[September 12, 2014]

Entrees and Appetizers Add Up to a Generous Donation for Operation Homefront and the "Taste Freedom" Campaign

Today Brick House Tavern + Tap announced their fundraising results for the first Taste Freedom campaign, a new partnership with Operation Homefront, that honors service men and women who protect our freedoms. From Independence Day through Labor Day 2014, Brick House Tavern + Tap's nine-week campaign raised $136,230 for Operation Homefront so that they can give back to the heroic military men and women who currently serve or have served this country. As part of the Taste Freedom campaign, Wells Fargo (News - Alert) donated two mortgage-free homes, with the second home going to a deserving military family in the Tampa, Florida-area.

Brick House Tavern + Tap's nine-week campaign raised $136,230 for Operation Homefront. (Photo: Business Wire)

"At Brick House Tavern + Tap we share a passion for service, especially when we can serve those active and retired military who make incredible sacrifices to serve us. Our guests and partners are exceptionally generous and couldn't wait to donate to be a part of this exciting campaign," said David Catalano, president of Brick House Tavern + Tap. "Through guest donations which entitled them to free appetizers and entrees, to participating in local restaurant activities like silent auctions and concerts, Brick House Tavern + Tap raised $136,230 that will be donated to Operation Homefront. We were touched by the enthusiasm of our guests who took the time to honor our military service men and women, and their families."

"The Taste Freedom campaign is the first of its kind for Operation Homeront and the restaurant industry. "Brick House Tavern + Tap and the Ignite Restaurant Group have been terrific partners for this inaugural campaign. Operation Homefront will utilize this generous donation for emergency financial assistance, to help with transitional and permanent housing, and to support morale programs designed to sustain and transform lives impacted through military service," said Tim Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, Operation Homefront.

Wells Fargo Bank, Operation Homefront, and Brick House Tavern + Tap also joined forces to present two mortgage-free homes during the campaign. The first home was donated during the launch event in July 2014 to U.S. Army Specialist Lance Nichols and his family, who now resides in Hilltop Lakes, Texas. The second home was donated during the closing event to U.S. Marine Corporal Esteban Russi and his family, who will be moving to the Tampa, Florida-area. Corporal Russi will be moving back home to Tampa where he can be near family and finish his degree at the University of South Florida.

"One home was incredible, but giving away two homes was beyond expectations. We cannot thank Wells Fargo Bank and Brick House Tavern + Tap enough for joining with Operation Homefront in awarding these mortgage-free homes to these great military families. This was the exclamation point to an already successful campaign," said Farrell.

Brick House Tavern + Tap believes in giving back to the communities they serve. "We were honored to be a part of the Taste Freedom Campaign and are thankful to have had the opportunity to give back to our heroes in such a meaningful way," said Catalano.

Guests and media can follow Operation Homefront and Brick House Tavern + Tap at www.operationhomefront.net, facebook.com/brickhousetavernandtap and https://twitter.com/BrickHouseTT.

About Brick House Tavern + Tap

Part of the Ignite Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: IRG) portfolio of restaurants, Brick House Tavern + Tap features a unique menu of American classics with a twist, specialty cocktails, and more than 80 beers and beer cocktails, served up with its own blend of personalized hospitality. At 21 locations in the U.S., the elevated next-generation tavern atmosphere is complete with 30+ HD flat-screen TVs, soft leather recliners with built-in TV trays, live music and outdoor dining. For more information, go to www.brickhousetavernandtap.com.

About Operation Homefront

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with a nationwide presence that provides emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has provided assistance to thousands of military families since its inception in 2002. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity watchdog groups, 93 percent of total donations to Operation Homefront go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140912006004/en/

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