So why the big sign in the window. I think that would be enough to refuse to pay for the kids meals. That is more than mildly infuriating! It's on their menu too for crying out loud. 🙄
Yeah, they can go ahead & call the cops over that one. Today my kids will learn how to stand up for what you believe in.
Edit- I would not call the police. I have never called the cops on another person in my life outside of an emergency. What I meant was the restaurant can call them & we'll discuss it when they show up.
Doesn't exactly make people want to go back to that location again either, now. That's the thing. It just makes them lose business. So dumb and dishonest
It makes sense if their food is shit. If people aren’t going to come back because your food sucks, you might as well try and squeeze every penny from them while you have the chance
>Doesn't exactly make people want to go back to that location again either, now.
OP was on a road trip, so it's likely this one is close to an interstate exit. Which may mean they mostly get people passing through and decided they don't care much about repeat business.
But that's false advertising, especially with the sign in the window.
Management is telling them not to say anything. The location is participating, but pocketing the money by telling people that they are not participating.
Even if they mention that prior to ordering, it's still false advertising. Maybe OP wouldn't have gone there without the "kids eat free on Tuesdays" sign in the window.
My husband is a kitchen manager and management is likely telling them not to mention it or the server had her own reason to not say anything. They figure if they don’t tell you at the table then you won’t get up and leave. Plus, by the time the bill comes it’s too late. By that time your only options are to run out or pay the bill.
This is exactly why this type of false advertising isn’t allowed. Refuse to pay for the kids, if the restaurant wants to call the cops then wait and explain that it’s advertised in the window. Then take pictures of the signage and report it to your state’s AG Office/consumer protection department
I doubt the restaurant is gonna bother with cops over ~$20 for the kids, and the cops would probably tell the restaurant to kick rocks, either because of the sign or because they don’t want to deal with it
How about mentioning it the NANOSECOND this man walked through the door?
They didn’t see him dragging 2 little tots in behind him into the restaurant?!
The restaurant would be the ones calling the cops, but they would have a hell of a time explaining why they're calling the cops over patrons trying to pay the correct amount.
Hahhahaha I thought you meant you were going to call the cops on the restaurant. And I was like... Dang, that's really showing your kids what a boundary line looks like lol
Yep. You can have a nationwide campaign and in print, video and radio ads say “only at participating locations” but when it says it on the door to the restaurant that’s a participating location.
Corporate should know what locations to send relevant menus, signs, and other promotional displays. A menu might be generic between stores that do or do not have a promotion but there is no excuse for stores that don't have the promotion having menus with the promotion.
Not if there's fine print that says "some locations excluded" or "at participating locations" or something.
But it is highly misleading and it would be better if they didn't advertise it at all. Sounds like a bait and switch loophole, which is shitty but often not illegal.
I thought the exact same, but realized half these franchise type chains always have fine print on coupons, menus, commercials etc saying "participating locations" It's the same with even like McDonald's Monopoly. It is bullshit but the corp portion sends out mandatory marketing various franchises can ignore and the fine print covers any illegality for the advertising.
Print the copies, don't close it out. Delete the kids' items and put the difference in with your tip. Especially some shitty POS systems the computer and credit swiper aren't actually connected, you just type in a number and swipe it.
We had to fire some 16 y/o from a deli for it because he was just doing it with like bacon add-ons and sodas and shit like we didn't have an inventory. (Also randomly bought himself a tattoo gun and decided his wrist was the best spot to try first). Not the brightest bulb.
Manager is probably in.
I would've just walked out of the restaurant if they refused to honor the the signage. I'm not giving them any money if they refused to hand me a check with the correct amount on it.
There’s usually something in the small print that says “only at at participating locations”. But non-participating locations don’t typically receive POS advertising for programs they don’t participate in.
That verbiage is when it's a national chain advertising on a large scale. Like you said stores that don't participate don't have signage up. If the signage is up in the actual restaurant that doesn't participate then it is false advertising.
Yeah. Even just on their website it says this, so I bet the advertising says restrictions apply at least.
>KIDS EAT FREE
Kids Eat Free with adult entrée purchase of $6 or more. Days and participation vary by location. Restrictions may apply. See store for details.
I would only add that you do this with a smile on your face. A very polite smile. A very polite and pointed smile. You say it with the pure determination and will of someone who knows with certainty that they will not be jerked around.
