NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
9 June 2004

NEW HOT SAUCE RETAIL STORE “HEATS UP” DOWNTOWN

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today welcomed Strawberry Square’s newest tenant Belches N Burps, at the store’s grand opening and ribbon cutting Celebration.

Belches N Burps, which specializes in hot sauces and salsas, adds a fun and interesting flavor to the Strawberry Square and downtown atmosphere. The store features an enormous assortment of both local and international sauces, including “City Island Roadkill,” “Backdraft Fire Sauce”, and “Dave’s Gourmet Insanity Sauce.” For those who cannot handle the heat, the new retail store also offers a large selection of milder sauces. T-shirts, aprons and other unique gift items are also available. A local favorite is the store’s delicious fresh-baked, hand-cut tortilla chips.

“It’s going to be a unique shopping experience,” said Mayor Reed. “There’s nothing like it in the region, and it is a fine addition to the growing family of retailers in Harrisburg.”

“We are very excited to be in Strawberry Square,” said Belches N Burps owner and founder Dave Mackey, “and look forward to serving midstate “chiliheads”.

Entering Belches N Burps is more than just shopping. It truly is an experience. Passing through the store’s doorway instantly whisks a customer to a tropical island getwaway, complete with a beach on the floor and island music in the background.

“I’ve lived in Central Pennsylvania my whole life, but I’d love to live at the beach,” Mackey said. “That’s why we created this atmosphere in the store.”

Many of Belches N Burps’ items are featured on The Food Network. In addition, the store carries six of the top 10 winners of this year’s Chili Pepper/Cooking Zesty Magazine Fiery Food Challenge.

“We’re genuinely pleased to have such a unique new store in Strawberry Square, particularly with a proprietor whose enthusiasm is so unbounded,” said Russell Ford, President and CEO of Harristown Development Corporation.

According to Mackey, salsa is currently the best selling condiment in the United States, even outselling ketchup.

Mackey’s idea for Belches N Burps became a reality when he won Strawberry Square retail space in a contest sponsored by Harristown Development Corporation, the managers of Strawberry Square. Now, Belches N Burps, which was originally planned as a mall kiosk, is full-size in the heart of downtown Harrisburg.

With a motto like “Fun, Fun and More Fun!”, Belches N Burps will be an enjoyable destination for people of all ages.

For more information, contact Dave Mackey at (717) 232.8HOT or visit www.belchesnburps.com.

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