SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WI – The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill™ hits the road this week, kicking off the 19th annual nationwide tour from America's number-one sausage brand, Johnsonville. Providing more than just tasty-tailgate sausages at special events and retail locations across the country, the Big Taste Grill also raises money for local charities.
To date, the Big Taste Grill program has raised more than $3 million for a variety of charities nationwide, many of them local organizations in communities where the tour stops. In 2012, the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill raised money for 47 different organizations nationwide.
"Johnsonville is a family-owned company that understands the importance of activism in local communities," said Bruce Johnson, senior brand manager. "Supporting the causes that our customers are most passionate about is one way that Johnsonville and the Big Taste Grill can give back to the people and communities that love Johnsonville Sausage."
The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is not your run-of-the-mill backyard barbecue. Weighing more than 53,000 pounds and measuring 65 feet long, this giant grill can keep 12 grill masters busy cooking more than 750 brats at a time. A semi truck pulls the grill and the whole system is self-sufficient with hot and cold-running water, electricity, sound system, a prep station, and a refrigeration unit.
The program began in 1995 to celebrate Johnsonville's 50thAnniversary. Johnsonville welcomes back Ryan Allison for his third year as tour manager and certified grill master. This year, the Big Taste Grill will visit nearly every region in the continental United States. Some key events include:
- Cooper River Bridge Run – April 6 in Charleston, S.C.
- Bluebonnet Festival – April 12-13 in Burnet, Texas
- Main Street Festival – April 27-28 in Franklin, Tenn.
- Towsontown Spring Fest – May 4-5 in Towson, Md.
- Nashville Sounds – May 10-12 in Nashville, Tenn.
- RiverFest – May 24-26 in Little Rock, Ark.
- Iowa Arts Festival – June 8-9 in Iowa City, Iowa
- Safeway BBQ Battle – June 22-23 in Washington, D.C.
You can meet Ryan, follow his journey and find out when the Big Taste Grill will be in your area at www.bigtastegrill.com.
About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,400 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by the late Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.
For additional Johnsonville company information, the latest recipes, contests and the Big Taste Grill tour schedule, visit www.johnsonville.com.
Source: Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
