Les Schwab Tire’s 49-year “Free Beef” tradition continued this winter, with the North Bend tire center announcing local customer rewards.

The North Bend center provided awards to Tom Corno, Christine McCoy, LJ Thompson and David Pontnak.  Each winner had a choice of $500 worth of free beef or the cash equivalent.

“Free Beef” started in 1964 as a way for the company to thank customers in small and rural farming and ranching communities where the company had its first stores.  As Les Schwab’s retail network grew, the promotion expanded.

This week, managers drew entry forms for awards to 1,500  customers representing $750,000 in beef and cash.

“This program enables every store manager to show customers how much we appreciate their business,” said Brian Capp, Vice President for Marketing at Les Schwab Tire Centers. “In the tire industry, Les Schwab has a reputation for doing things that set us apart from other companies and customers tell us that this promotion is both fun and memorable.”

The North Bend Les Schwab Tire Center is located at 610 E. North Bend Way.