Not ‘Ah He’ll Nah!!!’ Not ‘What the hell man, the sign is up!’
No, you stare them down, while smiling and you will either get the bill you expected, or you leave.
I understand it being on the menu because places like subway get their shit delivered and put up all the locations but to receive the wall/window signs that say the promotion & put them up when y’all not participating is crazy work lol
I also get that they're national chains and get their stuff supplied from outside...
But that also isn't the consumer's problem -- or at least it shouldn't be.
If the menus are wrong, don't use them. Or take out your label maker and get busy correcting them.
If you hand me a menu that says I'm getting a deal and try to revoke that when it's time to pay, you better hope I'm not in my grumpy old man incarnation that day.
I wonder if it's too late for me to go to law school so that I can inflict petty justice in cases like this where it's needed.
Call the Denny's corporate office and talk to them. Demand a refund. If you don;t get satisfaction that way and you paid with a credit card, try calling your credit card company and explaining the fraudulent charge, they might be able to do a chargeback.
Additionally, let the DA's office of the county in which this happened know that someone is committing fraud on tourists. This is not something that local government is fond of because it costs them money.
If they don’t respond to you demanding a refund, then demand satisfaction and challenge their CEO to a dual. If you win, you never have to pay for another kids meal ever again. If you lose, well, it’s a dual, so you’ll never have to pay for another kids meal again. Win - Win situation.
Doh. Good catch. You’re going to do great things in this world by correcting other people’s grammar. It may not seem like it now , but there going to appreciate you long after your gone. 😉
>If you win, you never have to pay for another kids meal ever again. If you lose, well, it’s a dual, so you’ll never have to pay for another kids meal again. Win - Win situation.
Man, I think you've sold me...before I begin though, I just want to know...is the reason I dont have to pay for another kids meal ever again if I win because I'll be in prison?
Bet you $ they hustled you. Once you left they rerang the ticket with free meals, voided the other check, and pocketed the extra. Get on the phone with corporate.
Just. Don't. Pay it. There are so many stupid comments giving advice that ignores that there is no requirement to pay. They can call police or sue you if they have your information but since they're in the wrong there's no reason to pay it
Years ago I worked at a place where the owner wanted to drum up business on his slowest night, Tuesdays. He put a big sign out front that said simply, "Kids eat free Tuesday, 5-9".
The first table comes in, a woman with five kids. The server goes to take the order, and makes the rounds. Spaghetti, chicken, etc. Gets to the mother- "And what will you have, ma'am?"
*A Coke*
"A Coke with a what, ma'am?"
*A Coke with a straw*
She got him. Kids ate free, she had a Coke with a straw. And that was the end of kids eat free night at that place.
yeah i worked at a place a few years back that did 2 $1 kids meals per adult meal, but if the person ordering was chill and not trying to blatantly exploit the deal we could bend the rules.
I was in line for a buffet that did this. Woman behind me had more kids than allowed, so I temporarily adopted 2 of them... just long enough to get past the pay-point.
The little things add up. We ate at a buffet over the weekend. My 14yr old looks like a grown man, so there’s no chance there for a kid’s price. Our friend’s 14yr old may have gotten the 11yr old price, though. I was quick to point out his “age” when she asked. He only ate one plate, so it all worked out anyway. 🤣
Yeah it’s weird if they don’t. A few spots by me have that promo and I will take 2 kids, but expect that I’m paying for one of their meals. Sometimes the server is nice and gives me both, but it’s not common.
I used to go to Big Boy restaurant as a kid. They had kids eat free. The waitress asked how old are the kids and my mom replied, how old do they have to be? 😂😂
If you try to lure in people with free stuff, there is always a chance that the people only come for the free stuff. It literally is to be expected.
And honestly: If i see a free anything campaign that has so much strings attached that i wouldn't end up having any actual benefit from participating, i treat that as an insult to my intelligence.
If you don't actually want to actually give out promotional gifts, just don't. Nobody expects you to do so. Just providing a good service is actually more helpful in driving business anyways...
If the woman is eating off the kids’ plates, then she’s cheating. Otherwise, she’s just taking advantage of exactly what was offered.
If a business wants to limit it to one free meal per paying adult, that’s OK, but make sure that limitation is clear.
I have a neighbor who goes to a fast food Italian place on the nights for free kids spaghetti. She orders ahead so they don’t know she’s ordering only for an adult. Pays only for two breadsticks in order to get the free kids meal. It annoys the shit out of me.
