Chow-Down In Motown

Auburn Hills, MI – Only eight months after the Detroit Pistons secured the NBA Championship title, Michigan looks forward to the crowning of another national champion on March 12, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. when competitive eating’s finest athletes converge at the Great Lakes Crossing Mall for the ‘GameWorks World Tex Mex Roll-Eating Championship presented by Great Lakes Crossing'.

The winner of the 12-minute event, which is sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, will receive a luxurious trip for two to Hawaii valued at $4,000. Second and third place will also receive certificates redeemable for cash in the amounts of $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Among the gurgitators who have expressed interest in competing is none other than Ed ‘Cookie’ Jarvis, the former American Hot Dog Eating Champion and one of the most recognized competitive eaters in the world. Jarvis has amassed no fewer than 25 wins in International Federation of Competitive Eating contests. His records include 21 cannoli in 6 minutes; 91 Chinese dumplings in 8 minutes; 1 gallon, 9 ounces of vanilla ice cream in 12 minutes; Six and 2/3 pounds linguini (no. 115) in 10 minutes; and 33 1/2 ears sweet corn in 12 minutes. However, a strong field of gastronomes from the Midwest and beyond will undoubtedly make victory #26 a difficult feat for Jarvis.

“This is the International Federation of Competitive Eating’s first official eating contest in Michigan,” said Kimberly Shadwick, General Manager of Great Lakes Crossing. “We are thrilled to bring this unique and exciting brand of entertainment to local residents.” Greg Needham Regional Marketing Director for GameWorks states “GameWorks is not only a great place to play games, but also a great place for food. We view this title sponsorship of the IFOCE event as an opportunity to showcase our diverse GameWorks Grill menu and unique facility. We want to be known as your total entertainment destination for both great food and great games.”

“The GameWorks World Tex Mex Roll-Eating Championship is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious titles on the competitive eating circuit,” said George Shea, chairman of the IFOCE. “Dexterity, capacity, jaw strength, and stomach capacity will all play pivotal roles in determining who emerges as champion.”

The IFOCE will handle registration, and interested competitors should call 212-627-5766 to register. There will also be a neat-eating contest at 1:00pm and a Tropical Chicken Salad contest for local amateur eaters at 1:30pm.

GameWorks is the ultimate destination for a total entertainment experience where guest can eat, drink, party, and play. GameWorks provides all the best elements of a great night out in one location, including a full-service restaurant with a fantastic menu featuring; a cool, high-energy bar serving signature martinis and specialty cocktails; private meeting and group banquet rooms and the most entertaining interactive games and attractions in the world. It’s state-of-the-art-fun!

Great Lakes Crossing, Michigan's number 1 shopping and entertainment destination, blends the hottest concepts in theme entertainment and dining with an unparalleled offering of more than 200 exciting, value-oriented and regular-priced stores. Opened in November of 1998, Great Lakes Crossing boasts six themed and architecturally distinctive areas in a 1.7 million square foot structure. Great Lakes Crossing brings numerous "firsts" to Michigan, including Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (five football fields worth of outdoor gear and shopping fun), GameWorks (hi-tech indoor playland developed with Steven Spielberg's guidance), Rainforest Cafe, and Neiman-Marcus Last Call Clearance Center.