Wendy’s Co. is poised to pass Burger King Holdings Inc. in U.S. sales, trailing only industry behemoth McDonald’s Corp., in the first reordering of the industry-leading trio since Wendy’s was founded in 1969.

Americans are expected to spend more than $175 billion at fast-food restaurants this year, up about 3% from 2010. Wendy’s U.S. same-store sales are forecast to rise 1.1%, while Burger King’s U.S. and Canada same-store sales will drop 3.9%, according to market-research firm Technomic Inc.

That means sales at Wendy’s U.S. restaurants—both franchised and company-owned—are on track to be $8.42 billion or $53 million higher than Burger King’s this year, according to an analysis conducted for The Wall Street Journal by Technomic. That’s in line with expectations from some other analysts. The outcome will become clear when the two companies report fourth-quarter results early next year.

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This Is It! BBQ and Seafood beat out three other finalists from other parts of the country including Chicago, Richmond, VA and Southfield, MI. “We are blessed and highly favored to receive this prestigious award,” said Mr. Anthony. “Now everyone knows who has the best Barbeque in America!”

Headquartered in Fayetteville, GA, This Is It! BBQ and Seafood has eight restaurant locations around the metro Atlanta area including College Park, Decatur, East Point, Fayetteville, Lithonia, and Smyrna. This Is It! BBQ & Seafood is the best place in town where you can find Soul Food cooked with love and history. The business has grown steadily by serving delicious home-style recipes such as barbeque chicken, barbeque ribs, fresh fish and incredible sides such as macaroni and cheese, collard greens and sweet potato soufflé all complimented with desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler.

To celebrate this latest honor, This Is It! will sponsor a Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, October 7th 2011 at all locations to thank all the customers, employees and supporters who voted for the restaurant in the recent competition. Lots of special promotions, events and free giveaways will happen at all the locations around town during this celebration.

So what makes “This Is It!” the standard for down south home-cooked meals? “This Is It!” serves a wonderful meal for casual and business dining, all while giving our Lord and Savior JESUS Christ the credit. “This Is It!” also has banquet rooms and catering services. The company remains committed to the community and gives back through scholarships and so much more. The detailed history of This Is It! BBQ and Seafood can be found at http://www.thisisitbbq.com/wall.html.

This Is It! has been featured on CNN, The New York Times and The Atlanta Journal Constitution. For more information, please visit http://www.thisisitbbq.com.

Shelley and his staff are available for interviews and demonstrations. For more information, contact Mignon Johnson at 678-817-7757.

The company had a net loss of $6.8 million for the quarter compared to net income of $41.0 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily due to a significant increase in interest expense as a result of debt incurred in connection with the sale of the company to an affiliate of 3G Capital in October 2010; $13.0 million of costs from the sale of the company and global restructuring; a $19.6 million loss on early extinguishment of debt associated with the refinancing of its senior secured debt and negative comparable sales growth. Earlier in the quarter, the company successfully refinanced its senior secured debt to reduce annual cash interest payments by approximately $32 million. Adjusted net income was $19.9 million for the quarter compared to $38.1 million in the same period last year.

The company reported revenues of $552.0 million for the first quarter of 2011, down 8% from the same quarter last year, due to refranchising activity over the past 12 months and negative comparable sales growth. Company restaurant margins declined by 240 bps, as the benefits from a shift in product mix away from lower-margin value menu items, selective price increases and improved labor margins were more than offset by increased commodity costs, increased depreciation and amortization resulting from acquisition accounting and the deleveraging effect of negative comparable sales growth on our fixed costs.

“Continued disciplined expense management allowed us to improve our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin at the fastest pace in 10 quarters, despite negative comparable sales growth in North America and commodity price pressures,” said Daniel Schwartz, chief financial officer. “Our comparable sales growth performance and improvements to our company restaurant margins remain our top priority, particularly in North America, where we are focused on executing on the four priorities of our plan, which include operations, marketing, menu and image.”

As part of its strategy to improve restaurant margins and menu options, the company added new value to its menu with the $1, $2, $3 BK Stacker line and continued its menu innovation with the popular Jalapeño & Cheddar BK Stuffed Steakhouse burger during the first quarter. Additionally, the company launched all new Chicken Tenders at the end of March, supported by a marketing message targeting a broader audience, and also plans to launch a soft serve ice cream offering throughout the Burger King system in the U.S. by this summer, further enhancing menu options.

