Bennigan’s to Host “Happy Hour with a Hero”

Wounded warrior Matthew Pennington to appear Sept. 4 in conjunction with ‘Wall of Heroes’ campaign

TYSONS CORNER, VA (Sept. 2, 2014) – As part of its summer-long campaign to honor America’s finest, Bennigan’s is hosting a special “Happy Hour with a Hero” at its Tysons Corner location on Thursday, Sept. 4. The guest of honor will be Sgt. Matthew Pennington, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was wounded in April 2006 while serving in Iraq.

The happy hour event is scheduled for Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the Bennigan’s at 8201 Greensboro Drive. It is being held in conjunction with, and in support of, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (Coalition), a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror.

At the age of 23, Pennington was struck down by an ambush IED team in Iraq. He lost his left leg and incurred severe damage to his right. He was subsequently honorably retired and received the Purple Heart and the state of Maine’s Silver Star, among others. Pennington also starred in the short film “A Marine’s Guide to Fishing,” which portrays the combatwounded veteran’s transition back into the workplace as well as coping with his loss one year later on his “alive” day.

Pennington now serves as a national spokesperson and field associate for the Coalition.

“We’re honored that Matthew is stopping by to spend some time speaking with our guests and enjoying some of our Legendary Irish hospitality,” said Mazhar Chughtai, franchise owner of the Tysons Bennigan’s. “Matthew is a true American hero, so we hope everyone in the area will swing by, shake his hand and take advantage of our food and drink specials.”

Thursday’s happy hour specials will include $5 and $6 select appetizers, $6 select specialty cocktails and $3 domestic pints, wells and frozen margaritas.

This year, Bennigan’s is encouraging patriots everywhere to raise a virtual toast in honor of anyone who is currently serving or has served in the U.S. Armed Forces at WallofHeroes.org. Supporters may choose from four different drinks, which may be personalized with messages thanking their hero for his or her sacrifice.

For every message uploaded, Bennigan’s is donating $1 to the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. Direct, tax-deductible contributions to the Coalition can also be made through the site. The campaign kicked off on Memorial Day and runs through Sept. 5.

“Every one of us at the Coalition is honored and grateful that Bennigan’s selected us as their partner for the Wall of Heroes campaign,” said Pennington, who calls both Maine and Texas home. “I’ve always been a big fan of Bennigan’s, and I look forward to munching on a Monte Cristo and tipping back a cold one (or two) during Thursday’s happy hour.”

ABOUT THE COALITION

The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable, immediate lifeline to thousands of America’s wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004. The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its direct financial and in-kind assistance to America’s wounded heroes.  Its Emergency Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans’ homes and kept their vehicles from being repossessed. The organization regularly provides gift checks to cover meals, medical and utility bills, clothing, car repairs and even baby diapers.  For more information, and to learn how you can support its mission, visit SaluteHeroes.org.

ABOUT BENNIGAN’S

Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks and warm, friendly Irish Hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day. Every member of the team “bleeds green” and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. The company’s revolutionary comeback has introduced a new generation of Bennigan’s that reflects the brand’s history and pays respect to its rich heritage. Bennigan’s focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes, Legendary service and compelling returns on investment has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally.

For franchising information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.