The provided source materials detail a variety of complimentary food offers and promotional deals available to U.S. consumers during February and November 2018, alongside opportunities for birthday freebies through restaurant loyalty programs. These offers range from specific Valentine's Day meal deals to Veterans Day appreciation events and ongoing rewards for signing up for brand applications. The information highlights how restaurants utilized seasonal holidays and customer data collection through apps to drive engagement and sales.
The sources indicate that many of these offers required specific actions to redeem, such as joining a loyalty program, downloading a mobile application, or presenting proof of eligibility. The availability of these deals was often limited by time, location, or supply, necessitating that consumers verify details with individual participating locations.
Valentine's Day Promotions (February 2018)
During the Valentine's Day period in February 2018, numerous restaurant chains offered special pricing, limited-time menu items, and promotional deals designed for couples or individuals celebrating the holiday.
Meal Deals and Special Menus
Several chains offered prix fixe menus or discounted rates for two. * Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Through Wednesday (referencing the Valentine's Day week), the chain offered a "dine off" special menu for two at $45. This price included an appetizer, two select entrees, and a dessert. Additionally, they provided a 25% discount on digital gift cards purchased online with the code VALENTINE. * Spaghetti Warehouse: The "Ultimate Feast for Two" was available for $30 on Wednesday. This platter included the chain's most popular meals: 15-layer lasagne, chicken parmigiana, spaghetti, ravioli, meatballs, and a Chocolate Black-Out Cake for dessert. * Tony Roma’s: Participating locations featured a special menu for $30, allowing customers to choose between a filet medallions and grilled shrimp combo or filet medallions and baby back ribs. Both options were served with a choice of soup or salad, mashed potatoes, and a fresh vegetable. * TooJay's: Through Sunday, customers could utilize a coupon from the website to access the "Sweetheart Dinner for Too" menu for $24.99. This deal included two meals from the special menu, two soups or salads, two beverages, and a dessert to share. * Maggiano's: Dine-in customers through Sunday could purchase the "That’s Amore Meal for Two" for $80 per couple. The meal included any starter or two side salads, two entrees from a select menu, two beverages, and one dessert. * Max & Erma: Through Wednesday, a dinner for two was available for $29, comprising two starters, two select entrees, and a dessert to share. * O'Charley's: The "Share the Love Dinner for 2" was offered through Wednesday for $13.99 per person. Customers could choose prime rib or salmon, a shared appetizer, and a side for each. There was also a $1 discount on select wine. * Mimi’s Café: The Valentine’s Sweetheart Menu was available through Wednesday. For $45 a couple received Mimi’s Trio of Appetizers, a choice of main course, and Sweetheart Chocolate Cake for dessert. * Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: A special menu was available on Wednesday, featuring the Valentine’s Night Prime Rib Special starting at $16.99 and beverages like the "Sweetheart Margarita" and "Love Potion 99." * TGI Fridays: The chain offered a special "Choose Two for $14.99" menu including Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Center-Cut Sirloin, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, Dragon-Glazed Salmon, or ribs. They also featured a Red Velvet Extreme Shake.
Freebies and BOGO Offers
Other promotions focused on free items or buy-one-get-one incentives. * Quiznos: Members of the Toasty Points loyalty program (new and current) received one free eight-inch Lobster & Seafood Scampi Bake or Lobster & Seafood Classic sub with any purchase at participating locations through February 28. * Qdoba: Through the "Qdoba for a Kiss" promotion on Wednesday, customers could get a buy-one-get-one entrée by kissing anyone (or anything). * McAlister’s Deli: On Wednesday, customers dining in with children received up to two free kids' meals with the purchase of an adult meal. * Chuck E. Cheese: Through Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m. each day, the chain offered a free brownie square, while supplies lasted. * Corner Bakery Café: Coupons available at www.cornerbakerycafe.com/cupid included a free cookie with any purchase, free small coffee with any purchase, and $3 off any $10 purchase. These were valid through Wednesday. * Flying Biscuit Café: Dine-in customers on Wednesday received a free Love Cake appetizer. * Tropical Smoothie Café: Through Wednesday, a limited-edition 12-ounce Red Hot Love smoothie was available for $2.49, made with green apples, white chocolate, and cinnamon candy. * Waffle House: Select locations (over 170 in 19 states) utilized white tablecloths for Valentine’s Day dinner, with reservations available via their website. * Wingstop: The chain operated a toll-free hotline, 1-844-WING LUV, through Wednesday to assist customers with their romance and hunger needs.
