Our kids are too old to order from the "Kid's Menu" at restaurants, so I am always looking for ways to save on the bill. Here are a few of the "freebies" and discounts that are good for all ages:
Mimi's Cafe - they offer an online survey for customers. You pick up a survey "invitation" on the way out of the restuarant that has a code you'll have to input when you go online. The survey takes about 5 mintues to fill out, and asks questions about your likes and dislikes in food, ambiance, decor, etc. When you've finished they email a coupon good for $10 at the location you chose (note the $10 is ONLY valid at that location.) But you can use this on a future visit --- with no 'minimum' amount you must spend.
Panda Express - they likewise offer an online survey with the code printed on your receipt. You fill out info on their website, then they give you a code for a free '3rd entree' when you purchase a '2 entree' plate on a future visit.
Fazoli's - they offer a 'frequent customer' card. Just get a stamp each time you purchase an entree, and after 5 stamps you get a free dessert or salad, and after 5 more (10 stamps total) you get a free entree.
Kokopelli's offers a similar card with your 10th meal free.
Pollo Loco - offers a card that has ascending discounts that increase with each use. You get $1 off the first time you use it, $1.50 the next, culminating in $3 off on your fifth visit.
Tropical Cafe Smoothie - their 'V.I.P.' card gives you a stamp each time you buy a salad, wrap or smoothie, then you can choose which of these you'd like free after 9 stamps.
These are all FREE and don't charge any 'member fees' or other add on costs. They are a great way to stretch your 'dining out' budget!
If you know of any similar programs --- SHARE!
Great info. I'll have to
Great info. I'll have to remember those when my kids grow out of kiddie menus.
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.
Very cool. My son no longer
Very cool.
My son no longer qualifies for kids meals at some restaurants. It's so sad.
I've signed up the family for the birthday club at Red Robin, since that's one of my son's favorite restaurants. So a few times a year we get a free burger - essentially $9 off.
I'll have to pay more attention to these deals now that free eating won't be the norm for the kids.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
Try typing online at fast
Try typing online at fast food sites, a lot have "birthday clubs" for kids, you get a free kids meal for kids, ice cream, etc. via email if you fill it out.
I know of these (google for exact website)
burger king
sonic drive in
golden spoon frozen yogurt
baskin robbins
and I know there are more, just can't think of them offhand! None of my kids have a birthday this time of year
Try going online at fast
Try going online at fast food sites, and look for their "birthday clubs" for kids, you get a free kids meal for kids, ice cream, etc. via email if you fill it out.
I know of these (google for exact website)
burger king
sonic drive in
golden spoon frozen yogurt
baskin robbins
and I know there are more, just can't think of them offhand! None of my kids have a birthday this time of year
Here's some of my immediate
Here's some of my immediate thoughts...
The Keg has a birthday program you can sign up for and you get a coupon for a free dinner during your birthday month.
Rock Bottom Brewery has a kid's menu that if your kid colors it and turns it in, you'll get a post card for a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult meal
Cracker Barrel's kid menu does NOT have age restrictions as I recall. A few weeks ago (in Tucson), our server let me order entirely from the kid's menu!
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She is a business owner, community volunteer, and aspiring runner (whew!), who most enjoys her roles as wife & mom. Her children range in age from 4 to 13.