Cypress earned top honors in a winning streak that would earn the envy of any Vegas veteran.  Now the third largest Denny's franchisee, Cypress captured awards for "Franchisee of the Year", "Developer of the Year", first and third place for "Most Improved Store Sales" and two of five Local Store Marketing awards with a win for Special Events and Public Relations and another for Print Programs. 

The company gained recognition across the board for its demonstrated strength in fast-paced development, profitable operations and effective sales and marketing. 

"It's really been a great year for Cypress.  We could not be more pleased with the honors we received," said Tom McIntyre, president of Cypress Restaurants, Inc.  " The success we've enjoyed has taken a lot of hard work, but we have the teamwork and determination that make these awards gratifying for the entire organization."

 The Vegas awards capped a dynamic year for Cypress.  The restaurant company invested over $15 million to completely renovate existing Denny's.  By year's end Cypress, which began its Denny's affiliation with one unit in 1991, will have 50 Denny's throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Virginia.  Their inventory includes the 1998 addition of two new 
Denny's Classic Diner concepts in Wildwood and Orlando, Florida.  Cypress also ventured into the casual, upscale dining market in November with the opening of their first Houlihan's Restaurant and Bar in Tampa, Fla. 

Boosting sales from $5 million to over $100 million in the past three years recently earned Cypress a berth on Orlando Business Journal's list of Top 100 Central Florida Companies and recognition as one of five Central Florida Fast Track Company designees.   Plans for 1999 foretell another full-speed year for Cypress. The company will build 10 new Denny's and acquire additional existing units.  Further broadening their scope, Cypress plans to add two Houlihan's in 1999; and  negotiations are underway for a third franchise concept.

Cypress Restaurants, Inc. and Cypress Hotel Management Company join Signature Realty under the Cypress Companies banner.  Tom McIntyre and Larry Walker partnered in 1986 to form the Cypress ventures.