Chick-fil-A provided several distinct free food promotions throughout 2018, targeting customers through mobile app engagement and special event participation. These offers included time-limited giveaways for app users and seasonal events rewarding costume participation. The primary mechanisms for obtaining free items involved signing up for the Chick-fil-A One account via the mobile application and attending the annual Cow Appreciation Day event. Additionally, a paid calendar option offered a series of free food coupons throughout the year.
Mobile App Freebie: 8-Count Nuggets
A significant promotion available in 2018 involved the Chick-fil-A mobile application. The restaurant gave away a free eight-count order of either grilled or crispy-fried chicken nuggets to individuals who created or signed into their Chick-fil-A One account using the app.
To receive this reward, users had to log in or sign up on the app, at which point the freebie appeared as a reward within the account interface. Existing account holders were advised that they might need to sign out and sign back in to trigger the reward display. This offer did not require a purchase to redeem. It was valid at Chick-fil-A locations nationwide and had an expiration date of September 29, 2018.
Cow Appreciation Day 2018
Chick-fil-A’s 14th annual Cow Appreciation Day took place on July 10, 2018. Described by the company as its largest single-day customer appreciation event, this promotion rewarded customers who dressed in cow attire.
Participants who dressed like a cow received a free entree (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). The event ran from restaurant opening until 7:00 PM local time. While full cow costumes were encouraged, partial costumes—such as wearing cow spots, waving a cow bell, or other "udderly crazy" attire—were also sufficient to qualify for the free food. Children in cow costumes were eligible for a free Kid's Meal. Company estimates indicated that 1.8 million people participated in the previous year's event.
2018 Cow Calendar and Coupon Program
In late 2017, Chick-fil-A made the 2018 Cow Calendar available for purchase. Although the calendar cost $8, it contained 12 coupons for free food and drink items. The calendar was available at participating restaurants starting November 20, 2017, and was also available online.
The coupons included in the calendar allowed recipients to redeem free items such as: * Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich * Spicy Chicken Sandwich * 8-Count Chick-fil-A Nuggets * Waffle Potato Fries
To use the coupons, purchasers were required to activate a "Calendar Card" found on the back of the calendar online. Once activated, the monthly coupons were loaded onto the card for use during their respective months. The calendar was marketed as a potential Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.
Conclusion
In 2018, Chick-fil-A offered consumers multiple avenues to secure free food. The mobile app served as the primary digital channel for immediate rewards, specifically the 8-count nugget giveaway valid through late September. Physical participation in the July Cow Appreciation Day event provided free entrees for those willing to dress in costume. Finally, the purchase of the 2018 Cow Calendar offered a method to obtain a year's worth of free food coupons for an upfront cost. Consumers were advised to verify offer details with local restaurants and ensure app accounts were properly synced to receive rewards.
Sources
- Brand Eating - Free Chicken Nuggets for Chick-fil-A Mobile App Users
- Brand Eating - Free Food for Dressing as Cow at Chick-fil-A on July 10, 2018
- Southern Savers - Chick-fil-A 2018 Cow Appreciation Day 7/10
- WRAL - Free Chick-fil-A Nuggets 8 Count Through Sept. 29
- Hip2Save - Chick-fil-A 2018 Coupon Calendar Now Available
- USA Today - Get Free Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day 2018