Shortly after the end of the first quarter, the company announced two significant initiatives: a new reduced cost 20/20 image restaurant remodel program offering financial incentives to franchisees and a third party financing facility available to U.S. franchisees participating in the remodel program to be arranged by Rabobank.

Internationally, the company’s growth strategy remains centered on continuing to grow same store sales and net restaurants. During the first quarter, 52 net new Burger King restaurants were opened in international markets. Comparable sales growth also improved in EMEA/APAC and in Latin America in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year.

Looking ahead, the company believes its improved operating cost structure and delivering on its four priorities for North America: operations, marketing, menu and image, will position it to improve the financial performance of the company and its franchisees.

Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original Home of the Whopper, the Burger King system operates more than 12,300 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 76 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of Burger King restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses.

Prior to this extension, the exchange offer was scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on January 26, 2011. As of 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on January 26, 2011, $785,153,000 million in aggregate principal amount of BKC’s 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2018 had been tendered in the exchange offer. This amount represents approximately 98% of the outstanding 9?% Senior Notes due 2018.

The terms and conditions of the exchange offer are set forth in BKC’s prospectus dated December 27, 2010. Wilmington Trust FSB has been appointed as exchange agent for the exchange offer. Requests for assistance or documents should be directed to Wilmington Trust FSB at (302) 636-6181.

Effective immediately, the following executives have been appointed to their respective new roles:

• Jonathan Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President, Global Operations. Mr. Fitzpatrick was previously the Company’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa. He will be based in Miami.
• Heitor Goncalves, Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Performance Officer. Mr. Goncalves worked previously for Ambev and InBev, where he served in multiple strategic roles, including corporate development and logistics. He will be based in Miami.
• Greg Ryan, Executive Vice President, President of Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Ryan brings extensive fast food experience that includes being a McDonald’s franchise owner in Brazil. He will be based in Miami.
• Daniel Schwartz, Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Schwartz was most recently a partner at 3G Capital and will partner closely with Ben Wells, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He will be based in Miami.
• Jose Tomas, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer. Mr. Tomas was previously the Company’s Vice President of Human Resources. He will remain based in Miami.
• Steve Wiborg, Executive Vice President, President of North America. Mr. Wiborg joins the Company from Heartland Food Corporation, one of the Burger King system’s largest franchise operators, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer. He will be based in Miami.

The following executives will continue to serve on the senior management team:

• Anne Chwat, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, a position she has held since September 2004. Ms. Chwat will also continue to serve as President of the Have It Your Way Foundation, the Burger King system’s philanthropic arm. Ms. Chwat will remain based in Miami.
• Natalia Franco, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, a role she has held since April 2010. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Franco served as Vice President, Global Marketing and Innovation for The Coca-Cola Company, where she was responsible for all cross-functional marketing efforts for the McDonald’s Division. Ms. Franco will remain based in Miami.
• Peter Tan, Executive Vice President, President of Asia Pacific, a position he has held since November 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tan served as Corporate Senior Vice President and President of Greater China for McDonald’s Corporation. Mr. Tan will remain based in Singapore.
• Ben Wells, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, a role he has held since April 2006. From May 2005 to April 2006, Mr. Wells served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Treasurer. Mr. Wells will remain based in Miami.

The company is near finalizing a selection for the Executive Vice President, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

As previously announced, Bernardo Hees has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Alex Behring, Managing Partner of 3G Capital, has been named Co-Chairman of the Board of the Company, alongside John Chidsey, formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“I’m pleased to announce the senior management team that will lead Burger King Holdings, Inc. as we take the next steps to strengthen and enhance the Burger King brand,” said Bernardo Hees, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “These executives bring a wealth of experience to their positions and I’m confident that the Burger King brand and our business will thrive under their leadership. I look forward to working with them to capitalize on the many global opportunities that lie ahead.”

As a result of these appointments, the Company also announced the departure of Gladys DeClouet-Mims, Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada Company Operations; Chuck Fallon, Executive Vice President, President North America; Kevin Higgins, Executive Vice President, President Europe Middle East and Africa; Julio Ramirez, Executive Vice President Global Operations; Peter Smith, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer; Raj Rawal, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer; and Amy Wagner, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Global Communications.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Gladys, Chuck, Kevin, Julio, Peter, Raj and Amy for their commitment and many contributions to the Company,” commented Hees. “Each has played an important role to improve the overall positioning of the Company and we sincerely thank them for their years of service.”

