Headed Down the Shore? Chickie’s and Pete’s is Paying Everyone’s Tolls and Handing Out Crab Fries For “Free Toll Friday”

Who’s headed to the shore this weekend? Well, if you raised your hand, Chickie’s & Pete’s wants to not only pay your toll but also feed you. Once Chickies & Pete’s along with the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and the Atlantic City Expressway will be kicking-off the summer by paying travelers tolls Memorial Day Weekend.

Chickie’s and Pete’s will be paying tolls (cash and EZ Pass) for all drivers at the Eastbound Egg Harbor, New Jersey Toll Plaza Exit on Free Toll Friday, May 23rd, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

Earlier that afternoon, Chickie’s and Pete’s countdown with family fun from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway (Milepost 21.3)  – including complimentary orders of their world famous Crabfries®. There will also be an outdoor car show and 100 Days of Summer celebration with 70+ organizations, vendors, artists and exhibitors, including The Funny Farm rescue sanctuary, New Jersey State Police K9 dog team, Atlantic City International Airport Fire and Rescue Equipment, and more.

“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi.  “We’re excited to be back at Farley’s Plaza hosting one of our favorite annual events this year. We love to send everyone off to the shore in good spirits before a big holiday weekend!”

“Free Toll Friday will see more than complimentary tolls, food and entertainment. It also marks the kick-off of Chickie’s & Pete’s Annual ‘Summer of Shellfish.’ The Summer of Shellfish is a special menu all summer long at participating Chickie’s & Pete’s locations.”

“We’re excited to kick off our annual 100 Days of Summer celebration and welcome travelers passing through Hammonton on their way to their favorite Jersey Shore destination,” said SJTA Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty. “This year’s festivities offer something for everyone, whether you’re enjoying our diverse food truck lineup, checking out classic cars, browsing unique handmade goods, or letting the kids enjoy the petting zoo. It’s a great way to enhance your summer travel experience.”

Chickie’s & Pete’s is also proud to join forces with local charity, The Patriot Fund this Memorial Day Weekend and all year long, paying homage to what really matters this holiday. The Patriot Fund works to provide a world where our heroic Veterans can return from duty proactively supported psychologically, emotionally, socially, and financially as they and their families re-engage into civilian life.  When you order Chickie’s “Patriot Punch” cocktail a portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Patriot Fund.

Ciarrocchi chose Memorial Day Weekend to pay the tolls as a way to honor his family’s military tradition. “My Dad and my Uncles were all in the military,” said Ciarrocchi. “In fact, my Uncle George, who was my restaurant mentor, won the Silver Star for bravery. He was quite the guy, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him.”

For this annual summer kick-off, there are far more than just complimentary tolls that make up the Chickie’s & Pete’s/ South Jersey Transportation Authority celebration at the Frank S. Farley Plaza. The 100 Days of Summer Party runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm as a lead up to the magic hour. Everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy complimentary Crabfries from the Chickie’s & Pete’s Food Truck.

WlP Sports Radio and WPHT 1210 Talk Radio will be there for live, remote broadcasts with their radio personalities on hand to give out prizes to lucky winners. Applegreen, operator of the Farley Service Plaza, will be ready selling the smells, tastes and temptations of another Jersey summer as well as handing out complimentary samples of their delicious goodies sold at the plaza throughout the year including Joe Tea, My Big Fat Cookies and Jersey Girl Chocolates.

Ron’s Gardens of Hammonton also returns to the Farley Service Plaza with regular hours during the entire summer offering a wide variety of JERSEY FRESH® produce, fruits and garden plants in season, a favorite among shore-bound travelers, especially those spending vacation time at their summer homes or rentals.

The Atlantic City International Airport Fire Department will display some of its trucks and apparatus used to keep the public safe at the airport and in surrounding communities.  And the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s READl (Roadway Environmental Advancement Initiative) will feature its conservation and wildlife programs.

Youngsters will also enjoy the chance to visit ambassadors from the Funny Farm, an animal rescue sanctuary that provides a home for unwanted farm and zoo animals.  There’s a Sidewalk Chalk Fun Zone where children of all ages can showcase their artistic talents for everyone to see.

Close to 70 businesses, vendors, and artists will be participating including Atlantic Cape Community College, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, Comcast, Bass Pro Shop, Johnson’s Popcorn, The Irish Pub, AtlantiCare, Resorts Casino Atlantic City, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, Save Lucy Committee, and dozens of local merchants offering gift items, jewelry, clothing, among others.