Red Robin Gourmet Burgers President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Houseman Honored With 'Forty Under 40' Distinction

Annual Award Recognizes Dynamic Denver Business Leaders

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (Red Robin), is pleased to announce its President and Chief Operating Officer, Eric Houseman, has been selected by the Denver Business Journal as one of Denver's "Forty Under 40" business leaders. Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant chain focused on serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere.

The Denver Business Journal's annual award recognizes 40 outstanding Colorado professionals under age 40 for their business success and community contributions. Houseman was recognized specifically for his civic affiliations, including serving on the board of Special Olympics Colorado and the Colorado Restaurant Association, and the programs he's supported to motivate and retain Red Robin Team Members nationwide.

"I am honored to receive this award and to be recognized as a leader in our business community," said Houseman. "This year's list of 'Forty Under 40' recipients is extremely impressive, and I am grateful to be among such a prestigious group. I'd also like to thank Red Robin's superior management team for their support. I am fortunate to be able to work with them and learn from them every day."

"We would like to congratulate Eric for this well-deserved achievement celebrating his career accomplishments with Red Robin," said Dennis Mullen, Red Robin chairman and chief executive officer. "With his extensive experience in the food industry, Eric has taken a hands-on approach to help build Red Robin to a nationally-recognized brand in the casual dining industry."

As president and chief operating officer, Houseman directs overall restaurant operations by executing proven strategies and efficiencies that impact business growth and maximize financial results. Houseman's extensive knowledge of Red Robin includes operations, financial performance, human resources, recruiting, training, franchise operations and facilities. He began his career with the company in 1988 as a bartender at the Bellingham, Wash. restaurant. Since then, he has served in a variety of positions at Red Robin including general manager, regional operations director and vice president of operations.

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Nasdaq: RRGB)

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (www.redrobin.com), founded in 1969, is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves up wholesome, fun, feel-good experiences in a family-friendly environment. Red Robin(R) restaurants are famous for serving more than 22 high-quality gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with Bottomless Steak Fries(R), as well as salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and signature Mad Mixology(R) Beverages. There are more than 350 Red Robin restaurants located across the United States and Canada, which include both corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise or license agreements.

SOURCE Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

Released March 19, 2007