In fiscal 2007, the company will open 25 to 26 new company-ownedunits, while franchisees are expected to open 14 to 15 newrestaurants. The company opened 32 company-owned and 16 franchisedrestaurants last year. For 2008, Red Robin expects to open 30 to 33new company-owned restaurants, with franchisees opening 13 to 15new franchised restaurants.

"The pipeline is in very good shape," said Dennis B. Mullen,chairman and CEO. More than half of the new openings next year willbe in existing markets, and the company is now looking at endcaplocations. However, the general ratio of 80% mall units to 20%non-mall should remain the same.

About 75% of the 2008 restaurants will be in Red Robin's newprototype, created to save construction costs. The new designaverages about 5,600 sf, and cuts back on lobby and kitchen spaceto allow more seating. Three units in the format already are open,with four more under construction.