BBQ Joint Doling Out $100K In Prizes In 'Red-Envelope' Campaign

THIRD LAKE, IL —BBQ’d Productions is doling out $100,000 in prizes as part of its annual red-envelope customer appreciation campaign.

Between now and Dec. 31, customers stopping out to the BBQ joint, which has locations in Third Lake, Lake Zurich and Kenosha, Wisconsin, will receive a red envelope while dining in. In total, there are 4,000 envelopes with information on a prize inside. Top prices include: $1,000 in cash, four Apple iPads, four 55-inch LG flat-screen TVs and two brand new smokers from Smoking' Deal BBQ in Mudnelein.

As of Thursday, about 2,000 envelopes were still available, said Kris Schoenberger, the owner of BBQ’d Productions.

Once you get your envelope during your initial visit, you will need to wait to open it during a return visit between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28. After finishing the meal upon the return trip, customer can hand the envelope to the server for the big reveal, Schoenberger said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to give back to the customers who have been so good to us over the years,” Schoenberger said. “So many people have supported us, especially through this pandemic.”

Schoenberger said he’s included many more cash prizes this year than in past campaigns. Along with the top $1,000 prize, four envelopes contain a $500 voucher and 10 contain $100 each.

Additionally, winners of the smokers will enjoy a tour of Smokin’ Deal BBQ, and can select their favorite smoker from several choices worth up to $1,500 each, according to the news release.

There is no limit to the number of red envelopes a customer can receive.

But Schoenberger said customers definitely shouldn't peak. A special glue was used to seal each envelope, and restaurant employees will know if tampering occurred.

BBQ’d Productions restaurants are located at 34121 Route 45 in Third Lake, 405 N. Rand Road in Lake Zurich and 4235 Green Bay Road in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The restaurants feature mouthwatering smoked and grilled pork, beef, fish and ham dishes as well as salads, craft cocktails and more.