The Heat is On! Barbeques Galore Expands Specialty Retail Concept to Greater New York Area; Barbeques Galore Opens New Superstore in Norwalk With Dozens of Grills, More Than 1,000 Accessories and Nationally Known Chefs.

NORWALK, Conn. -- With more than 85 million households owning a grill, and more than 57 percent of Americans grilling year round, backyard grilling has become more than a national pastime. It's a lifestyle experience that commands attention. At Barbeques Galore, grilling gets all the attention and on April 15, the company will open its first store in the greater New York area. Located at 596 Westport Ave. in the Golden Crest Plaza in Norwalk, the new Barbeques Galore superstore will feature dozens of grills and more than 1,000 accessories, sauces and grilling items, as well as friendly, expert staff.

"All across America people love to grill, and it's time to share our specialty products and high-quality grills with the greater New York community. Norwalk is an ideal first location for Barbeques Galore," said Michael Lindblad, Barbeques Galore CEO. "With a store full of high-quality grills, exciting grilling accessories and friendly grill experts, we are looking forward to a warm welcome from the community."

To celebrate the opening, noted chefs and authors will be grilling at the Norwalk store on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17. The grillmasters include:

--Award-winning chef and purveyor of fine meats and rubs, John Henry will be demonstrating his Texas-style smoking and grilling. John Henry has grilled for the President, and even joined the President in Beijing to prepare barbecue. He recently won first prize for his succulent brisket at the Do-Dat Barbeque Cook-off, and has been head of the Culinary Service Department at the Houston Community College system.

--Direct from Texas, co-authors of Barbecue, Biscuits and Beans, Bill Cauble and Cliff Teinert will demonstrate their authentic chuck wagon cooking skills. Teinert, who has cooked for three presidents and a queen, is the founder of the first chuck wagon cookoff held in Abilene, Texas. Cauble is a well-known preservationist of chuck wagon cooking, equipment and methods.

--Former researcher turned award-winning chef, Obie Obermark of Obie Cue Rubs will be serving up his famous style of dry-rub grilling. Obie Cue's is the only three-time Grand Champion in the history of the American Royal Rub Contest, the largest pure Rub contest in the world event. Obie Cue Rubs have won "Best Rub On the Planet" in '95 with Steakmaker, '98 with Original Fajita (the first rub he introduced), and '99 with Gatorbreath. Obie Cue's has won the "Hot" category 5 times in the last 10 years.

Sample bags will be given to the first 50 customers on both Saturday and Sunday.

The new store's hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Opening its first U.S. store in 1980, Barbeques Galore has long been known as the barbecue superstore with high-quality grills, a wide array of accessories and skilled, friendly experts who know grills and grilling. Barbeques Galore designs and manufactures it signature Turbo line of grills and consistently delivers innovative features designed for easy grilling and long-lasting quality. The Turbo line now includes Grand Turbo, Classic, Elite and Select with sizes ranging from 30-inch to 54-inch grills on carts, pedestals or built-ins. Other grills made by Barbeques Galore include Bar-B-Chef, Captain Cook and Cook-On. Barbeques Galore also carries a complete line of Weber, Viking, Lynx, BroilMate and Big Green Egg Smokers.

Recently, Barbeques Galore added a Backyard Accents section that includes the latest in outdoor entertaining products such as accessories, outdoor furniture, lighting and tabletop and large patio heaters.

Founded in 1980, Barbeques Galore operates 76 grilling superstores around the country and more than 80 stores throughout Australia. More information can be found at www.bbqgalore.com.