Rick's Cabaret Calls Opening Of Its Newest Club Onyx In Charlotte A "Grand Success"

HOUSTON -(December 19, 2006)- The grand opening of the newest Club Onyx in Charlotte, NC, over the past weekend was a "grand success and exceeded our expectations," according to club owner Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK).

"It was a great opening with a packed house on all three days," according to Ed Anakar, general manager of the club. "There were over 100 entertainers on hand and they were constantly busy. Lots of local Charlotte celebrities and media came by to check us out along with several players from local pro teams. I would term the opening a grand success and it exceeded our expectations."

Rick's Cabaret, which pioneered the concept of luxurious topless entertainment venues for gentlemen in the 1980s, launched its Club Onyx brand in Houston two years ago to cater to African American businessmen, musicians and professional athletes. The Houston club and a newer venue in San Antonio are among the most popular gentlemen's clubs in their markets.

The company converted its Rick's Cabaret nightclub at 5300 Old Pineville Road to Club Onyx and launched it with a gala three-night grand opening December 14th – 16th. The club is now open for lunch five days a week with entertainment until 2 a.m. and will remain open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. .

About Rick's Cabaret
Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK, www.ricks.com) operates upscale adult nightclubs serving primarily businessmen and professionals that offer live adult entertainment, restaurant and bar operations. The company owns and operates or licenses adult nightclubs in New York City, New Orleans, Charlotte, Houston, Minneapolis and other cities under the names "Rick's Cabaret," "XTC" and "Club Onyx." No sexual contact is permitted at any of these locations. Rick's Cabaret also owns the adult Internet membership Web site, www.couplestouch.com, and a network of online adult auction sites under the flagship URL www.naughtybids.com. Rick's Cabaret common stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol RICK. For further information contact ir@ricks.com or visit www.ricks.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in this document, including the risks and uncertainties associated with operating and managing an adult business, the business climates in New York City and elsewhere, the success or lack thereof in launching and building the company's businesses in New York City and elsewhere, risks and uncertainties related to the operational and financial results of our Web sites, conditions relevant to real estate transactions, and numerous other factors such as laws governing the operation of adult entertainment businesses, competition and dependence on key personnel. Rick's has no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of future events or circumstances. For further information go to www.ricks.com.

Contact for further information: Allan Priaulx, 212-338-0050, ir@ricks.com