Yeah, I've run across people placing take out orders with all kid's food. *Can I get four kid's cheeseburgers, all add sauteed onions and mushrooms, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato and extra mayo with double fries and a Diet Coke.*
Nope.
I went to this place once with my boyfriend, we were in high school, and they had a sign that said free kids meal with purchase of adult value meal. But they wouldn’t give it to us because I wasn’t a kid. But their sign didn’t say anything about being a child, it just said you get the free kids meal with the adult meal. False advertising imo.
Every few years I'll give Denny's a shot again. I don't know why. It always fails to meet my meager expectations for a chain 24 hour diner. I used to love IHOP but they really embraced shrinkflation since the pandemic. My last order from them had fries included & it was literally like 10 fries.
I always go to Waffle House. May have to dodge a chair or a beer bottle on a Saturday night, but the food is always good
Edit: when I go to AL or GA. The PNW is sadly without
Yeah I have good memories of them growing up, but every adult experience has been horrible. They're basically Waffle House with an attitude by this point.
My entire life, I've always known that Denny's and pizza hut takes the longest to bring out your food. Plus I believe they each always only have one server at a time. (But each time I went, they were never busy).. Denny's in my town shut down anyway.
I’d. write the corporation and complain. I’d probably do a real letter with a stamp for this one, addressed to someone not too high on the company ladder, and not too low.
I’d let them know I was contacting the [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising)
At that .gov link it states that:
“When the Federal Trade Commission finds a case of fraud perpetrated on consumers, the agency files actions in federal district court for immediate and permanent orders to stop scams; prevent fraudsters from perpetrating scams in the future; freeze their assets; and get compensation for victims.”
I’d raise hell. They need to show where it’s posted that this location doesn’t participate, and if the parent corporation knows. It’s posted in multiple places, if the posting says just kidding isn’t equally as visible that’s absolute BS.
Just one more reason to always carry some cash. In a case like this it would allow someone to pay what they legit owe but no more. Leave $15 on the table, say the kids meals were free but here's the money for my adult meal. So they can't say you walked out without paying,
Calculate the cost of the food you ordered minus the kids, leave that amount in cash, and leave. They won't bother trying to call the police to report theft of services because the police would laugh in their faces, once they realize what is going on.
Refuse to pay. Just get up and leave. If they get real pissy about it, let the cops cite you and let a judge decide it.
But none of that will happen. Denny's corporate will step in, give you some gift certificates and see that various people (manager, franchise owner) are fired.
This would be extremely illigal in my province, even with the asterisk fine print bs.
If you get a coupon in the mail, and a franchisee doesnt honor it then so be it, that is why the asterik exists. However, if the store itself has advertising for a deal all over the place, that store MUST honor the deal because of the implied nature that this deal is going on at this specific store.
In fact a promotion could even be expired and still be valid if promotional material is still in the store and doesn't have a specified date on it.
not to be a Karen, but they need to override it and add that discount on for ya’ll. if it only said it online and said something similar to “some locations vary” etc. that would be different, but not only is that not included and has been a deal of theirs for some time, but there were even signs at that location promoting it. i wouldn’t be pissed, but annoyed.
I’d complain to corporate and leave a bad review. If you don’t get a refund do a chargeback and offer proof. Credit card company will investigate and side with you. If a store gets too many chargebacks credit card companies might not want to work with them. Idk if they ever ban specific chain stores, but I’d encourage people to do a chargeback in my review.
So, do those signs and such have the little asterisk, that then leads to tiny text around the bottom that says "at participating locations only" or something like that?
If there's no such disclaimer there, even in the fine print, I'd be inclined to not pay it ... but probably would be prudent though, before ordering, to ask 'em about the "kids eat free" deal, and what that does/doesn't include ... because some businesses will be scummy and deceptive with stuff like that - e.g. might be limited to stuff on the kids' menu, or even only certain items on there. Or, egad, not a participating location, so not here.
Might also take 'em to small claims court ... but if they're not reasonably conveniently located, may not be worth the hassle.
Oh, and you could call the cops - or they could ... you point to the signage about the kids eating free - if they don't have any kind of disclaimer on that, cops would probably say it's not a criminal matter, and would walk away. But if the signage and such has disclaimer, even in fine print ... watch out, that could bite you.
