SOURCE: Shane's Rib Shack

October 13, 2008 08:25 ET

Tender Your Vote on November 4 and Be a Part of Record Turnouts

Shane's Rib Shack Encourages America to Vote With Free "Vote America Meal"

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - October 13, 2008) - Shane's Rib Shack believes in the American Dream, the pursuit of happiness, the opportunities available to start a business and the right to vote. So on Election Day this November 4, any customer of legal voting age who shows up with an official "I Voted Today" sticker will receive a Free "Vote America Meal" from Shane's! The free "Vote America Meal" consists of Shane's hand-breaded chicken tenders (a three-piece meal), fries and a 20 oz drink. Following Election Day, this affordable meal will be available for a limited-time at participating Shane's locations for only $5.

Of the 210,000,000 eligible voters in America, a record 28 percent participated in the Presidential Primary or Caucus, a rate not seen since 1972 when the voting age was lowered to 18. Voter participation is up among Democrats, Republicans and youth participation has risen at a faster rate than any other age group. With 22 days remaining until Election Day, local communities across the country are reporting record turnouts anticipated. That may translate to a whole lot of chicken come November 4.

"While our country struggles in these difficult financial times, Main Street USA where I have lived my entire life, needs companies and communities to band together. Our franchisees, who are small business owners living and working in the Main streets of every region in America, want their local friends and neighbors to know we are here for them," explains Shane Thompson, founder of Shane's Rib Shack. "So few things are free any more; our only catch is you must take advantage of one of America's most important freedoms, the right to vote."

The "Vote America" promotion begins when the doors open for at 11 am at all participating Shane's Rib Shack locations across America. Friends can come for a late breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time throughout the day as long as they have their "I Voted" sticker. All they have to do is turn in their official "I Voted Today" sticker to Shane's. In exchange, customers will receive an "I Voted Today and ate at Shane's for Free" sticker.

"We hope that once voters have lined up at the polls, they will stop by Shane's Rib Shack," explains Shane Thompson. "We'll get them in and out quickly so they can finish their day feeling good about fulfilling their patriotic duty, and the small business owners across America who make up our franchisees will feel good about thanking them for participating in an important American freedom."

In continued support of the American Dream and Americans during this current economic environment, beginning November 5, the Shane's Rib Shack Tenders Special will be available for a limited-time at all participating Shane's locations. An affordable meal option, the special includes three chicken tenders, fries and a 20oz drink for $5 plus tax.

About Shane's Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack is a true American rib shack, known for its hand-cut baby back ribs, chicken, pork and 10 southern sides to compliment each plate. The original shack was founded in 2002, in rural McDonough, Ga. by Shane Thompson, who started the restaurant with his grandfather's secret BBQ sauce. Since Atlanta-based Raving Brands acquired the concept in 2004, Shane's Rib Shack has grown to become the country's fastest growing fast-casual barbecue concept. For more information, visit www.shanesribshack.com. For information on franchising opportunities, call (877) 534-7216.