Mother's Day 2018 offered a variety of complimentary items and special dining promotions for mothers in Arlington, Texas. Local establishments and national chains provided incentives ranging from free dessert slices to full meal credits, often requiring specific actions such as purchasing an entrée or presenting proof of motherhood. The availability of these offers varied by location, with many promotions valid only on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2018, though some extended through the weekend or provided vouchers for future use.
Local Arlington and Fort Worth Area Offerings
While specific data regarding freebies exclusively within Arlington city limits is limited, regional reports from the greater Fort Worth area highlight several establishments near Arlington that participated in Mother's Day promotions. These restaurants focused on premium brunch experiences and complimentary amenities for mothers.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Located in Fort Worth, B&B Butchers & Restaurant offered a brunch service from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mother's Day. The menu featured items such as strawberry cream cheese French toast, lox with Ossetra caviar, and jumbo lump crab cake Benedict. Service was available both indoors and on the outdoor patio. In addition to the food, the restaurant provided entertainment including live music by Big Mike and a balloon artist. A unique photo opportunity was provided by the presence of Texas longhorns on the premises. The restaurant also allowed guests to pre-order flowers to be placed at Mom's seat, requiring 48 hours' notice. This location was recognized as Best New Restaurant in the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
Bird Café
Situated in Sundance Square, Bird Café supplemented its regular brunch menu with Mother's Day specials. The specials included Southern hash with house-made tasso, roasted sprouts, and poached eggs; almond pancakes with walnut toffee; and rosemary fried chicken and waffles. The restaurant also offered special Mother's Day cocktails. Service was available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Chef Point
Chef Point featured longtime favorites such as chicken and waffles and filet with lobster tail. For Mother's Day, specials included crab-stuffed swordfish and French toast bread pudding.
Mercury Chophouse
Mercury Chophouse provided high-end Sunday brunch options in the Arlington region, catering to food lovers looking for a special atmosphere.
restaurant 506 at the Sanford House
This establishment offered great Sunday brunch options with a high-end atmosphere and food to match.
Cut & Bourbon
Cut & Bourbon was listed among the Arlington area restaurants offering high-end Sunday brunch options.
Social House
For a more low-key but equally delicious option, Social House was recommended. The restaurant is known for its legendary brunch menu and fun atmosphere.
Inspirations Catering and Simply Divune Catering
For those wishing to keep celebrations close to home without the mess, these catering services were suggested. Inspirations Catering offered custom charcuterie boards and dessert options. Additionally, they provided assistance in assembling foodie gift baskets containing meats, cheeses, jams, crackers, and sauces. This was positioned as a suitable option for drop-off gifts when not celebrating in person.
Taste of Europe
Reflecting Arlington's international cuisine scene, Taste of Europe was recommended for mothers interested in travel and global flavors. This Eastern European restaurant also housed a gift shop and food market.
National Chain Promotions
Numerous national restaurant chains offered specific Mother's Day freebies and deals. While many locations nationwide participate, these offers were generally available at participating locations, which includes establishments in the Arlington area.
Arooga's
Arooga's offered a "moms eat free" promotion with the purchase of another meal and a beverage. This was dine-in only, with a limit of one discount per check.
Beef 'O' Brady's
At participating locations, moms ate free with a meal purchase of "equal or greater value up to $10."
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
On Saturday and Sunday, participating locations presented moms with free wine glasses while supplies lasted.
Chicken Salad Chick
On Friday and Saturday, the first 100 moms at every restaurant received a free "sweet surprise." Additionally, a "Perfect Pair" special (two scoops of chicken salad, egg salad, or pimento cheese) was available for $5.99.
Duffy's Sports Grill
Moms received a free glass of wine and a $10 MVP bonus added to their rewards account. This bonus was usable on a future visit through June 16. Participation in the MVP loyalty program (sign-up at www.duffysmvp.com) was required.
El Fenix
Moms received a free Sopapilla with the purchase of any entrée on Sunday. Options included regular, strawberry paradise, or chocolate caramel.
First Watch
Moms received a free box of chocolates while supplies lasted.
Fogo de Chão
Moms dining in between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday received a dining card for a free meal to redeem between May 14 and July 12. Additionally, kids 6 and younger dined free, and ages 7 to 12 were half price.
Hooters
Moms could choose a free meal from a special Mother's Day menu with any drink purchase at participating locations. Free menu item options varied by location. Some locations offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal for moms.
HopCat
Moms received a free order of the chain’s award-winning Crack Fries with any other dine-in purchase.
LaMar's Donuts
Moms received a free regular doughnut, including the chain's Red Velvet Cake Donut, and a free small coffee.
Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
Moms dining in from Friday through Sunday received a free $10 bonus card to redeem between May 14 and July 14.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Through Sunday, mom was free with the purchase of one full-priced adult using the code MOM18. A Mother's Day package upgrade was available for $20, which included a "Mom's the Queen" sash, a souvenir glass of champagne or mimosa, and a framed photo.
Miller’s Ale House
Moms received a free house wine or a Bloody Mary with the purchase of a meal and a $10 bonus card to redeem between May 14 and August 31.
