Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is putting the service front and center during “Freedom Week” this summer. Not just customer service—the military service.

Tradition. Service. Families getting together. It doesn’t get much better than celebrating being reunited – just add bar-b-q and some sweet tea.

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® is taking this service promotion to a whole new level.

Like its authentic Eastern style bar-b-q—with a savory, vinegary flavor— Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® has a unique and longstanding relationship with the armed forces. With locations in all the military hot spots across North Carolina, the restaurant brand has long served the troops with the motto “grateful to serve those who serve.” The restaurant has developed a strong base of real bar-b-q fans, both in its 33 locations across North Carolina, and from Coast to Coast who order it online.

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® sends bar-b-q all over the map through its online store, and this year’s Freedom Week campaign encompasses the internet in a whole new way for the company. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® kicked off its annual seven day “Freedom Week” campaign for its restaurants on July 2nd, focusing efforts on one initiative—supporting the troops. Via its huge social media following, the company is undertaking a pretty audacious goal in its Twitter campaign: Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® will donate 10¢ to the Wounded Warriors Project for every mention or retweet of #FreedomWeek (that’s a Twitter “hashtag”, used to monitor topics on the microblogging service) during Freedom Week (July 2nd-July 9th).

The Wounded Warriors Project raises awareness and assistance for the needs of severely injured service men and women with the objective to provide tangible support to get them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally.

“Much like a backyard bar-b-q, our military also has a unique quality that brings people together,” said Richard Averitte, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® Marketing Director. “People rally around our troops, as they should, and we are so pleased to be able to help facilitate that community connection—not just in our own North Carolina community, but across the country by means of the internet!”

In fact the brand has truly fostered a tremendous network through its blog, social media efforts, and face-to-face relationships with repeat customers. One of those loyal customers also happens to be former Marine Jen (Schmidt) McGillis. McGillis became a “fan” on Facebook, shared her story with Averitte, and an idea grew.

McGillis founded Military Ride Share, which is dedicated to “helping military members who are going in the same direction, ride together and hopefully save some green.” Since the site’s launch, over 600 service members or their family members have signed up with representation in all branches of service, including the Coast Guard. “Having taken pains to determine the best way to ship bar-b-q all over the country, it just made sense to me for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® to aid McGillis’ efforts in facilitating the movement of troops around the country—and eventually home,” said Averitte.

There’s a Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® near every military base in North Carolina, and this summer is a hot one—perfect for a summer picnic or just gathering together. Join Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®’s efforts in supporting the troops and bringing people together. A simple “tweet” will help bring healing to those who serve to help keep America free.

Pictures below are from the very first Freedom Run 5K that took place on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010, in Wake Forest, NC. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® was honored to serve as a sponsor for this event – supporting our neighbors in service during the holiday weekend. To see more pictures from this event, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/scnbnc/sets/72157624421074184/.