LOCAL BUSINESS GROWS AND THRIVES IN DOWN ECONOMY

Local Jacksonville Favorite is Expanding Operations Despite Current Economic Condition.

Jacksonville, FL. – For over 40 years, Orange Tree Hot Dogs has been a mainstay restaurant in the Jacksonville area and a favorite quick serve eatery for many Jacksonville natives. The restaurant has managed to not only stay in business, but expand in a shrinking economy because of their reputation for a clean, inexpensive, efficient, great quality, family environment that has continued after all these years. Between 2007 and 2008, Orange Tree Hot Dogs has opened 9 new locations in the Jacksonville area, and plans on opening 5 new locations per year. The newest location is opening in Gainesville in January of 2010, with more stores in St. John’s County and Atlanta on the way.

One of the ways Orange Tree has been able to survive and thrive is by adapting to the ebb and flow of the economy. Orange Tree has always offered a quality meal at a low cost to customers, but during tougher economic times they offer even more value. Conscious to family budgets, Orange Tree provides discounted items, meal specials and coupons so the customer can still enjoy a meal out without hurting their wallet.

For Orange Tree Hot Dogs, it’s all about the toppings. They’ve made their dogs unique with a variety of topping combinations, including the Slaw Dog, Slaw & Onion Sauce and Chili Cheese Dog. The cole slaw, onion sauce (onions cooked in a spicy tomato blend) and Orange Frost beverage have become legendary favorites and are still made using the original recipes. Their six custom toppings - that can’t be found anywhere else - is the main reason Orange Tree Hot Dogs sells over 1 million hot dogs per year.

Originally founded by Peter Koppenburger and his wife Carolyn, the restaurant has always been a family business. Today it is owned and operated by the Koppenburger’s daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Frank Roeber, and by their granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Amy and Shawn Emling. Orange Tree’s management is now focusing its efforts on expansion via franchising and has been successful in doing so.

Orange Tree Hot Dogs was established in 1968 and is one of the original tenants of the Regency Square Mall. The franchise now has 11 locations in the Jacksonville area and is currently expanding. The business model is founded on providing a great quality, inexpensive food in a fun, family environment. For more information, visit www.orangetreehotdogs.com

The Red Tie Affair

The Red Tie Affair is a silent auction event to help raise needed funds benefiting the Teddy Bear Touchdowns of Dab the AIDS Bear Project. The Teddy Bear Touchdowns provide children affected by HIV/AIDS with holiday gifts during the Christmas season. Learn more about Dab the AIDS Bear Project at www.dabtheaidsbearproject.com

"Our Teddy Bear Touchdowns are holiday events for children with HIV and AIDS in several cities throughout the United States.

The holiday season is a special time for all children. But our wonderful kids come from financially challenged families dealing with the additional financial strains of high medical costs. Without your help many of these children would not have a gift this holiday season

We are looking for businesses, organizations, churches, groups and our fellow Americans to donate new teddy bears and other gifts to be given during the upcoming holiday season to children affected and effected with HIV and AIDS." Dab Garner, Daddy Dab

DATE:
Friday, 12/04/09

TIME:
6:00 - 10:00 pm

LOCATION:
Rainbow Room
Metro Entertainment Complex
2929 Plum St
Jacksonville, FL 32205

ATTIRE:
Red Tie theme

SPONSORS:
MERGE Jacksonville, Inc
www.mergejacksonville.com

Metro Entertainment Complex
www.metrojax.com