Contact: Molly Steinke, Nemer Fieger, 952-278-3142 or 612-309-1677 2015 CHARLIE AWARDS KICK-OFF TO FEATURE ‘HOT TOPICS’ DISCUSSION Free Happy Hour Event and Panel Discussion – August 25 WHO: Emcee Brian “B.T.” Turner, on-air personality at Go 96.3, TPT-TV, and co-host of “Foodie Friday” on the Alive & Social Network. Panelists include: Tim Alevizos, Intercom Agency Amol Dixit, Hot Indian Foods Cynthia Gerdes, Hell’s Kitchen and Angel Food Bakery JJ Heywood, Pizza Luce Gavin Kaysen, Spoon and Stable Eric Yusefzadeh, Open Table WHAT: The Charlie Awards Kick-Off Happy Hour and Hot Topics Panel Discussion. The topic of the evening is “Marketing a Successful Restaurant.” Complimentary food will be provided by Russell and Desta Kline, owners of Brasserie Zentral, the 2014 Charlie Award winner for Outstanding Restaurant. WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 Happy Hour to be held from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Hot Topics Panel Discussion begins at 6 p.m. WHERE: Foreign Legion and Soo Line Building Lobby 105 South 5th Street in Minneapolis HOW: This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP to charliesexceptionale@gmail.com MORE: The Charlie Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions made by the Twin Cities restaurant, food and drink industry. The fifth annual Charlie Awards will be held Sunday, November 15 at the Pantages Theater (710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) beginning at 3:30 p.m. followed by an after-party at the IDS Crystal Court and Chefs’ Dinner at Windows on Minnesota. Tickets go on sale September 24. Save the Date! The next Charlie Awards “Hot Topics” event will be held on Tuesday, Sept.29 at The Food Building. SPONSORS: General Mills, U.S. Foods, Deluxe Corporation, Land O’Lakes, Randy’s Booth Company, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Monroe, Moxness & Berg, Intermix Beverage Co., Open Table, Minnesota Restaurant Association, Trinchero Family Estates, Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter National Association for Catering and Events, Minnesota Monthly, Windows on Minnesota, Marquette Hotel, Colle + McVoy, Mise en Place consulting, Dynamic Products Midwest, and Open Arms. ###