Headed Down the Shore? Chickie’s & Pete’s Will Pay Your Tolls and Give Away Free Crabfries This Friday
Headed Down the Shore? Chickie’s & Pete’s Will Pay Your Tolls and Give Away Free Crabfries This Friday
Summer unofficially begins this Friday as Chickie’s & Pete’s teams up once again with the South Jersey Transportation Authority to bring back one of the region’s favorite Memorial Day Weekend traditions: Free Toll Friday.
Taking place Friday, May 22, 2026, Chickie’s & Pete’s will cover tolls for all drivers traveling eastbound through the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., helping kick off the “100 Days of Summer” celebration for travelers heading down the Shore.
Before the complimentary toll hour begins, festivities will take place throughout the day at the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza located at Milepost 21.3 on the Atlantic City Expressway from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy free orders of Chickie’s & Pete’s famous Crabfries®, a massive outdoor celebration, live entertainment, vendors, family activities, and a classic car gathering.
“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “We’re excited to be back at Farley Plaza hosting one of our favorite annual events this year. We love to send everyone off to the shore in good spirits before a big holiday weekend.”
The annual event also marks the launch of Chickie’s & Pete’s “Summer of Shellfish,” featuring seasonal seafood specials available throughout the summer at participating locations.
This year’s celebration will include more than 70 participating organizations, vendors, artists, and exhibitors. Guests can expect everything from food trucks and local businesses to interactive exhibits and family-friendly entertainment.
Highlights include:
- Complimentary Crabfries® from the Chickie’s & Pete’s food truck
- Outdoor classic car show and cruise lot
- Appearances from Funny Farm Rescue Sanctuary animals
- New Jersey State Police K9 demonstrations
- Atlantic City International Airport Fire & Rescue vehicle displays
- Sidewalk chalk fun zone for kids
- Conservation and wildlife exhibits from SJTA’s READI environmental initiative
Visitors can also browse vendors and exhibitors including:
- Atlantic Cape Community College
- Carmine’s
- Comcast
- Johnson’s Popcorn
- The Home Depot
- Lucy the Elephant
The event also carries a deeper meaning for Ciarrocchi, who says he intentionally chose Memorial Day Weekend to honor his family’s military history.
“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. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him.”
Chickie’s & Pete’s is also partnering with The Patriot Fund throughout Memorial Day Weekend. A portion of proceeds from every Patriot Punch cocktail sold will benefit the organization, which supports veterans and their families transitioning back into civilian life.
For Shore-bound travelers, the event has become more than just a toll giveaway — it’s evolved into a full-fledged summer kickoff celebration packed with food, entertainment, and community spirit before the long holiday weekend begins.
