First-Ever Brat Signal Kicks Off 2015 Grilling Season

New Web-Based Tool Sends the Invitation to Gather 'Round the Grill with New Products to Spice Things Up

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May 18, 2015, 08:07 ET

SHEBOYGAN, Wis., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville is kicking off this grilling season by helping people send custom, virtual "smoke signals" to their friends, family and neighbors that a grilling gathering is about to start. It's called the Brat Signal and it's a new web-based party tool that is launching today alongside the brand's new marketing campaign, "Sausage Family."

The simple tool allows users to send out an entertaining invitation, choosing from five animated "signals" about their grilling location and menu to their Twitter followers and Facebook friends. The tool – at BratSignal.com – was created to remind Americans that Johnsonville not only makes sausage, but makes memories while being at the center of any summer grilling occasion. An entertaining video showcases the Brat Signal.

"For Johnsonville, grilling season is all about the times we come together that make strangers into friends, friends into family and family even family-er," said Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing at Johnsonville Sausage. "With the Brat Signal, we're gathering family, extended family, neighbors, friends and that guy you carpool with – because you don't have to be family to be a sausage family." Johnsonville launched a series of new humorous television ads that also depict different "sausage families" in action.

Firing up New Flavors
For grillers looking to spice up their backyard gatherings, Johnsonville is also introducing new items this season. The popular Grillers line offers a new burger option, available in both fresh (Steakhouse Seasoned) and frozen (Steakhouse Onion) varieties, to bring the gourmet flavor of a steakhouse burger with a kick.

Meanwhile, the Johnsonville Butcher Shop smoked sausage lineup includes three new varieties: Polish, Jalapeno Cheddar and Cheddar Beer, offering flavor options for all palettes. The Butcher Shop lineup features larger link sizes in a natural casing.

20 Years of Gathering Brat Lovers
As the new brat-loving tech tool sends the signal across the country, the company is also celebrating 20 years of brat love nationwide with the return of the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill, the world's largest traveling grill and one of the longest mobile marketing efforts on the road. This summer marks the 20^th grilling season the giant, 65-foot long grill will stop to tailgate at community festivals and retail locations across the country, while raising money for local charities.

Check out BratSignal.com to begin sharing your next grilling occasion with others. To follow the Big Taste Grill and find when it is stopping near you, visit Johnsonville.com.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links, fresh breakfast sausage and meatballs. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,600 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.