“Blondie” Comic Strip’s Dagwood Realizes Dream, Opens First Sandwich Shop in Palm Harbor on Nov. 9

Clearwater, FL, November 09, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Dagwood Bumstead has finally realized his dream and opened a restaurant called Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes™, LLC today in Palm Harbor, Fla., at the Coral Landings Shopping Center. This venture has been Dagwood’s dream for more than seventy years since the introduction of the “Dagwood” sandwich in the long-running, world-renowned comic strip “Blondie.”

Tampa Bay residents and visitors are the first consumers in the world to have the opportunity to select Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes’ Signature Sandwiches including a Cuban sandwich, New Orleans Roast Beef Po-Boy and Chicken Curry Swirl as well as a variety of wraps, salads, soups and desserts. Operating hours will be 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sunday.

The company began selling a limited number of development territories to area developers, called Market Partners, in May of 2006. The Palm Harbor Flagship Shoppe marks the opening of the first of more than 500 Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes already contracted for development in the United States. Dagwood’s Flagship Shoppe is also a personal milestone for the company’s co-founder Dean Young. Cartoonist Young and his alter-ego, Dagwood, have dreamed of opening a sandwich shop for more than 30 years.

Dean Young became the creative force behind the ‘Blondie’ strip in 1973 when his father, Chick Young, the strip’s originator, passed. Young creates Blondie at his studio in Clearwater Beach, Fla., which serves as a historical shrine, memorabilia museum and a full service art studio dedicated to the most successful comic strip on earth.

“As a Tampa Bay resident, I’m really excited that Dagwood’s first-ever restaurant has opened in my hometown,” said Dean Young. “I’m very proud of how our extremely talented team and partners have brought our vision to reality. It’s a dream come true.” 

Like Dagwood, Young has a great fondness for food and has amassed an amazing collection of recipes that represent thousands of different sandwich dishes. With readership of the comic at an all-time high - 2,300 newspapers that reach an estimated 280 million readers worldwide each day – the time seemed right for moving the Dagwood’s Signature Sandwiches out of the funny papers and onto a plate.

All restaurants will feature familiar faces from the comic strip projected onto giant plasma screens as well as collectible merchandise inspired by the strip’s iconic characters. Known as the “Flagship Shoppe,” the 1,500-square-foot store at 33135 U.S. Highway 19 N. in Palm Harbor serves as the prototype for future national and international franchises.

“Even before the opening of our Palm Harbor restaurant, the response to Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes by potential consumers and investors has been simply amazing,” said Lamar Berry, CEO and co-founder, Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes. “We believe that the reason for the excitement lies in the wholesome aspect of our concept coupled with the magic of the comic strip. When customers visit our restaurants, they experience a magical, comic strip world unique to today’s marketplace.”

About Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes, LLC

Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes, LLC, a privately owned restaurant franchise company headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., and New Orleans, is the brainchild of “Blondie” comic strip creator Dean Young and longtime restaurant franchise and marketing executive Lamar Berry. Organized in 2006, Dagwood’s sells exclusive Market Partner Territories™ representing 40 – 75 individual restaurant franchise units. Since Dagwood’s launch, in May of 2006, the company has secured 10 Market Partners throughout the Southeastern U.S. and New York, representing over 500 individual Sandwich Shoppes under contract to open.

Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes have the fun, entertaining and universal appeal of the comic strip and, like the strip, they will offer Guests the opportunity to suspend disbelief and step into a fun, wholesome, comic strip world. Dagwood’s will feature more than 30 delicious sandwich menu items including Dagwood’s Signature Sandwiches – plus soups, salads, wraps and desserts – made from the world’s tastiest meats, unique breads and distinctive condiments.

Additional information about Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes is available by visiting www.dagwoods.us.com.

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