Mobile marketing with a smoky flavor

The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill has embarked on a nationwide tour that gives new meaning to the phrase, “mobile marketing.”

The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is actually a 65 foot long tractor and trailer rig emblazoned with the Johnsoville logo and lots of flame graphics on the cab and trailer that functions as a rolling billboard and brand engagement vehicle. The giant grill allows 12 grillmasters to simultaneously cook 750 bratwurst at one time and is entirely self-sufficient with hot and cold running water, electricity, sound system, a prep station, and a refrigeration unit.

"For Johnsonville, The Big Taste Grill tour is an annual tradition that combines our love of grilling with our passion for local activism," said Ron Schroder, senior brand manager. "The tour not only brings Johnsonville sausage to grilling enthusiasts around the country, it also helps them support the charities that matter in their communities."

To date, the Big Taste Grill program has raised more than $3.5 million for a variety of charities nationwide, many of them local community organizations. In 2013 alone, the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill raised more than $130,000 for different organizations nationwide and served 121,325 brats during its 9-month tour.

Some of the key locations where the Grill will be making an appearance in the coming months include:

Cooper River Bridge Run – April 5 in Charleston, S.C.

Sandfest – April 11-13 in Port Aransas, TX

Sweetwater Fest – April 18-20 in Atlanta, GA

Rivers & Spires Festival – April 24-16 in Clarksville, TN

RiverFest – May 23-25 in Little Rock, Ark.

Safeway BBQ Battle – June 21-22 in Washington, D.C.