FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Seitz
Director of Operations
Harper’s Restaurant Group
704.375.9715
sseitz@harpers-rest.com

Harper's Restaurant Group
Mourns Loss of Minie Raynes

Company establishes memorial fund to benefit children

Charlotte, NC...(June 2, 2010) -- Chef Minie Raynes, a 19-year employee of Harper's Restaurant Group, lost her life last week in a tragic automobile accident. At the time of her death, she was working at the Southpark Harper's Restaurant, but Minie was also well-known to many Uptown restaurant guests where she served as chef for both Blue Ribbon BBQ and Harper's Grill.

Tom Sasser, president of Harper's Restaurant Group, said that the sudden loss of Minie Raynes has been a blow to everyone at the company. "Minie was an important and valued member of our restaurant group for many years. We will miss her friendship, commitment and enthusiasm greatly."

Sasser said that Minie was beloved by Harper's associates and guests alike. "Minie loved good food, especially soul food. Her passion for creating delicious dishes came through each day at work --whether she was visiting local markets to make sure she had the freshest ingredients for her recipes, instructing her team, or chatting with some of the regular guests who loved her food. For me, Minie's dishes always reminded me of my youth and my love for home cooked, comfort foods."

To honor Minie and her many contributions, Harper's Restaurant Group plans to dedicate a portion of each restaurant's menu this summer to featuring Minie's favorite recipes, including her award-winning fried chicken, fresh collards and mac n' cheese. The company has also established a fund to benefit her surviving children. Donations can be made to 'The Chef Minie Fund' c/o Harper's Restaurant Group, 1228 E. Morehead St. Suite 101, Charlotte, N.C. 28204. For further information, contact Harper's Restaurant Group at 704-375-9715.

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