Alcohol and Cashback Offers
- Fogo de Chão: Through Saturday, couples dining in received a dining card for free churrasco on their next visit (exclusions applied).
- Jersey Mike's Subs: Email club members received a coupon on Tuesday for free chips and drink with any regular or giant sub purchase, valid Tuesday through Friday.
- Ibotta App: Users could get a free glass of champagne at any bar or restaurant on Wednesday. By ordering a glass of bubbly and scanning the receipt with the Ibotta app, users earned $5 cash back via the "Champagne Toast" rebate.
Veterans Day Promotions (November 2018)
Source materials indicate that November 2018 featured significant offers for veterans and active duty military personnel, particularly around Veterans Day on November 11. These promotions ranged from free entrées to discounted meals.
Free Meals for Veterans
Many establishments offered complimentary meals on November 11 and surrounding days. * Olive Garden: Provided a free meal from a select menu (dine-in only). * Outback Steakhouse: Offered a free Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage. * Texas Roadhouse: Served a free meal from a special menu and a choice of non-alcoholic drink from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. * O’Charley’s: Provided a free meal from a special menu on November 11 and 12. * Perkins: Offered the "Magnificent Seven" meal for free. * TGI Friday's: Provided a free entrée up to $12 on November 11 and 12. Additionally, military members received a receipt with the promo code "TGIVETS," redeemable for a free personal-sized appetizer with any online or to-go purchase of $20 or more from November 13-30. * Tijuana Flats: Offered a free entrée and fountain drink. * Menchie's: Provided the first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free. * Starbucks: Offered a free tall brewed coffee. * Rooster’s Kitchen: Offered a free order of Pork Rinds and 25% off all food.
Other participating restaurants offering free entrées included Mesh, Moerlein Lager House, Nesso Coastal Italia, Provision, Rize, Stone Creek Dining Company, Tavern at the Point, Union 50, Vida, and Yard House.
Discounts and Appreciation Offers
- The Capital Grille of Indianapolis: Provided a complimentary appetizer and special dessert, plus a 25% employee discount on food and beverage.
- 1911 Grill: Veterans could save 50% off.
November 2018 General Food Deals
Beyond Veterans Day, November 2018 featured general free food deals and loyalty program incentives. * Potbelly: During "Potbelly Perks Week" (running until November 4), customers who downloaded the app could access daily offers. These included free cookies, chips, soup, and free sandwiches.
Birthday Freebies
A separate source provided a list of birthday freebies available through restaurant loyalty programs. Consumers were advised to sign up in advance, as updates to accounts could take several weeks.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Members of the "Craving Credits" program (via the app) received a freebie on their birthday.
- McDonald’s: Customers who downloaded the app and joined McDonald’s Rewards received a free food item on their birthday.
- Chick-fil-A: Members of the Chick-fil-A One program received a free treat for their birthday.
- Kona Grill: Members of the Konavore Rewards Program received a free starter or roll for their birthday.
Conclusion
The provided sources illustrate a diverse landscape of food promotions in early 2018, centered around key calendar events like Valentine's Day and Veterans Day. Redemption of these offers frequently depended on digital engagement, such as downloading specific apps or joining email clubs. While the data confirms the existence of these specific offers during the stated periods, consumers were advised to verify participation and availability at local locations.