Media Contact: Tracey Locke

                                                                                       813-453-9204                 

     For Immediate Release                                           tracey@tlsknowsmedia.com                                  

Cork&Olive, The New Toast of Orlando

Former customer leading franchise sales in his hometown

Orlando, FL January 10, 2006 It’s no coincidence that the first Cork & Olive location in the Orlando area is near the Windemere home of Orlando businessman Tom Ronzino. Ronzino was vacationing with his wife at a St. Petersburg Bed & Breakfast when the B & B owner suggested they check out a new neighborhood wine shop down the street. The experience was life transforming.

Not only did the couple leave with two cases of wine, they began a campaign to bring their favorite wine store to Orlando. Two years after that first taste, the longtime owner of a successful television company is now the CEO of Cork & Olive’s Franchise Corporation. 20 locations will open in the Orlando metro area over the next two years including such communities as: Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Gardens, Ocoee, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Heathrow and Downtowns Orlando.

“I represent the target market for this company. I am not a wine expert. I buy what I like. The concept of trying before you buy intrigued me. Cork& Olive has the model down. The friendly, unpretentious atmosphere in every store is unmatched. My challenge during this growth phase will be finding the right locations.” Tom Ronzino said.

Franchisee Doreen Ferendo believes Ronzino hit a home run with her location on Sandlake Road’s restaurant row.

“I fell in love with the chain. This is something that will do very well here. We are excited about opening this fall”, said Ferendo

In February 2006, the company filed a circular offering and announced three investment opportunities. Investors can buy and operate a franchise. They have the option of investing in corporate stores or the third opportunity is to invest in the franchise corporation.

There are ten corporate stores currently open in Tampa Bay, including the newest location in Brandon. Franchisees in Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota are building now with plans to open dozens of shops in 2007.  There are plans to operate 200 shops statewide. To find a location near you, log on to www.corkandolive.com

More About Cork & Olive

Cork&Olive is the new way to explore and buy wines. We believe wine does not have to be expensive to be good. Our wines come from smaller, family owned vineyards from around the world .Our wine tasting table is open All Day – Every Day so you can always try before you buy. Join us at one of our many new neighborhood locations, host a private wine tasting in your home or enjoy a catered corporate event. In every unpretentious setting, you will discover Good Times -- Good Wine – Good People