The oyster bar franchise’s annual fundraising event will feature free concerts in 16 cities across the U.S. to raise $100,000 for blood cancer research.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Shuckin’ Shack, the 18-unit oyster bar franchise, is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Fresh & Raw Tour Together with Truist, a free Nashville hit singer/songwriter concert series and charity event in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Now in its third year, the Fresh & Raw Tour continues to grow, combining the power of music with a mission to raise awareness and funds to fight blood cancers. This year, Shuckin’ Shack is looking to smash its yearly record goal by raising $100,000 to benefit the LLS.
The 2024 Fresh & Raw Tour will visit 16 cities across the country from September 7th to October 12th, with all shows free to attend. The concept for the tour originated from Shuckin’ Shack CEO Jonathan Weathington’s vision of creating an intimate concert experience in the brand’s unique dive bar settings.
“It was one of those things where you hear these songs on the radio, but you don’t know the story behind them,” said Darren Keeler, vice president of marketing & creative at Shuckin’ Shack. “We thought it would be really cool to put singer-songwriters in the corner of our Shuckin’ Shacks, where people could enjoy high-quality seafood and cold beers while hearing the stories behind the hits.”
What began as a small-scale event has evolved into a major annual tour, thanks in part to Shuckin’ Shack’s partnership with Truist and its ongoing commitment to supporting LLS. “Once we partnered up with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and added that charity aspect, the tour just grew and grew,” said Keeler. “It became more than just music in the corner of a bar; it became a community event focused on raising money for those battling blood cancers.”
For Shuckin’ Shack, the partnership with LLS is also a personal one. The franchise’s co-founder, Matt Piccinin, is a survivor of leukemia and recently celebrated his fifth year of remission. His experience with the disease has deeply influenced the company’s dedication to supporting the LLS. The Fresh & Raw Tour not only raises funds and awareness, but also serves as a tribute to those like Piccinin who have battled blood cancers.
This year’s tour promises to
be bigger and better than ever, featuring legendary Nashville singer/songwriter Dave Gibson, who has penned #1 hits for Alabama, Tanya Tucker and Montgomery Gentry, among others. He will be joined by rising star Charlie Argo, known for his unique blend of southern blues and country influences. “We think the combination of old country with new country will be something our customers and attendees will absolutely love,” Keeler said.
Abby Collins, manager of LLS, emphasizes the importance of the Fresh & Raw Tour in expanding the reach of the nonprofit’s mission.
“The Fresh & Raw Tour helps us reach a new audience, spread awareness and bring communities together around our mission to cure cancer through research, advocacy and patient support,” Collins said. “We couldn’t do what we do without the involvement of community leaders like Shuckin’ Shack.”
According to Collins, the tour’s wide geographical span allows LLS to connect with a diverse audience across the country. The tour is particularly impactful because it ties in with LLS’s Light the Night events, furthering the organization’s reach and bringing people closer to their mission of curing blood cancers.
“The reach of the Fresh & Raw Tour is truly remarkable, spanning so many different locations across the country,” Collins said. “It’s not just a one-day event or a weekend event; it’s a series of gatherings that allow us to connect with people in various communities, each contributing to the fight against blood cancer.”
This year’s tour will also feature a “Battle of the Openers” contest, where local singer-songwriters from each tour stop will compete for a chance to perform at a showcase in Nashville. “We’ve seen dreams come true for these local musicians, and it’s one of the most exciting aspects of the tour,” said Keeler.
With community at its core, Shuckin’ Shack invites everyone to join the Fresh & Raw Tour and enjoy great music and delicious seafood while supporting a worthy cause.
“For us, community extends beyond city limits and restaurant walls,” Weathington said. “When we’re talking about a community of people affected by cancer, we’re extending our reach beyond any geographics.”
For more information on tour dates, locations, and how to donate, visit Shuckin’ Shack’s Fresh & Raw Tour page.
ABOUT SHUCKIN’ SHACK
Offering a “lifestyle experience,” Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar creates an environment that encourages guests to grab a seat, relax and take their taste buds on a trip to the coast; after all, life is too short for bland drinks and boring bars! The original Carolina Beach, NC Shack, which was just 900-square-feet, was launched in 2007 with a plan to become the go-to local hangout for people of all ages. A place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals, cold beer, and craft cocktails in an environment that exudes fun and relaxation, Shuckin’ Shack offers exceptional seafood and creative drinks that will make guests question why they ever settled for ordinary bar offerings.
Thanks to its bold flavors and impeccable vibes, Shuckin’ Shack has continued to grow. In 2014, the brand began franchising and has since expanded to 18 units across six states. To learn more about Shuckin’ Shack, visit http://www.theshuckinshack.com.
The cost to open a Shuckin’ Shack franchise ranges from $472,000 to $1,416,420. For more information visit: www.theshuckinshack.com.
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