(Ridgeland, MS)—- McAlister’s Deli is finding sweet ways for guests to beat the heat this summer. The quick-casual restaurant chain’s 2011 Beverage of Summer promotion, the search for Tea Town USA, is its biggest summer promotion to date. McAlister’s will again use its sizable Tea Freaks Facebook fan base in conjunction with in-restaurant promotional materials to have guests vote online at www.teatownusa.com for their town to win the illustrious title of Tea Town USA. This year’s contest has several exciting changes, including the ability for guests to “earn” their town an additional two points per day by checking in through a smartphone in restaurant and by uploading a snapshot to the weekly photo challenges. The top ten towns will win donations for their town’s chosen nonprofit organization with the winner of the title of Tea Town USA earning $7,500 for its chosen organization.
McAlister’s will also be bringing back last summer’s hottest tea accessory: the McAlister’s Tea Tumbler. The tumbler will feature a new design and can be purchased by guests for $6.99. Guests can then bring their tumbler back for the remainder of 2011 and have it filled with McAlister’s ice tea for only 99 cents!
The Beverage of Summer promotion will culminate as McAlister’s declares July 28, 2011 “Free Tea Day.” All participating restaurants nationwide will provide a free 32 oz. glass of McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™ with no purchase necessary.
In conjunction with the Beverage of Summer promotion, McAlister’s is introducing new, upgraded premium ingredients throughout its menu. These premium ingredients include new proteins such as Black Forest Ham, Black Angus Roast Beef and Butterball ™ turkey, new artisan foccacia and ciabatta breads and other premium ingredients such as Brie Cheese, Guacamole, Roasted Corn, Poblano Relish and Caramelized Onions.. These premium upgrades and new ingredients will be featured in a new line of Grilled Sandwiches such as the Horseradish Black Angus and Cheddar served on focaccia and the Southwest Chicken Griller served on ciabatta as well as on other items throughout the menu.
“Summer is a time to celebrate the flavors of the season—and what better way than showcasing our upgraded and new premium ingredients and the signature sweet tea that made us famous,” said Annica Kreider, vice president of marketing, McAlister’s Deli. “’Free Tea Day’ is our way of giving back to our loyal customer base by giving them something cool during the hot summer season.”
For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com or contact Rebecca Day Kimberling at 601-952-1100.
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McAlister’s Corporation, headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss., is a quick-casual restaurant featuring efficient counter ordering, attentive table service, over 100 different high-quality, deli-style foods and great value. McAlister’s was recently named one of the Best 10 restaurants for families by Parents Magazine for their commitment to healthfulness and choice on the menu. Currently, McAlister’s Deli has over 300 restaurants operating in 23 states.