Tim Ecclestone has been part of the Atlanta restaurant scene for 30 years, so he's decided some celebrating is in order. He started as the owner of Timothy John's in Sandy Springs and since 1990 he's been the proprietor of TJ's Sports Bar in Roswell, one of the few establishments in town that stays open until 4 a.m. A former forward for the Atlanta Flames hockey team, Ecclestone plans to party on July 19 with a special performance by Banks and Shane. "We've been together for 30 years, since they played for me at Timothy John's," Ecclestone said.

The 9 p.m. show carries a $7 cover. But there's no cover to enjoy the rousing fun of TJ's latest attraction — dueling pianos every Wednesday night. The pianists have been on board for about a month and draw a crowd of all ages, Ecclestone said.

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"And they take requests, but if they can't play something, I'll buy that person a drink," Ecclestone says. "So far, I haven't had to do that."

Along with a lineup of sandwiches, steaks and American fare, TJ's offers poker on Mondays; buy-one-get-one-free sandwiches on Tuesdays; acoustic guitar on Thursdays; trivia on Fridays; and live music every Saturday. There's a smoking area near the bar and a non-smoking dining room. TJ's is part of the Holcomb Center, 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-552-7700.

• For the fourth year, the folks at Chick-fil-A are giving away free food to anyone who shows up at one of their 120 metro area restaurants in a cow costume. Cow Appreciation Day begins early Friday and goes until closing.

Though the promotion initially required complete cow outfits, spokesman Mark Baldwin said the rules have loosened so that everyone gets a chance to score free food. "If you're too chicken — pardon the pun — to get into a full costume, then wear a T-shirt with Sharpie-drawn spots on it," Baldwin said. "Or wear a cow-printed hat or vest."

However, a complete head-to-hoof cow costume assures you of an entire meal. Those less committed can cop a free sandwich. "Or you could get a biscuit in the morning or a salad for dinner, whatever you want," Baldwin said. "The point is to have fun."

Baldwin is on the lookout for herd mentality. Last year, a gaggle of kids drove from Knoxville to Atlanta and hit about 40 Chick-fil-A's in their cow get-ups, and Baldwin's hearing rumors about a Columbus restaurant that may be mobbed by 2,000 cows. "There's no question we've got a lot of loyal fans out there," he said.

To find the restaurant nearest you, go to www.chick-fil-a.com.

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