rci hospitality holdings, inc., formerly rick's cabaret international, inc., operates upscale gentlemen's clubs and restaurants. subsidiary activities include websites and a media division. founded in 1983, rick’s cabaret pioneered in the creation of elegant gentlemen’s clubs featuring beautiful topless entertainers and high quality restaurant service. rick’s cabaret went public through an ipo in 1995 and is listed on the nasdaq global market under the symbol rick. options in rick are traded on the chicago board of options exchange (cboe). there are currently 46 nightclubs and restaurants nationwide in the rci hospitality holdings group. investors are attracted by strong cash flow, consistent profitability, effective internal financial controls developed by management, local laws that create high barriers to entry by potential competitors, and execution of a roll-up strategy in the consolidating gentlemen’s club industry. in recent years the company has acquired nightclubs in major