As previously announced, Bernardo Hees will become Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Alexandre Behring, Managing Partner of 3G Capital, will assume the position of Co-Chairman of the Board of the Company effective immediately, alongside John Chidsey, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer prior to the completion of the transaction.

“We are thrilled to complete this transaction and eager to continue building the BURGER KING® brand and enhance the guest experience in our restaurants all over the world,” said Mr. Hees. “We see many exciting opportunities for this business, including developing new product offerings and expanding the brand internationally. We believe the early success of the new BK® Breakfast menu demonstrates the efforts and strength of our franchise network in the U.S. We also are looking forward to collaborating closely with our international franchisees in pursuit of growth in areas such as Asia and Latin America. Together with the talented pool of colleagues at the Company and our franchisees, I am excited to work toward reaching the full potential of the iconic and world-renowned BURGER KING® brand.”

On September 2, 2010, the Company and 3G Capital announced that the Company and certain entities controlled by 3G Special Situations Fund II, L.P. had signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the tender offer would be made. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc., an entity controlled by 3G Special Situations Fund II, L.P., commenced a tender offer on September 16, 2010 to acquire all outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $24.00 per share, net to the seller in cash. On October 15, 2010, 3G Capital announced the successful completion of the tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of the Company and that Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. had accepted for payment all shares validly tendered and not withdrawn as of the expiration of the tender offer, which shares represented over 93% of the outstanding shares. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. merged with and into the Company today and now the Company is the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, an entity controlled by 3G Special Situations Funds II, L.P. All outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, other than shares held by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. or the Company or shares held by the Company’s stockholders who have and validly exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law, were canceled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $24.00 offer price per share.

As a result of the completion of the merger, the common stock of the Company will no longer be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, which is expected to take effect by October 20, 2010.

Lazard, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Barclays Capital acted as financial advisors to 3G Capital. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to 3G Capital.

Morgan Stanley and Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as the Company’s financial advisors. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Holland & Knight LLP acted as the Company’s legal advisors.

The depositary for the tender offer advised that, as of the expiration time, 128,192,385 shares of common stock of the Company had been validly tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer, including 7,047,235 shares that had been tendered pursuant to notices of guaranteed delivery, which shares in the aggregate represent approximately 93.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company.  All of such shares have been accepted for payment in accordance with the terms of the tender offer, including the shares that were tendered pursuant notices of guaranteed delivery.

On September 2, 2010, the Company and 3G Capital announced that the Company and certain entities controlled by 3G Special Situations Fund II, L.P. had signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the tender offer would be made.  Pursuant to the merger agreement, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. intends to effect a “short-form” merger under applicable Delaware law following payment for the tendered shares, which is expected to be completed promptly, and satisfaction of certain other conditions.  In the merger, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. will be merged with and into the Company, and the Company will be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, an entity controlled by 3G Special Situations Fund II, L.P.  Upon completion of the merger, all outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, other than shares held by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. or the Company or shares held by the Company’s stockholders who have and validly exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law, will be canceled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $24.00 offer price per share.  If necessary in order to accomplish the merger as a “short form” merger, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. intends to purchase additional shares of common stock of the Company directly from the Company at the same price paid in the tender offer pursuant to its “top-up” right provided for in the merger agreement, which purchase will close prior to the completion of the merger.

3G Capital expects to complete the acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. promptly, on which date the common stock of the Company will cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

During the “go-shop” process the Company had the right to solicit superior proposals from third parties for a period of 40 calendar days continuing through October 12, 2010. The Company noted that it did not receive any alternative acquisition proposals during the “go-shop” period.

The tender offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, October 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated. The Company continues to recommend that stockholders tender their shares pursuant to the tender offer commenced by an affiliate of 3G Capital.

As previously disclosed, an entity controlled by 3G Capital, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc., commenced a tender offer on September 16, 2010 for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $24.00 per share in cash, net to the seller in cash without interest. The tender offer is being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and a related letter of transmittal, each dated September 16, 2010, and a merger agreement entered into on September 2, 2010 between the Company and certain entities controlled by 3G Capital. Pursuant to the merger agreement, after completion of the tender offer and the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions, the Company will merge with Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. and all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, other than shares held by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. or the Company or shares held by the Company’s stockholders who have and validly exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law, will be canceled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $24.00 offer price per share. In certain cases, the parties have agreed to proceed with a one-step merger transaction if the tender offer is not completed.

The tender offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, October 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated. The completion of the tender offer remains subject to certain conditions as described in the tender offer statement on Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 16, 2010.