Orange Leaf Yogurt
With a coupon, moms received free frozen yogurt at participating locations. Options varied.
Pizza Inn
Rewards members received a special offer for a free buffet for mom when they bought an adult buffet. One coupon per party, per rewards member.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
From Friday through Sunday, customers could get half off a mini bag of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies at participating locations.
Primanti Bros.
With any purchase of $3.99 or more on Sunday, moms received a free Primanti's sandwich or salad at all locations except Florida and stadiums.
Red Lobster
All U.S. locations opened at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and featured a Mother’s Day brunch. A signature item was the Shipwreck Mary, the chain’s spin on a Bloody Mary.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Moms received a free $25 dining card on Saturday and Sunday. This card could be redeemed from May 14 through July 1 at participating locations. Some exclusions applied.
Shoney’s
Moms received a free slice of strawberry pie with the purchase of a buffet or entrée.
Spaghetti Warehouse
Moms who dined in on Sunday received a coupon for a free 15-layer lasagna to use on their next visit. They were also entered into a contest for a chance to win $1,000.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
The restaurant offered a $39 brunch prix fixe menu.
TGI Fridays
Customers could take home a free slice of red velvet cake on to-go orders of $20 or more using the promo code FREECAKE at checkout. Participating locations also offered half-priced bottles of wine and Strawberry Frosé for $6 or $7 depending on the location.
Tony Roma’s
On Saturday and Sunday, there was a special brunch until 2:00 p.m. and a special dinner menu. Additionally, kids ate free.
TCBY
Moms received their first six ounces of frozen yogurt free at participating locations on Sunday.
Texas de Brazil
Moms dining in on Sunday received a $20 certificate to redeem on two dinners Monday through Thursday between May 14 and July 31. Most locations opened early at 11:00 a.m.
Texas Steakhouse & Saloon
Moms who dined in on Sunday received a free certificate for their next visit.
Vitality Bowls
Bowls were buy one, get one 50% off on Sunday for loyalty members.
Wienerschnitzel
Moms received a free chili dog, small fries, and soda with proof of "Mom-bership." To show proof, moms could bring their children to the restaurant, present a family photo, or share a favorite family story or memory with restaurant employees.
WingHouse Bar & Grill
The restaurant offered all-you-can-eat wings for $15.99 while supplies lasted on Sunday.
Zoës Kitchen
Because Mother’s Day coincided with International Hummus Day, the chain gave a free classic hummus starter with any entrée purchase online or in-store using the promo code ZKHUMMUS on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, for the weekend, purchasing any large Mediterranean Family Dinner resulted in four free chocolate chip cookies when mentioning code ZKMOTHERSDAY with in-store and phone orders.
Non-Dining Freebies and Activities
In addition to restaurant offers, other businesses provided complimentary services and activities suitable for Mother's Day.
Bass Pro Shops
From noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Bass Pro Shops offered a free 4-by-6-inch photo. On Sunday, the first 100 customers to get their photo taken received a free accessories bag and sunglasses case. Limit one per family, while supplies lasted.
Golf Venues
Outdoor entertainment venues, including mini-golf locations, often had varying offers such as moms golfing free when accompanied by a regular-price guest. An example provided was 76 Golf World in Stuart, Florida, where moms played free with a paying child on Sunday.
Movie Theaters
Twenty-five theaters offered free sing-along screenings of Mamma Mia! at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Free tickets were available on a first-come, first-served basis and could only be picked up at the theater box office starting at 9:00 a.m.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking these types of promotions, consumers should be aware of several factors that influence the availability and terms of offers.
Location Variability
Participation in national chain promotions varies by location. Many offers are determined by franchise owners or individual restaurant management. It is recommended to contact the specific Arlington location to confirm participation before visiting.
Proof of Motherhood
Certain promotions, such as those at Wienerschnitzel, required proof of motherhood. Acceptable forms of proof varied and could include bringing children, presenting a family photo, or sharing a family memory.
Purchase Requirements
Many "free" items actually required the purchase of another item. For example, Shoney's required the purchase of a buffet or entrée to receive free pie, and Beef 'O' Brady's required a meal purchase of equal or greater value.
Future Credits
Several restaurants offered "bounce back" cards or certificates valid for future visits. Examples include Ruth's Chris Steak House, Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, and Miller’s Ale House. These credits often had specific redemption windows (e.g., May 14 through July 1) and should be noted on the receipt.
Social Media and Local Searches
The source data suggests that locally-owned businesses often treat moms to freebies, and one of the easiest ways to find these is by checking restaurants' social media channels. As specific local Arlington independent offers were not detailed in the provided data, checking local social media pages would be a prudent step for consumers.
Conclusion
The landscape of Mother's Day 2018 freebies in Arlington, Texas, and the surrounding area was dominated by restaurant dining deals. These ranged from complimentary desserts and appetizers with purchase to full meals and future dining credits. National chains provided a consistent set of offers, while local establishments focused on high-quality brunch experiences. Consumers were advised to verify participation with specific locations, adhere to time constraints, and utilize promo codes where required to maximize benefits.