AVI MERGES DIVISIONS FOR ONGOING SUCCESS – ANTHONY PAYIAVLAS BECOMES PRESIDENT & CEO, PATRICE KOUVAS BECOMES VICE CHAIR Move Maximizes Strengths of 2 Divisions, Creates Synergies Warren, Ohio – October 20, 2008 – AVI Foodsystems, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated food service business in the United States, today announced structural and leadership changes that pave the way for continuing growth and success as a strong family-owned business well into the future. Effective immediately, the company will merge its Business and Industry Division with its Education/Healthcare Division under single leadership. Bringing the two strong divisions together makes AVI more efficient, enables the company to capitalize on the strengths and best practices of each, and allows it to better exceed customer expectations. Anthony Payiavlas has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the entire AVI organization and will guide the future growth and success of AVI’s business, bringing the two divisions (Education/Healthcare plus Business & Industry) under his overall leadership. He has deep experience in all facets of AVI’s operations and has learned the business from the bottom up, starting as a vending attendant in high school and working his way up through various management levels of the company. From field operations, purchasing, commissary operations, warehousing, distribution, sales and marketing, Anthony Payiavlas has worked in and overseen every function of the business. He most recently served as President of the Education/Healthcare Division. Anthony Payiavlas indicated that he looks forward to working with the entire organization to identify efficiencies, synergies and best practices to employ companywide. “As the new President and CEO of all of AVI, I want to assure all our customers that we remain committed to exceeding their expectations,” he said. Patrice Kouvas, who most recently served as president of the Business and Industry Division, has been named Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Kouvas brings 35 years of vast experience in all aspects of AVI to her new role as Vice Chair, where she will serve in an important and ongoing role to the company. She will gradually transition her former responsibilities to Anthony. The adult children of AVI founder and Board of Directors Chairman John Payiavlas (and his wife Mary), Patrice and Anthony truly grew up in this business, having been exposed to it from very young ages. Over the years, both siblings have literally worked in and overseen every facet of the business. Kouvas said, “I have full confidence in Anthony’s leadership skills, his industry knowledge and in AVI’s continuing success under his guidance.” Chairman John Payiavlas added, “AVI has grown and been profitable every year for 48 consecutive years. A key part of our success has been the unique strengths of each of our two divisions. Merging these divisions together makes us even stronger and is a smart business decision that ensures our continued growth and profitability.” ABOUT AVI FOODSYSTEMS, INC. AVI Foodsystems has long been a strong, successful, family-owned business. Founded in 1960 by John Payiavlas, AVI has grown dramatically by experiencing 48 consecutive years of sales increases. It has an industry-leading reputation for providing customized foodservice solutions for thousands of customers throughout 8 states offering hospitality services in corporate, industrial, government, healthcare and educational settings, including a complete offering of onsite dining, vending, catering, coffee service and, most recently, environmental services. AVI is a Woman-Owned Business and is certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), as a Tier 1 diversity supplier. OTHER NEWS: AVI AWARDED BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD AVI Foodsystems announces the newest addition to the AVI family… Blue Cross Blue Shield of Parkersburg, WV. AVI has been selected to provide dining, vending, catering and office coffee services to their new state-of-the-art office building. To view the full story, click here. BACK HOME WHO WE ARE WHAT'S NEW SERVICES CUSTOMERS HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYMENT WELL WORTH IT SERVICE INQUIRIES QUESTIONS