'Free Toll Friday' Returns To Atlantic City Expressway For Memorial Day Weekend

EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ — Headed down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Chickie's & Pete's has you covered again. The popular Philadelphia-area restaurant chain is bringing back "Free Toll Friday" on the Atlantic City Expressway on May 24 - with free Crabfries for all.

Free Toll Friday kicks off the summer season as the restaurant partners with the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and the Atlantic City Expressway to pay all tolls (cash and EZ Pass) for drivers at the Eastbound Egg Harbor Toll Plaza Exit for one hour between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie's & Pete's Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “It's a great way to thank all those who have supported us over the years and kick off the summer in a fun way. It also signifies the official start to summer!"

Family fun starts earlier in the day with the 100 Days of Summer Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farley Plaza, including free giveaways of their famous Crabfries. There will also an outdoor celebration with complimentary food and drink from Hershey's Ice Cream, Mars, Carlo's Bakery, Applegreen and Monster Energy Drink.

The celebration will also include The Funny Farm rescue sanctuary, dalmatian puppies for puppy meet and greets, New Jersey State Police K9 dog team, Atlantic City International Airport Fire and Rescue Equipment, and dozens of other organizations, vendors, artists and exhibitors.

The chain is partnering with local charity The Patriot Fund this holiday weekend. The charity works to provide a world where 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 Memorial Day Weekend, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Patriot Fund.

Ciarrocchi said he 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.”

"We're thrilled to roll out the red carpet for our annual 100 Days of Summer party and invite those visiting Atlantic City and the breathtaking vacation spots along the South Jersey shore to make the most of our service plaza amenities,” said SJTA Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty. “There's truly something for all ages from restaurants, car show, health check-ups, artisanal crafts, books, jewelry, and even a petting zoo for the kids."