Shoney's® topping off 65th anniversary celebration with collectible Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass offer

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To help put a delicious, frosty finish on its year-long anniversary celebration, Shoney's in November is inviting diners of all ages to raise a glass to the great American eatery's 65^th birthday.  But not just any glass.

In partnership with Coca-Cola, Shoney's is offering its luncheon and dinnertime customers an unbeatable deal on two age-old favorites:  an authentic, 20-ounce Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass – a prize among collectors – plus one of America's all-time, beloved treats -- a scrumptious root beer float.

With the purchase of a Shoney's meal valued at $5.00 or more, the nostalgia-driven deal includes the throwback price of just 65 cents for the yummy root beer float (in honor of Shoney's 65^th birthday) and no charge for the bell-shaped fountain glass commemorating Shoney's 65^th Anniversary.

Continuing daily while supplies of the limited-edition fountain glasses last, participating Shoney's restaurants will be distributing 65^th anniversary "Shoney's Homecoming" coupons to every dine-in breakfast guest. Customers can use the coupon with their next lunch or dinner purchase at Shoney's to redeem the 65-cent root beer float – made with the uniquely bold taste of Barq's Root Beer – and the distinctive Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass.

Dine-in patrons must purchase a meal during lunch or dinner hours (11 a.m.  to closing) and present their "Shoney's Homecoming" coupon to enjoy the root beer float for 65 cents and receive the free drinking-glass collectible.

The "Shoney's Homecoming" coupon expires at the close of business on Nov. 30, 2012.  If an individual Shoney's restaurant runs out of the commemorative Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glasses before Nov. 30, its participation in the promotion – including the 65-cent root beer float offer – will end at that time.

A Home for Family Traditions

"Shoney's has always been a place where family traditions begin – a place for family and friends to enjoy great food and hospitality, while making lasting memories," said Shoney's Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour.  "As our 65th anniversary commemoration continues into the season of family gatherings and giving, Shoney's is celebrating its history and good times by resurrecting two sentimental favorites our customers will love receiving – the classic root beer float and the Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass.  These American traditions are another way of saying 'thank you' to our longtime patrons, while inviting a new generation to enjoy the Shoney's experience."

Shoney's was one of the first family casual dining concepts in the United States. Its roots trace back to 1947, when opened as a drive-in in Charleston, W.Va.  Today, Nashville-based Shoney's is a favorite family casual dining destination, with approximately 200 restaurants in 17 states, reaching everyone from growing young families to baby boomers.

Since acquiring Shoney's through Royal Hospitality Corp. in 2007, Davoudpour has been on a mission to revitalize the brand.  The restaurant and development entrepreneur has been breathing new life into Shoney's through simplicity, innovation and community involvement.  The chain continues to plan for growth in suburban neighborhoods and urban communities across America.

"Shoney's has a special place in 20th century Americana and we congratulate this much-admired restaurant partner on its 65^th anniversary milestone.  Coca-Cola is delighted to help honor Shoney's illustrious history, while celebrating Shoney's commitment to the future," said Todd Grussmeyer, Sales Executive, Coca-Cola Refreshments.  "The combination of Shoney's family restaurants, the Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass and the root beer float brings together three American icons from simpler times that today's consumers can relax with and enjoy."

Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass

The commemorative Coca-Cola Bell Soda Glass available in November at Shoney's has been part of the heritage of The Coca-Cola Company since 1929.  The distinctive glass helped advertise Coca-Cola and was adopted as standard when it was first introduced.  Like the famous contour bottle for Coca-Cola, the Bell Soda Glass was destined to become forever associated with Coca-Cola worldwide.  Still used at many soda fountains, these glasses are visible proof of the timeless popularity of the world's most-valuable brand.

Barq's Root Beer was invented in 1898, in Biloxi, Miss., and acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in 1995.  More than a century prior, the root beer float, also known as the "black cow," was invented by Frank Wisner, the proprietor of a soda fountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Wisner was inspired to top his root beer with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, resulting in the frosty drink that has become an American favorite.

SOURCE Shoney's