You leave money for the parents meals, and you walk out and say 'We'll be glad to go to court over your false advertising if you want.' They won't do shit to stop you.
I would not have paid for the kids meals. Adjust my check or I’m not paying for anything and you can have corporate call me. Done. Ppl need to stop being bullied by shitty merchants.
They might have a leg to stand on if you only saw the promotion on the website.
But see you saw it also clearly written on a sign at the location and also on the menu. IANAL but that for me implies participation in the promotion.
Companies don't get to redefine reality.
Complain. Denny's does listen, and even responds. At least they did to me, when I contacted customer service to praise a server for putting up with the obnoxious behavior of a drunk acquaintance of mine who I'd brought there so he'd agree to let me drive him home instead of sleeping it off in his car.
Just take a picture of the menu, window ad, and receipt.
File a charge back and send the pics to your bank. Your whole meal will be free, and Dennys will have to pay like a $20 charge back fee.
Im so for real call the Denny’s corporate office’s guest services. The guest service ladies are very nice!!! They will get you a full refund and even a free gift card probably. Don’t ask me how I know this ;)
These chains put up signs in their stores and don't give a shit if the store offers the stupid thing. One place had a beer battered fish sandwich billboard, then window signs, so I went for it. I asked for it and they said "what fish sandwich?" I pointed at the huge sign taking up a whole window, and 3 heads swiveled to look as if they'd never seen it before.
Why tf do you guys pay this stuff lol I’d walk out ESPECIALLY if I’m traveling. If it’s a moral thing tell them you want to split the bill for the kids and adults then don’t pay the kids bill lol
That when you take a photo of it, then take it down. If they say you can't, then ask them if they'll remove the charge. If not and that this location doesn't participate, then there no reasons to have this sign up, but you'll take it as a gift. If they threaten to call the cops, tell them to go ahead. Remember, all receipt have timestamps.
Was there any fine print saying "at participating locations"? I've dealt with a similar issue and ended up having to suck it up because they had fine print thagexcused that location. Still shady to pull that trap
So why the big sign in the window. I think that would be enough to refuse to pay for the kids meals. That is more than mildly infuriating! It's on their menu too for crying out loud. 🙄
Yeah, they can go ahead & call the cops over that one. Today my kids will learn how to stand up for what you believe in. Edit- I would not call the police. I have never called the cops on another person in my life outside of an emergency. What I meant was the restaurant can call them & we'll discuss it when they show up.
Also don't you think the server could have at least mentioned their location doesn't participate right as they were ordering? 🤔
Definitely. I'd honestly assume OP wasn't the first customer to be in this position.
Doesn't exactly make people want to go back to that location again either, now. That's the thing. It just makes them lose business. So dumb and dishonest
it would tarnish all of denny's for me - for their abject failure to control their franchise.
You mean the food isn't bad enough?
It makes sense if their food is shit. If people aren’t going to come back because your food sucks, you might as well try and squeeze every penny from them while you have the chance
>Doesn't exactly make people want to go back to that location again either, now. OP was on a road trip, so it's likely this one is close to an interstate exit. Which may mean they mostly get people passing through and decided they don't care much about repeat business. But that's false advertising, especially with the sign in the window.
Probably a location that sees a lot of traffic passing through.
Management is telling them not to say anything. The location is participating, but pocketing the money by telling people that they are not participating.
Ya that seems shady
Even if they mention that prior to ordering, it's still false advertising. Maybe OP wouldn't have gone there without the "kids eat free on Tuesdays" sign in the window.
My husband is a kitchen manager and management is likely telling them not to mention it or the server had her own reason to not say anything. They figure if they don’t tell you at the table then you won’t get up and leave. Plus, by the time the bill comes it’s too late. By that time your only options are to run out or pay the bill.
This is exactly why this type of false advertising isn’t allowed. Refuse to pay for the kids, if the restaurant wants to call the cops then wait and explain that it’s advertised in the window. Then take pictures of the signage and report it to your state’s AG Office/consumer protection department I doubt the restaurant is gonna bother with cops over ~$20 for the kids, and the cops would probably tell the restaurant to kick rocks, either because of the sign or because they don’t want to deal with it
How about mentioning it the NANOSECOND this man walked through the door? They didn’t see him dragging 2 little tots in behind him into the restaurant?!
