This Thursday is "Hug a News Anchor Day"...at least that's what one fast food chain says.​

Fast Food Chain Fazoli's (founded in Lexington, KY) is celebrating this unique and often unheard of holiday with free hugs for news anchors and Italian food.  Tony the Tomato, Fazoli's mascot, will be making the rounds once again to television stations across the country, giving out hugs. In some markets, Tony's efforts will be aided by Fazoli's area managers. In either case, Fazoli's will be bringing plenty of hugs, Consider Yourself Hugged t-shirts, breadsticks, and fresh entrees to the stations.

Viewers watching the hugs will also feel the love.  Fazoli's will offer any guest mentioning that they watched their local news anchor get a hug a FREE Top It.  They include Mediterranean, Asiago Mushroom, Garlic Chicken, Italian Sausage & Peppers, Garden Primavera, and Cheesy Meatball; ingredients that can be added to any Pick Your Pasta or Oven-Baked Pasta entree. 

Cathy Hull, Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer, believes everyone can benefit from some good news.  "With plenty of stories that sometimes overlook the positive actions members of the community are taking, it's great to talk about families enjoying a delicious meal that won't break their budget," said Hull.  "Add in a hug from a lovable tomato character, and you have a story that will have viewers smiling."