McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. Honors U.S. Military Veterans With Free...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Veterans' Event among Highest Traffic Days for National Fresh Seafood Restaurant Group

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSSR) today announced that its restaurants nationwide will offer all U.S. military veterans a free meal on Sunday, Nov. 7

The McCormick & Schmick's veterans program has been recognized by President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as a number of state veterans departments.

"The response to our veterans program has been overwhelming to date," said Saed Mohseni, CEO of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. "Last year, we served more than 15,000 veterans -- and this year, there is potential to serve almost twice as many."

McCormick & Schmick's Veterans Day program began as a small grassroots effort at just one restaurant back in 1999. Since then, the program has expanded nationwide.

A family event

Although the Veterans Day holiday falls on a weekday, McCormick & Schmick's is holding this year's event on Sunday enabling families to dine together in honor of the veterans in their lives.

"We're proud to have this opportunity to show our appreciation for the veterans who have served our nation so well," said Bill McCormick, co-founder of McCormick & Schmick's. "And what better way to say 'thank you' than giving them the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones in a place that offers a lively atmosphere and exquisite food for the entire family. It was heartwarming to hear from countless guests who have shared stories about their experience when they had visited one of our restaurants on this special day."

Veterans Day 2003 overview

--Third-highest gross sales day in McCormick & Schmick's history

--Nearly 90 percent increase in gross sales over Veterans Day 2002

--Second most meals served on a single day (for a total of nearly 30,000 -- second only to Valentine's Day 2003)

--More than half (51 percent) of all guests received a free meal for Veterans Day 2003

This year, McCormick & Schmick's family of fresh seafood restaurants will offer all U.S. military veterans a free meal on Nov. 7 from a specially selected menu with proper identification. This program is offered to those defined as a veteran by the Veterans Administration Title 38 US Code 101, which is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

About Veterans Day

Veterans Day began at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year) as Armistice Day, the universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress requested that Armistice Day be changed to honor those who have served the United States in all wars, conflicts and during the course of duty. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.

About McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. is a leading national seafood restaurant operator in the affordable upscale dining segment. Over the past 32 years, it has successfully grown to 52 restaurants in 22 states by focusing on serving a broad selection of fresh seafood. McCormick & Schmick's inviting atmosphere and high-quality, diverse menu offering and compelling price-value proposition appeals to a broad customer base--from casual diners, families and tourists to business travelers and special occasion diners.

Forward-Looking Statements

The financial guidance we provide for our third and fourth quarter results and certain other statements contained in this press release are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. We have attempted to identify these statements by using forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "anticipates," "expects," "believes," "intends," "should" or comparable terms. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date of this release and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for any reason. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of qualified, affordable employees and the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites; changes in the availability and costs of food; potential fluctuation in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality and other factors; the continued service of key management personnel; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; changes in consumer preferences, general economic conditions or consumer discretionary spending; health concerns about our food products; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our employees and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; the impact of litigation; the potential effects of inclement weather or terrorist attacks; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; cost and availability of capital; and other risk factors described from time to time in SEC reports filed by McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.