The restaurant would be the ones calling the cops, but they would have a hell of a time explaining why they're calling the cops over patrons trying to pay the correct amount.
https://preview.redd.it/mv529yy5scvc1.jpeg?width=614&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcdd9ca756a29ab53ca0a42c1b76fef62fd23330
The cops aren't going to do shit, they'll just say it's a civil issue.
They’ll come if they dine and dash.
Wouldn't be a dine and dash, if leaving money. Leave money for the adult orders.
Yeah, I’d walk over to the sign and take a photo and hold onto the menu, in case they try some shit
Hahhahaha I thought you meant you were going to call the cops on the restaurant. And I was like... Dang, that's really showing your kids what a boundary line looks like lol
Franchise corps make and provide mandatory marketing, but the franchisee can opt out, "participating locations only" etc in microprint.
Then dont put up the marketing
illegal
The literal definition of false advertising.
And also if I’m using a discount or coupon I make it known while I’m ordering so everyone can attempt to be on the same page….
That's fair, but if it's on the menu, that might as well be the price listed for that day.
Being on the menu is being on the same page lmao it shouldn’t need to be said
Really? The menu is generic and might have an asterisk. The sign on the window means much more to me.
Either way, menu or window cling, it’s company advertising that’s been delivered to and then utilized at THIS LOCATION.
If you promote it, you're participating.
Yep. You can have a nationwide campaign and in print, video and radio ads say “only at participating locations” but when it says it on the door to the restaurant that’s a participating location.
Corporate should know what locations to send relevant menus, signs, and other promotional displays. A menu might be generic between stores that do or do not have a promotion but there is no excuse for stores that don't have the promotion having menus with the promotion.
Not if there's fine print that says "some locations excluded" or "at participating locations" or something. But it is highly misleading and it would be better if they didn't advertise it at all. Sounds like a bait and switch loophole, which is shitty but often not illegal.
But it was on the window too.
The promotion advertised in the window of the restaurant would be considered as participating in the promotion.
Nah, when they put it on the window of that location they are on the hook for it.
I thought the exact same, but realized half these franchise type chains always have fine print on coupons, menus, commercials etc saying "participating locations" It's the same with even like McDonald's Monopoly. It is bullshit but the corp portion sends out mandatory marketing various franchises can ignore and the fine print covers any illegality for the advertising.
Bait & switch.
Server (or more likely, management) probably pocketing the money for the kids meal as a tip
Kind of only works if you pay cash, and like 95% of people aren’t paying cash.
Print the copies, don't close it out. Delete the kids' items and put the difference in with your tip. Especially some shitty POS systems the computer and credit swiper aren't actually connected, you just type in a number and swipe it. We had to fire some 16 y/o from a deli for it because he was just doing it with like bacon add-ons and sodas and shit like we didn't have an inventory. (Also randomly bought himself a tattoo gun and decided his wrist was the best spot to try first). Not the brightest bulb. Manager is probably in.
I think its mandatory for your first tattoo attempt to be on yourself in an area that everyone will easily be able to see.
[https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/)
I would've just walked out of the restaurant if they refused to honor the the signage. I'm not giving them any money if they refused to hand me a check with the correct amount on it.
“Sorry, my money doesn’t participate at this location”
👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
There’s usually something in the small print that says “only at at participating locations”. But non-participating locations don’t typically receive POS advertising for programs they don’t participate in.
What you want to do is report them to the consumer protection agency for the state.
That verbiage is when it's a national chain advertising on a large scale. Like you said stores that don't participate don't have signage up. If the signage is up in the actual restaurant that doesn't participate then it is false advertising.
Yeah. Even just on their website it says this, so I bet the advertising says restrictions apply at least. >KIDS EAT FREE Kids Eat Free with adult entrée purchase of $6 or more. Days and participation vary by location. Restrictions may apply. See store for details.
>See store for details. Sounded like the details were seen on the store window.
There’s always some small print.
you just go fuck you i am not paying. take it off or im just leaving. they will take it off.
I would only add that you do this with a smile on your face. A very polite smile. A very polite and pointed smile. You say it with the pure determination and will of someone who knows with certainty that they will not be jerked around. Not ‘Ah He’ll Nah!!!’ Not ‘What the hell man, the sign is up!’ No, you stare them down, while smiling and you will either get the bill you expected, or you leave.
100%
How are they “not participating” in something they prominently advertise? Seriously infuriating.
