November 11, 2010, - 2:26 pm
Applebee’s Clever Veterans Day Moneymaker
In honor of today’s Veterans Day, a number of major retailing and restaurant chains across America are offering freebies to veterans of and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Sam’s Club, for example, is offering a free Hugo folding cane to vets (which continues through Friday, while supplies last).
Applebee’s Veterans Day: The Meal is Free for Vets & Active Duty; Drinks Aren’t.
Another is Applebee’s restaurant chain, which is offering veterans and active military personnel free meals. Sounds generous, but it’s actually a clever marketing ploy. While the food is free, the drinks aren’t. And drinks are where most restaurants make the highest profit margin. It’s where the money is. I doubt most vets will order water, but those who do are really the only ones getting the free ride. (Tips aren’t included, either. But that is legit and always the domain of the customer.) Denny’s does the same thing with their free Grand Slam breakfast advertised during the Superbowl. The restaurant charges for drinks.
Bottom line: Applebee’s makes money and looks good in the eyes of veterans and patriots. Very smart move.
Tags: Active Military, drinks, free, free meal, free stuff, free stuff for veterans, free stuff on Veterans Day, Freebies, swag, Veteran's Day, veterans
Well, it’s cool with me as I am just having a Coke when I go there later today. Thanks Applebee’s!
John on November 11, 2010 at 4:08 pm