Statewide ‘Tip-A-Cop’ Event Benefits Local Special Olympics Athletes

SEATTLE, April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — On Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., local law enforcement officers and department personnel will trade in their handcuffs and badges for aprons and menus to earn tips at Red Robin Restaurants for Special Olympics Washington (SOWA). During the event, law enforcement personnel will act as “Celebrity Waiters” collecting tips from restaurant guests. The goal of this year’s “Tip-A-Cop” fundraising event is $150,000.

In addition, starting April 6-18, restaurant patrons are encouraged to purchase a medal “Coaster” for any dollar amount at any of the 35 Washington Red Robin locations to help raise funds and awareness of local Special Olympics programs. The funds raised aide SOWA in providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“Tip-A-Cop” is an official Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign (LETR) fundraising event. Established in 1982, the Washington LETR Campaign is a series of special events and torch relay runs organized by off duty law enforcement representatives to raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for local Special Olympics athletes. Over 2,000 individuals including, chiefs, sheriffs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and other law enforcement personnel from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, representing over 80 different agencies participate.

“On behalf of Special Olympics Washington, we would like to thank local law enforcement and Red Robin for their great support,” said Keith Haines, 2008 Chair, LETR Campaign and Special Olympics Washington Board member. “Efforts like these make it possible for us to continue to provide our athletes with high-quality sports training programs and competition at no cost to them or their families.”

“Supporting local and national causes like Special Olympics that promote the health, welfare and education of children, families and citizens in our restaurant communities is an important part of the Red Robin culture,” said Susan Lintonsmith, chief marketing officer for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. “We are honored to partner with local law enforcement and Special Olympics Washington through Tip-A-Cop(R) and encourage the community to visit your local Red Robin to support Special Olympics on this special day.”

This year’s “Tip-A-Cop” event will take place at all 35 Red Robin locations in Washington state including Bellevue Square, Bellingham, Everett, Kent, Pier 55, Seattle University District, Spokane Valley Mall, Vancouver Mall, Wenatchee, Woodinville, and Yakima. To find the location nearest to you, visit www.redrobin.com. For more information on the “Tip-A-Cop” event please visit the Special Olympics Washington website at www.sowa.org.

About Special Olympics Washington

Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.

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., has been serving up wholesome, fun, feel-good experiences in a kid- and family-friendly environment for the past 40 years. Red Robin, which was named one of Parents magazine’s Ten Best Family Restaurants, is famous for serving more than two dozen insanely delicious(TM), high-quality gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with Bottomless Steak Fries(R), as well as salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and signature Mad Mixology(R) Beverages. There are more than 400 Red Robin(R) restaurants located across the United States and Canada, including corporate-owned locations and those operated by franchisees.

SOURCE Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.