“The Burrito Incident,” “Hunger at High Noon,” “Nachos Navidad” and “West-Mex® Rescue” television spots won in the Restaurant category. Taco John’s also was a runner-up in the Restaurant regional area category.

The four winning spots were among 12,500 entries from 50 states and numerous other countries. The Telly Awards honor outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as video and film productions. Judges are former Telly Award winners who represent advertising agencies, TV stations, production houses, and corporate video departments. Entries are judged on a performance scale and earn Winner or Finalist status based on the combined scoring of the judges.

“It’s hard not to smile whenever Whiplash rides across the screen,” said Chris Preston, Kerker creative director. “But more importantly, he’s great at selling Taco John’s. Customers tell us they want to see him more so he’s one of the world’s best taco selling ambassadors.”

The campaign features Whiplash coming to the rescue of a hungry customer craving the savory, bold taste of a Taco John’s West-Mex™ menu item. Whiplash has boosted sales while winning industry honors since the first commercial, Bronze Telly Award winner “The Burrito Incident,” aired early last year.

Taco John’s is pleased with the success the Whiplash campaign has had on sales growth, plus the increased awareness it has brought the restaurant. Last year Taco John’s had its best same store sales growth in its over 35-year history.

“When you consider that entrants submit only their best work, as well as the extremely high number of entrants, earning a Telly Award is a significant creative achievement,” said Brian Dixon, vice president of marketing. “We were hoping that Whiplash would resonate with the audience and he has. Now we have success and recognition from a distinguished industry award. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

About Kerker

Kerker is a full-service agency providing advertising, public relations, direct marketing and promotion, interactive, design and research for a broad range of local, national and global clients. Kerker clients include 3M, Johnsonville Sausage, RSM McGladrey, Piper Jaffray, Pure Fishing, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., United Sugars, Bremer Financial Corp., DayPort, Mall of America, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the YMCA. For more information about Kerker, visit www.kerker.com. Kerker is a member of Worldwide Partners Inc., the world’s largest network of independent marketing and communications firms.

About Taco John’s

Taco John’s operates and franchises more than 400 quick-service restaurants in 27 states. Independently owned and operated, the business opened its first restaurant in 1969. Taco John’s prides itself on serving generous portions, menu items prepared fresh to your order, high quality ingredients, and special West-Mex™ recipes, seasonings and sauces. In 2004, Taco John's achieved over 11% same store sales growth. For more information,