SEATTLE, Sept. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BCCI) via Globenewswire NASDAQ OMX worldwide news service announced today that Roger Stilson has joined the Board of Advisors and Oversight Committee to provide guidance and oversight for the purpose of moving to a senior exchange. The Board serves as an independent third party insuring compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and guidance regarding allocation of resources and capital structure. It also examines processes and procedures relating to controls and financial modeling. The independent committee also will select or recommend nominees for directors, and adopt a code of conduct applicable to all directors, officers, and employees.

Stilson spent 21 years as a General Manager, Regional Manager, Vice President-Operations and ultimately Executive Vice-President Marketing on the senior management team at Restaurants Unlimited a prestigious restaurant chain. Stilson was involved in concept development, including the proliferation of Cinnabon(R), Palomino and the Kincaid's brands (including Palisade) prior to the sale of the company in 2002. After leaving RUI, Stilson became a consumer research analyst and associate with companies such as Global Insight, Neilsen, NOP World and Claritas. Stilson provided research and insight into consumer behaviors.

Ultimately, Stilson returned to his love of the casual restaurant business by purchasing and re-positioning Mama Stortini's and developing an emerging brand, Mama Stortini's Restaurant and Bar -- into a modern, go-anytime-order-anything concept that pivots around Immigrant Southern Italian cuisine. His company now has two restaurants in King and Pierce County, with plans for two new units in 2014. He also earned a BA in English literature from the University of Washington.

Roger Stilson stated: "I am impressed with the team of individuals who are the driving force to Baristas success to date and feel that the concept can evolve and grow very quickly. There are many refinements that will allow Baristas to streamline their supply chain, reduce cost and time of opening, as well as increase their product offerings. I am pleased to be a part of a business that is making such steady progress."

A. Michael Adams Committee Chairman commented: "Roger brings a tremendous amount of restaurant and chain expansion experience to Baristas. I believe that his practical understanding of cost and supply structures along with his long standing relationships within the industry will prove invaluable in guiding the Company throughout its growth and in their application to move to the NASDAQ Capital Market."

Barry Henthorn, Baristas CEO, stated: "The addition of Roger to the committee is of particular importance due to his history of developing and marketing successful restaurant offerings. We now will be able to complete additional steps required to meet the Corporate Governance Requirements of set forth by the NASDAQ Capital Markets as our team nears the completion of our Corporate Governance Certification, a major step in complying with the NASDAQ listing standards."

About Baristas Coffee Company (BCCI): Headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. was formed to create a national brand of drive-thru espresso stands. BCCI is accomplishing this by acquiring established businesses that fit its model, opening new locations, and by franchising. Baristas has separated itself from the competition with its "theme" of joining attractive female baristas in entertaining costumes preparing the finest beverages available on the market. Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. is currently traded publically under the symbol "BCCI:OTCPK". Baristas has made formal application to the NASDAQ Capital Markets, and has been reserved the symbol "BAPI" for trading once it has completed the process. Baristas can currently be found throughout greater Seattle as well as in Arizona, Florida, and Montana. Your state, Coming Soon!

For more information on this fascinating concept please visit us at  www.baristas.tv

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