These are six easy ways that I have gotten free restaurant meals over the years. It’s really five ideas plus a bonus sixth for those who are traveling. The first five can be used at home or while on the road.
1. Mystery Shopping. Restaurant mystery shopping is a lot of fun and can be a way to take a friend or a loved one out. You can tell your companion or keep your secret shop a secret. I have done both. My friend Susan and I had a great dinner together and she was a tremendous help. I included some of her observations in my report. We both had fun and a free meal at a steakhouse.
I recommend going through Mystery Shopping Providers Association to be sure you have found a legitimate and trustworthy corporation. You do not need to become certified in order to receive work but you will need to sign up with each company you are interested in. You pay out-of-pocket for your meal(s) but you will get reimbursed and, in a few cases, make a little extra. In some cases you will be mailed a check but you may be required to have a PayPal account. In all cases, you do need to have access to a computer to receive the jobs and input your report after your meal.
2. Write to the franchise office with an exceptionally good or bad experience. It is important to restaurant administration to get feedback from their customers, whether it is good or bad. That is why most large chains budget money for monthly mystery shoppers. You can usually write to the company online, particularly if it is a franchise chain. If it is a small local restaurant, you may want to just call. You can also ask to see a manager while, or after, you are dining. Most appreciate your input and will offer you a coupon or a free meal to get your repeat business.
I have gotten gift certificates for a free meal by writing a letter to the main office about my experience. In one case (horrible service), I got five $10 gift certificates and a call from management. I use my experience as a mystery shopper when writing my letter. I include a lot of information so they can fix the problem or reward a good employee. I note date, day, time, and name of server (or other employee) that gave the good or bad service. The employee may not be wearing his/her own badge so I either ask for his/her name or include sex, approximate age, and a description of him/her in my letter.
3. BOGO (Buy One, Get One). There are several online sites with coupons but they may or may not be legitimate or accepted at your local restaurant. I would suggest going directly to the restaurant’s site or calling ahead to find out their policy. Many have restrictions and are usually offered for limited dates. The restrictions may be time of day (after 4pm…), type of meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner), or for a select set of menu items.
Fast-food as well as sit-down restaurants offer BOGO’s. You may need to buy one item and get another exactly the same or buy a drink to get a certain item off the menu for free. Getting a full meal for free may be a bit tougher to find but they are out there. They are usually advertised by coupon inserts in newspapers or mailings.
4. Kids eat free. This one is great for small families or grandparents wanting to treat their out-of-town family to a good non-home-cooked meal. Restaurants vary on how they offer “Kids Eat Free” meals so be sure to check before you go. All that I have used or seen, however, do require one paid adult meal for each child’s “free” meal. If you are a family of four, Mom and Dad will have to pay for their meal but little Joey and Ivy will eat for free. In a family of six, Grandma and Grandpa will probably be happy to tag along (and maybe pick up Mom and Dad’s tab) which means little Mikey and Tabatha also get a free meal.
I went to kidsmealdeals.com , typed in my zip code, and seven (7) nearby restaurants came up. Some have set days and/or type of meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Ages of the children vary, usually age 3 and under to age 10 and under. Drink and dessert may or may not be included.
5. Free meal on your birthday. A good way to find restaurants who honor their patrons’ on their birthdays is at freebirthdaytreats.com . In the drop-down menu at the top, select your state under “location”, restaurant under “category”, and free under “offer type”.
Several of us took an elderly client to dinner once a year at a local restaurant on her birthday. We had to pay for our meals but hers was free. She adored being the star, wearing a Mexican sombrero, and having her picture taken with all of us. The staff sung Happy Birthday to her and we were even allowed to bring a homemade cake for dessert. Call ahead or check the website. You may need to join a breakfast club or show i.d. in order to get the free meal.
6. Hotel with free breakfast. When traveling, book a hotel that includes a free breakfast in your room cost. Most hotel chains do these days, advertising a “Complimentary Continental Breakfast” which may simply mean donuts and/or muffins, juice, and coffee. While not the healthiest of breakfasts, they are great for a grab-and-go meal for the road or to take back to your room to get your loved ones moving faster. I have found it best to be an early-bird or there may be little choice (or worse: nothing) left.
Some hotels have a full breakfast bar that could include bacon, waffles, cereal, fruit and yogurt. I once stayed at a hotel I could not normally afford with a client when I was a caretaker for the elderly. For each day of our stay we were both given a token to be used for a free meal in the dining room. I also once stayed at a hotel whose idea of breakfast was convenience-store-muffins wrapped in plastic and one small coffee urn. You can ask what’s included at the front desk during check-in or when you make your reservation.
As with anything that sounds too good to be true, there is a catch with each one of my ideas. However, each is a legitimate way to get a free meal in these days when so many are trying to economize. Enjoy your meal with any of the above ways or get creative with your own ideas for a free meal. Happy eating!