On September 2, 2010, the Company and 3G Capital announced that the Company and certain entities controlled by 3G Capital had signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the tender offer would be made. The Company’s board of directors has unanimously approved the terms of the merger agreement, including the tender offer.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, after completion of the tender offer and the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions, the Company will merge with Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. and all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, other than shares held by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation, Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. or the Company or shares held by the Company’s stockholders who have and validly exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law, will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $24.00 offer price per share. In certain cases, the parties have agreed to proceed with a one-step merger transaction if the tender offer is not completed.

Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation and Blue Acquisition Sub, Inc. are filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal, setting forth in detail the terms of the tender offer. Additionally, the Company is filing with the SEC today a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 setting forth in detail, among other things, the recommendation of the Company’s board of directors that the Company’s stockholders tender their shares into the tender offer.

The completion of the tender offer is subject to conditions, including, among others, that there be validly tendered, and not withdrawn, that number of shares that, together with any shares then owned by Blue Acquisition Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries, equals at least 79.1% of the outstanding shares of Burger King Holdings, Inc., the receipt of required approvals and the receipt of proceeds under executed bank commitment letters.

The tender offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, October 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated.

About Burger King Holdings, Inc.

The BURGER KING(R) system operates more than 12,150 restaurants in all 50 states and in 76 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING(R) restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In 2010, Fortune magazine ranked Burger King Corp. (BKC) among America’s 1,000 largest corporations and Standard & Poor’s included shares of Burger King Holdings, Inc. in the S&P MidCap 400 index. BKC was recently recognized by Interbrand on its top 100 “Best Global Brands” list and Ad Week has named it one of the top three industry-changing advertisers within the last three decades. To learn more about Burger King Corp., please visit the company’s website at http://www.bk.com.

About 3G Capital

3G Capital is a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses. The firm and its partners have a strong history of generating value through operational excellence, board involvement, deep sector expertise and an extensive global network. 3G Capital works in close partnership with management teams at its portfolio companies and places a strong emphasis on recruiting, developing and retaining top-tier talent. Affiliates of the firm and its partners have controlling or partial ownership stakes in global companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Lojas Americanas, the largest non-food and online retailer in Latin America, and America Latina Logistica (ALL), the largest railroad and logistics company in Latin America. 3G Capital’s main office is in New York City. For more information on 3G Capital and the transaction, please go to http://www.3g-capital.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the consummation of the tender offer and merger and the intent of any parties about future actions. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to how many of the Company stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; and the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived and risks and uncertainties relating to these matters that are discussed in documents filed with the SEC by Burger King Holdings, Inc. as well as the tender offer documents to be filed by an affiliate of 3G Capital and the solicitation/recommendation statement to be filed by the Company. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by contacting 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number 305-378-7696 or investor@whopper.com. Neither 3G Capital nor the Company undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.

Notice to Investors

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of the Company’s common stock is being made pursuant to an offer to purchase and related materials that an affiliate of 3G Capital will file with the SEC. An affiliate of 3G Capital will file a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the SEC in connection with the commencement of the offer, and thereafter the Company will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the offer. The tender offer statement (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents) and the solicitation/recommendation statement will contain important information that should be read carefully and considered before any decision is made with respect to the tender offer. These materials will be sent free of charge to all the Company’s stockholders when available. In addition, all of these materials (and all other materials filed by the Company with the SEC) will be available at no charge from the SEC through its website at www.sec.gov. The Schedule TO, Schedule 14D-9 and related materials may be obtained for free from D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10005, Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 714-3313. Investors and security holders may also obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations at 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number 305-378-7696 or investor@whopper.com.

Additional Information about the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the potential transaction referred to in this press release, Burger King Holdings, Inc. may file a proxy statement with the SEC related to the approval of the merger agreement by the Company’s stockholders. Additionally, the Company will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of 3G Capital pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. The materials to be filed by the Company with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Investors and stockholders also may obtain free copies of the proxy statement from the Company by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations at 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126, telephone number 305-378-7696 or investor@whopper.com. Investors and security holders of the Company are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed merger because they will contain important information about the merger and the parties to the merger.

Burger King Holdings, Inc. and its respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees, under the SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of the Company’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Company’s proxy statement for its 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, and the proxy statement and other relevant materials which may be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger when and if they become available. Information concerning the interests of the Company’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of the Company’s stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement relating to the merger when it becomes available.