Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Partners with Law Enforcement Officers to Raise Funds for Special Olympics

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever dreamt of giving an order to a cop? Well for one day only, guests at Red Robin will be able to do just that, all for a great cause. Law enforcement officers across the country will unite at Red Robin^® restaurants (Red Robin) to serve guests through Tip-A-Cop^® events on Saturday, Oct. 13 to raise funds for Special Olympics. At the events, which are occurring in 380 Red Robin restaurants in 39 states, law enforcement officers will trade in their handcuffs and badges between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. to earn tips from restaurant guests to benefit their local Special Olympics Program. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120522/NY11686LOGO )

"Red Robin launched the Tip-A-Cop program in our restaurants seven years ago and, with the help of participating law enforcement officials and the generosity of our guests who have made donations, we have provided more than $2 million to Special Olympics programs across the country," said Eric Houseman, president and chief operating officer at Red Robin, and long-time supporter of Special Olympics. "After raising nearly $750,000 last year, we are proud to again partner with local law enforcement officials and Coca-Cola to support Special Olympics in the communities we serve." 

"Our annual Red Robin Tip-A-Cop events are always a good time for a great cause," said Michael Teem, executive director, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. "The tremendous level of law enforcement and community support, and the unparalleled generosity from Red Robin and Coca-Cola, are what will make this event so successful this year. The money raised will be used to support Special Olympics events and mission of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities in communities throughout the United States through year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports."

Tip-A-Cop is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run^® (LETR) campaign in support of Special Olympics. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is supported by more than 100,000 law enforcement officers worldwide who help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. As the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, LETR funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated.

For more information about Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and to find a restaurant location near you, please visit www.redrobin.com.

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB)
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., is the gourmet burger expert, famous for serving more than two dozen craveable, high-quality burgers with Bottomless Steak Fries® in a fun environment welcoming to guests of all ages.  In addition to its many burger offerings, Red Robin serves a wide variety of salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts and signature Mad Mixology® Beverages.  There are more than 460 Red Robin^® restaurants located across the United States and Canada, including corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM^®! Connect with Red Robin on Facebook and Twitter. 

About LETR
Celebrating its 31st Anniversary in 2012, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, encompassing a variety of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge® events and the World's Largest Truck Convoy® fundraiser.  More than 100,000 international law enforcement officers have carried the Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of local and state/provincial Special Olympics competitions and Games, and Special Olympics World Summer or Winter Games.  The LETR is now present in all 50 U.S. states, 12 Canadian provinces and 48 nations around the world.  In 2011 the LETR raised more than US$42 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world and has raised more than US$410 million since its inception in 1981.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives through the power of sport by empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics Movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to 4 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and related programs. Special Olympics takes place daily, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities all over the world. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and our blog.

SOURCE Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.