Chapter 3: Edible Treats
What’s life without a few rewards every now and then? Many food and beverage companies are happy to give away their products in return for a little business and attention.
One way they get that attention is by having you sign up for some club, rewards program, or email list. Even if you get a physical card from them, most require you to register it online. They do this because they’re also playing a numbers game: the more people who sign up with them over the internet, the more hits they get, and the higher up on the search engine filters they go, which greatly increases their visibility.
In many cases, they also ask you to buy something first. Unless you want to root through their garbage after closing hours, however, they often make it worth the amounts you spend.
- Coffee’s bad rep has been changing lately as scientists find out more about its amazing health benefits. The key is moderation, of course, but if you’re a coffee lover, you already knew that, didn’t you?
DUNKIN’ DONUTS wants your business, so if you sign up for their Dunkin’ Perks, you get a free medium drink, as well as another on your birthday. On a side note, did you know that June 6 is National Donut Day in America? Check in with donut shops and other places to see if they’re willing to give away something on this holiest of days.
For more serious coffee lovers, Caribou COFFEE has a promo that requires you to create an online account. It takes only a few moments to make one, and as a reward for your time (and your agreement to accept their email newsletters), they give you a free drink.
Starbucks gives its customers cards so, the next time you pop into a branch, ask for one and register it online. Doing so gets you a free drink every year. If you want more, buy something. It acquires points that can get you more freebies.
- Munchies go great with coffee, especially since the latter is renowned for its fat burning properties.
The Cheesecake Factory loves birthdays and if you celebrate yours at one of their branches, let them know. At the end of your meal, they’ll put a candle on your ice cream and sing to you… ok, so maybe the latter isn’t much of a treat.
Who can resist a GODIVA? While not the world’s most expensive chocolate, it sure seems like it. To get yours for free, log onto their website and sign up for their
Rewards Club. In return, you get a free piece once a month – so you can’t accuse
them of making you fat.
- Appetizers stimulate the appetite. Just make sure you don’t eat too much before the main meal, or you’ll waste it by being too full to eat it.
OUTBACK Steakhouse is giving away their Aussie-Tizer in return for signing up for their Outback Rewards. If you prefer something spicier, check out Qdoba’s offer. Simply pop into one of their outlets and ask for a free card. Register it online and you get free chips and salsa the next time you walk into one of their branches. Accumulate your points and you get a free entree.
Getting a Give Me More Stripes card from TGI Fridays entitles you to either a free appetizer or a free dessert. As an added bonus, you get to skip the line on one visit to avoid the wait time, but only once.
- Prefer a meal, instead?
California TORTILLA offers a free taco in return for signing up for their newsletter, while MOE’s Southwest Grille will give you a burrito on your birthday if you sign up for their e-World program.
If it’s a burger you’d prefer on your birthday then join Fuddruckers’ Fudds CLUB. On the subject of burgers, RED ROBIN will reward you with one for joining their eclub.
Old Country Buffet has several free options if you join their Crave Connection program. Pay for a buffet, and you get another for free. If that’s too much, paying for a promo item gets you a free Adult Dinner.
If you’d prefer a free meal without first having to actually buy one, check out Taco Bell. Some of their branches will happily give you an entire combo on your birthday, so long as you can prove it with a valid ID.
5. Who can possibly live without ice cream? Especially on their birthday?
Baskin Robbins’ Birthday Club entitles you to a free scoop on your special day. True, it’s only once a year, but have you seen their ridiculous prices!? Cold Stone Creamery’s prices are more reasonable, while their Birthday Club provides you with a free scoop and other goodies. Friendly’s version gets you a free three-scoop Sunday, but only if you order an Adult Entree.
