Everyone is looking to save some money these days as a result of the recession, direct or indirect.
Parents are no exception. So, it is extremely useful to be able to find a "Children Eat Free" deal at national restaurants.
Contrary to popular belief, there is such a thing as a free lunch (or other meal) as long as one is under 10 years old.
Eating out can be expensive for anyone but especially for parents with several kids. However, with a little research and planning, deals geared toward families with kids can be found!
For example, see below for three national restaurant chains that offer free food for children. As always, one needs to check to make sure the local restaurant is participating and read the fine print regarding each offer.
Steak and Shake
Families can save some money while eating out on the weekends with the Steak and Shake deal.
One child, aged 12 or under, can eat free every Saturday and Sunday at participating restaurants for every $8 an adult spends. This is a dine-in only deal and excludes drinks and shakes.
Their diverse kids’ menu includes hot dogs, steakburgers, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.
Jason’s Deli
It’s no wonder that Parent’s Magazine just named them "the Best Restaurant in America”. The food is terrific and they give customers free crackers and soft serve ice cream.
Kids eat free at Jason’s Deli on different days and times at all their locations, so call the local Jason’s Deli before going to make sure they are participating.
The kids’ menu at Jason’s Deli is super-diverse and includes several different types of sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, salads, baked potatoes, pasta, pizza and macaroni and cheese. They even have gluten-free options for children with allergies!
Atlanta Bread Company
This fast, casual restaurant has over 100 locations in 23 states and was recently voted as one of the best fast food restaurants in Zagat’s 2010 survey. The food is both healthy and hearty and the varied options are sure to please most kids.
The company encourages families to gather at their restaurants for Family Night. It is Tuesday night at many locations but varies from restaurant to restaurant. Each child receives one free kid’s menu item, which includes a drink and a cookie, with the purchase of one adult entree item.
There are most likely many more restaurants in every local area which offer deals for families. Just call ahead, research on the web, and be open to new experiences, and parents should be able to save some money while enjoying a meal out.
Sources:
Atldealfinder.com. Web. 26 June 2012. "Kids eat free list".
http://atldealfinder.com/2012/06/kids-eat-free-list.html
Amorefieldlofe.com. Web. Published 23 March 2012. "Kids night at Jason's Deli".
http://amorefieldlife.com/2012/03/23/478
Examiner.com. Web. 26 June 2012. "Kids eat free Tuesday nights at Atlanta Bread Company".
http://www.examiner.com/article/kids-eat-free-tuesday-nights-at-atlanta-bread-company
Edited by Jody Smith