MHGU Meritage Hospitality Group Inc New (QX)

Meritage Reports Acquisition of Jacksonville, FL Wendy's Restaurant Bringing Total Restaurants to 119

GRAND RAPIDS, MI--(Marketwired - Dec 17, 2013) - Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc. (OTCQX: MHGU), one of the nation's premier restaurant operators, today announced it has acquired an additional Wendy's restaurant in Jacksonville, FL bringing its operations to 119 restaurants in six states.

"We wish to welcome our new employees in Jacksonville, FL to the Meritage family," stated Robert E. Schermer, Jr., CEO of Meritage. The Company plans to install its comprehensive back-of-house operating and accounting systems, along with key brand initiatives designed to contemporize the total guest experience. Reimaging and modernization of Wendy's restaurants remains a hallmark of the Companys expansion strategy. 

Meritage is a growth oriented restaurant company focused on the development of new restaurants and operating efficiencies through its web-based operating platform. The Company continues to invest in infrastructure to support the long-term fundamentals of the Wendy's restaurant brand transformation. The Company operates 119 quick service and casual dining restaurants in six states including; Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The Company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI and employs a workforce of approximately 3,800 people. The Company's public filings can be viewed at www.otcqx.com under the stock symbol MHGU, or at the Company's website, www.meritagehospitality.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT  Certain information in this news release, particularly information regarding future economic performance and finances, and plans, expectations and objectives of management, constitutes forward-looking statements. Factors set forth in our Safe Harbor Statement, in addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company's actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Please review the Company's Safe Harbor Statement at www.meritagehospitality.com.