwest Sports Channel.

The agency has a history with the American Dairy Association, the Minnesota State Fair and Northtown Shopping Center, all Bolin clients for over twenty-five years.