FORT LAUDERDALE, FL.—May 16,2002—Health Express USA (OTCBB:HEXS), the fast-food restaurant franchise known for its gourmet health food, has appointed Russ Lo Bello as its new president. Lo Bello joins Health Express USA after a tenure as a multi-unit (93) franchisee and operating partner for both Burger King in Florida and Texas, and Wendy’s in California.
As president, Lo Bello will oversee a national expansion program that will be launched with the opening of the company’s second “Healthy Bites Grill” quick-service restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida.
“Russ Lo Bello has a proven track record in all aspects of franchise development and management,” stated Doug Baker, CEO of Health Express USA. “We are looking to him to add new depth to our growth and expansion as we continue to capitalize on the growing health and lifestyle markets.”
“Health Express USA is a fresh new concept in this industry,” commented Lo Bello. “They’ve hit upon the right combination of `healthy and fast’ and are ready to pursue an aggressive growth strategy.”
According to Baker, the Boca Raton restaurant will become the prototype unit for future franchise locations — serving as the training facility and a model for national expansion. The company’s flagship operation, open since 2000 in Fort Lauderdale, has been the test site for menu development and refinement of service, quality and delivery standards.
The Healthy Bites Grill concept is designed to take advantage of two major international consumer trends: the continuing growth of fast-food sales, coupled with Americans’ fast-growing interest in nutrition and good health.
