CHARLOTTE, NC (August 5, 2009) — Tobin Starr + Partners has been hired by the successful Charleston, SC-based Kickin’ Chicken International (KCI) ownership group to help realize its franchise development goals through restaurant brand, design and prototype development. KCI will begin awarding franchises in September 2009 to a select group within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

Since opening its first location in Charleston in 1997, The Kickin’ Chicken has seen success and steady growth within the metro area, and now sports five locations. The casual, family oriented, full service, full bar restaurant offers sandwiches, wraps, wings, soups and salads within an environment that has become known and appreciated for its vibrancy and cleverness.

“We see tremendous potential with this concept and welcome the opportunity to be a part of its growth,” says Steve Starr, Tobin Starr + Partners Partner and Retail and Restaurants Practice Leader. “This partnership with The Kickin’ Chicken fits perfectly with our prior experience in brand conception, prototype design, franchise development and multiunit rollouts, with both regional and national chains. We’re excited about this project and this long-term partnership.”

Tobin Starr + Partners currently is engaged in a two-phase project with The Kickin’ Chicken. The initial phase is underway and includes brand definition and clarification to further target the restaurant’s customers as well as to create a restaurant environment in which this brand experience is clearly communicated to that audience.

Tobin Starr + Partners will design and create branded elements that will be applied to existing locations of The Kickin’ Chicken as well as included in the franchise package for future locations. Following the conceptual and design phase, Tobin Starr + Partners will create construction documents that will serve as the prototype for future franchisees.

“We’ve made the right partnership choice with Tobin Starr + Partners,” notes Jim Verney, President/CEO of Kickin’ Chicken International, LLC. “Since our initial meetings, the firm has been hands-on in learning about and experiencing our restaurant, its history, and what it has come to mean to our loyal customers. They’ve quickly begun to drill down to the customer experience in our restaurant, even spending time working in The Kickin’ Chicken during busy shifts to achieve the best possible understanding of our business and our customer. In my 35 year restaurant career, I've never had another architectural firm actually work in the restaurants.  Tobin Starr + Partners learned the restaurant from the kitchen, dining room and bartender perspective. We couldn’t be more excited to have this partner as we move forward.”

The Kickin’ Chicken was launched by University of South Carolina classmates Bobby Perry and Chip Roberts in 1997, inspired by mutual past workplaces and other restaurants they enjoyed and respected locally. Perry and Roberts developed the initial concept with a single location in Charleston and have steadily grown the business since. Partner David Miller joined the pair in 2003, and they formed RPM Management Company. The Kickin’ Chicken currently has locations in downtown Charleston, James Island, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley.

About Tobin Starr + Partners

Tobin Starr + Partners was founded by professionals who have experienced great success at preeminent design firms.   With a strong desire to stay immersed in the craft of architecture, planning and design, they've built a firm that strongly engages their clients and brings together diverse talents and backgrounds. The firm’s approach springs from a founding philosophy of always addressing work in a manner that’s strategic, creative and responsible. Tobin Starr + Partners works within three primary practice areas: restaurants and retail; cultural, civic and higher educational; and corporate and commercial. Additionally, the firm offers expertise in facilities architecture and construction services. For more information, visit Tobin Starr + Partners on the web at www.tobinstarr.com.