



San Antonio, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Ovation Brands’® portfolio of restaurants – Old Country Buffet®, Ryan’s®, HomeTown® Buffet and Country Buffet® – and Furr’s Fresh Buffet® are teaming up with Aladdin Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, for their latest Family Night program featuring the New York Times Bestselling book series Dork Diaries. The popular children’s book series follows tween, Nikki Maxwell, and her life in and out of middle-school. The six-week program kicked off on Thursday, November 29, 2018. Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Activities may vary by location.

“We are thrilled to feature the Dork Diaries in our newest Family Night promotion,” said Mike Griffith, Director of Marketing for Ovation Brands® and Furr’s Fresh Buffet®. “Throughout the year, our restaurants have been offering engaging Family Night activities thanks to great partners. Every Thursday night, we’re able to bring children and their caregivers together with wholesome fun that many look forward to week after week.”

Dork Diaries is the #1 New York Times Bestselling series by Rachel Renée Russell. These humorous children’s books follow Nikki Maxwell as she chronicles her life through text and art—her move to a new school, her battles with queen bee MacKenzie, and her zany adventures with her BFFs Chloe and Zoey by her side.

From November 29-January 3, restaurants will be offering fun and engaging activities that are inspired by the Dork Diaries, from writing a diary to learning about rock music and more. The following are the weekly themes.

November 29 – Happy Birthday to You

December 6 – Pop Stars

December 13 – Dear Diary

December 20 – Celebrate Good Times

December 27 – Happy Almost New Year

January 3 – Pet Sitting 101

Throughout the promotion, guests may register for their chance to win the complete set of the bestselling book series with the Dork Diaries Sweepstakes. Entries will be accepted at participating stores. One entry per person.

Family Night brings kids and parents together with fun interactive activities and homestyle meals. Every Thursday also offers discounted meals for kids, when they can eat for just $1.99 from 4 p.m. – close, with the purchase of a regular-priced adult or senior meal. Menus may vary. Age restrictions apply.

For more information about Family Night, visit www.Ryans.com , www.HomeTownBuffet.com , www.CountryBuffet.com , www.OldCountryBuffet.com or www.Furrs.net .

About Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, comprises the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. Simon & Schuster publishes numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com .

About Ovation Brands® and Furr’s Fresh Buffet®

Ovation Brands currently operates 85 restaurants in 30 states, principally operated under the Old Country Buffet®, HomeTown® Buffet and Ryan’s® brands. Furr’s Fresh Buffet currently operates 21 restaurants across four states. Visit www.Ryans.com , www.HomeTownBuffet.com , www.CountryBuffet.com , www.OldCountryBuffet.com or www.Furrs.net for more information.

Media Contact:

Jessica Chacoff

305-631-2283 x1010

Jessica@inklinkmarketing.com

