TODAY: Dress like Elvis, eat for free at all local Chuy’s restaurants

Elvis Presley performing at the University of Dayton Arena April 7, 1972. DAYTON DAILY NEWS ARCHIVE

Elvis Presley performing at the University of Dayton Arena April 7, 1972. DAYTON DAILY NEWS ARCHIVE

Three southwest-themed — and southwest Ohio — restaurants believe that Elvis never left their buildings, and they’ll celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday today on Monday, Jan. 8 by serving a free meal to customers who dress like The King.

Or, in alternative, customers can also score a free meal if they dress as The King’s wife, Priscilla Presley.

Austin, Texas-based Chuy's — the Tex-Mex chain that operates restaurants in West Chester, Miami Twp. and Beavercreek — hosts an annual Elvis Birthday Bash every Jan. 8, and celebrates what would have been The King's 83rd birthday today with food and drink specials.

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Customers who come to the restaurant dressed as Elvis or Priscilla Presley can score a free entree of their choice. Chuy’s also is offering all customers $1 off two other menu items: Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken and the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo. Limited edition Elvis t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

“At Chuy’s, Elvis has never left the building. We celebrate his birthday every year with a bang,” Ashley Ingle, Chuy’s vice president of of marketing, said in a release. “Everyone that walks through the door on Jan. 8 can enjoy food and drink specials. But we encourage you to dress up like Elvis or Priscilla and have fun with it.”

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The offer is good at ALL locations, Chuy’s officials said. Chuy’s has 91 restaurants in 19 states, including at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek; at the Austin Landing development in Miami Twp.; and on Civic Center Boulevard in West Chester, according to the restaurant chain’s web site.

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How did The King’s birthday become such a big deal for the Chuy’s restaurant chain? Here’s the explanation from a company release:

“When Chuy’s first opened in 1982 on Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas, there was little money for restaurant décor. Chuy’s founders hit the streets with $20 in search of something to put on the walls. The over-sized velvet painting of Elvis they returned with changed the course of Chuy’s history forever.”

“Soon, customers were donating their own memorabilia and Elvis was officially named the Patron Saint of Chuy’s. Chuy’s has been constructing shrines in his honor and celebrating his birthday ever since. Join Chuy’s as they ring in The King’s 83rd birthday this year with lots of fun and fanfare, and remember – at Chuy’s, Elvis has never left the building.”

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