Free Toll Friday returns with plenty of complimentary fun to kick off the season

For those of you driving on the Atlantic City Expressway this weekend, you’re in luck. 

From a partnership with Chickie’s & Pete’s and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), Free Toll Friday is back in 2023 for Memorial Day Weekend. As a release states, Chickie’s will be paying tolls (cash and EZ Pass) for all drivers at the Eastbound Egg Harbor, New Jersey Toll Plaza Exit on Friday, May 26, from 5 to 6 p.m.

“Free Toll Friday has become one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi in a statement. “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.” 

The fun for this summertime activation, however, doesn’t just stop with the freebie, there’s also a summer kick-off celebration at the Frank S. Farley Plaza from noon to 5 p.m. on the same date. 

The celebration will be offering free Crabfries from the Chickie’s & Pete’s Food Truck, plus complimentary food and beverages from Hershey’s Ice Cream, Mars, Carlo’s Bakery and treats from Applegreen (the food service operator at the Farley Service Plaza right on the Atlantic City Expressway at Milepost 21.3). Beverage-wise, Monster Energy Drink will also be there with samplings.

The Plaza party will also have some activities for kids, including the chance to visit with ambassadors from The Funny Farm, an animal rescue sanctuary for farm and zoo animals. Dalmatian puppies will be on-hand for children to meet, greet and pet in a supervised area, plus the New Jersey State Police K9 police dog team and the Fire and Rescue Equipment from The Atlantic City International Airport will make their annual appearance, a release states.

This year Chickie’s & Pete’s has also teamed up with The Patriot Fund, a local nonprofit that works with veterans to return from duty supported psychologically, emotionally, socially, and financially as they and their families re-engage into civilian life.

“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.”

Additionally, when you order Chickie’s “Patriot Punch” cocktail this Memorial Day Weekend, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Patriot Fund. For more information on The Patriot Fund and to donate, visit patriotfundinc.org.

 And for more about Chickie’s and Pete’s, visit ChickiesandPetes.com for details.