Shane's Rib Shack 'The Ultimate BBQ Side Contest Cook-Off Challenge' Declares Winner!

ATLANTA, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Shane's Rib Shack, a Petrus Brands Company, is proud to announce Gidget Gorgone has been named the winner of the "Ultimate BBQ Side Contest Cook-Off Challenge." The Challenge took place on Tuesday, August 31st from 11am - Noon at the Shane's Rib Shack Cumberland Pointe location in Atlanta. The three finalists prepared and presented their dishes to a panel of celebrity judges. As the Judges Panel Winner, Gorgone receives a Big Green Egg grill (valued at approximately $1200), BBQ grilling supplies, and her Dirty Country Taters recipe will appear on the Original Shack's menu for a limited time this fall!

Shaniacs from across the nation posted their favorite side recipe dishes on Facebook during the month of July.  On August 10th, Shane announced the top three finalists via video message on Facebook:

1. Gidget Gorgone, Atlanta, GA, Dirty Country Taters
2. Mary Souto, McDonough, GA, Redneck Caviar
3. Niki Miraglia, Atlanta, GA, Barbequed Potato Salad

A panel of celebrity judges, including Dave Archer, former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback and Color Analyst for The Falcons Radio Network, Dennis Scott, former NBA Star (Orlando Magic), Georgia Tech All-American and current Radio Analyst for the Atlanta Hawks and NBA Network, and Shane Thompson, Commissioner of BBQ and Founder of Shane's Rib Shack, judged the competition. The judging was based on taste (50% of overall score), recipe uniqueness and how it compliments the Shane's Rib Shack menu (25% of overall score), and ease of preparation and presentation (25% of overall score).

"I am so incredibly excited to be the Shane's Side Recipe Contest Judges Panel Choice winner," said Gidget Gorgone. "I cannot believe I not only won a Big Green Egg grill, but my Dirty Country Taters recipe is going to be featured on Shane's Original Shack menu! This is truly a dream come true for me!"

"I want to congratulate all three of the finalists on their fantastic side dishes," said Shane Thompson.  "Declaring The Judges Panel Choice winner was a tough decision, but Gidget's Dirty Country Taters stood out and will be a great complement to the Original Shack menu."

Fans also had a chance to vote on Facebook for their favorite recipe that they would like to see on the menu.  Mary Souto from McDonough, GA won the Fan's Choice Poll with her Redneck Caviar recipe!  As the Fan's Choice Winner, Mary Souto won a Big Green Egg grill & BBQ supplies from Shane's.  

Please visit Shane's Rib Shack's Facebook page for additional "Ultimate BBQ Side Contest Finalists Cook-Off Challenge" information.

For the true Shane's Rib Shack lovers, Shane offers customers the opportunity to "Become a Shaniac" where members will receive a welcome gift just for joining - plus an exclusive birthday offer, as well as monthly news and rewards from Shane's.  In addition, BBQ lovers can become a fan on Shane's Rib Shack's Facebook page and follow on Twitter to keep up with Shane, the Commissioner of BBQ.  As the Commissioner of BBQ, Shane will share his BBQ expertise, continue his ongoing community involvement and seek customer input on anything from menu items to "Shaniac" madness.

Shane's Rib Shack currently has locations throughout the state of Georgia, including metro Atlanta, Athens, Brunswick, Hinesville, St. Simons Island, Statesboro, McDonough and Savannah.  Additionally, Shane's has restaurants in the following states:  Tennessee, North Carolina, Arizona, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and New York.  For a complete list of locations and franchise information, please log onto www.shanesribshack.com.

About Shane's Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack is a true American rib shack, known for its slow-cooked ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork, and many southern sides to compliment each plate.  The original shack was founded in 2002, in rural McDonough, Ga. by Shane Thompson, who started the restaurant with his grandfather's secret BBQ sauce.  Since becoming a franchised restaurant in 2004, Shane's Rib Shack has grown to become the country's fastest growing fast-casual barbecue concept.  Shane's Rib Shack was selected as #56 on the Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list of 2009 and selected to Franchise Times Fast 55 list, highlighting the very best of the Fast Casual industry's over 600 restaurants.  Shane's Rib Shack currently operates more than 65 locations.  For more information, visit www.shanesribshack.com. 

SOURCE Shane's Rib Shack