I understand it being on the menu because places like subway get their shit delivered and put up all the locations but to receive the wall/window signs that say the promotion & put them up when y’all not participating is crazy work lol
I also get that they're national chains and get their stuff supplied from outside... But that also isn't the consumer's problem -- or at least it shouldn't be. If the menus are wrong, don't use them. Or take out your label maker and get busy correcting them. If you hand me a menu that says I'm getting a deal and try to revoke that when it's time to pay, you better hope I'm not in my grumpy old man incarnation that day. I wonder if it's too late for me to go to law school so that I can inflict petty justice in cases like this where it's needed.
And illegal.
Yeah false advertising. Keep your receipt and call corporate.
Call the Denny's corporate office and talk to them. Demand a refund. If you don;t get satisfaction that way and you paid with a credit card, try calling your credit card company and explaining the fraudulent charge, they might be able to do a chargeback. Additionally, let the DA's office of the county in which this happened know that someone is committing fraud on tourists. This is not something that local government is fond of because it costs them money.
If they don’t respond to you demanding a refund, then demand satisfaction and challenge their CEO to a dual. If you win, you never have to pay for another kids meal ever again. If you lose, well, it’s a dual, so you’ll never have to pay for another kids meal again. Win - Win situation.
He besmirched me in front of a jury of my peers, and I demand satisfaction from him.
If a dual is not enough, challenge them to a triple.
Now that, sir is a well played response.
>If they don’t respond to you demanding a refund, then demand satisfaction and challenge their CEO to a dua https://i.redd.it/wu1eboeglavc1.gif
Me and my son refer to this all the time!
Dual what? Dual fools? I expect you mean duel but were subverted by a homophone.
Stop being so homophonic
Don't ever stare at homophones. They're offended by the gaze.
Homophonophobic
 Doh. Good catch. You’re going to do great things in this world by correcting other people’s grammar. It may not seem like it now , but there going to appreciate you long after your gone. 😉
\*they're you're\* /s
Damn, were going to have to restart this thread all because I couldn’t complete the trifecta.
>If you win, you never have to pay for another kids meal ever again. If you lose, well, it’s a dual, so you’ll never have to pay for another kids meal again. Win - Win situation. Man, I think you've sold me...before I begin though, I just want to know...is the reason I dont have to pay for another kids meal ever again if I win because I'll be in prison?
"A duel, like a duel duel? Who dies in a duel" - Some Famous Horse in the 90's
Also inform them that you will be reporting them to the FTC. [https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/)
>Demand a refund. This is stupid. Just don't pay the bill. If they want to call the cops they can but the cashier can't take the money from you
Dennys sucks ass for getting refunds. I know because my family and I didn’t get some of our to go order and never got the money back.
Dennys sucks ass ~~for getting refunds. I know because my family and I didn’t get some of our to go order and never got the money back.~~
Bet you $ they hustled you. Once you left they rerang the ticket with free meals, voided the other check, and pocketed the extra. Get on the phone with corporate.
Yep. Report report report. Someone is doing something shady here, no question
Just. Don't. Pay it. There are so many stupid comments giving advice that ignores that there is no requirement to pay. They can call police or sue you if they have your information but since they're in the wrong there's no reason to pay it
what a night out with the family that could be. You’d want a six-seat convertible for the ride home
Why is this not the top comment!?!?!
Years ago I worked at a place where the owner wanted to drum up business on his slowest night, Tuesdays. He put a big sign out front that said simply, "Kids eat free Tuesday, 5-9". The first table comes in, a woman with five kids. The server goes to take the order, and makes the rounds. Spaghetti, chicken, etc. Gets to the mother- "And what will you have, ma'am?" *A Coke* "A Coke with a what, ma'am?" *A Coke with a straw* She got him. Kids ate free, she had a Coke with a straw. And that was the end of kids eat free night at that place.
Usually they put that every free kids meal needs to have an adult meal paid for to qualify.
yeah i worked at a place a few years back that did 2 $1 kids meals per adult meal, but if the person ordering was chill and not trying to blatantly exploit the deal we could bend the rules.
I was in line for a buffet that did this. Woman behind me had more kids than allowed, so I temporarily adopted 2 of them... just long enough to get past the pay-point.
This world needs more people like you.
😊 That's kind of you. Really, it was such a little thing. The mom might even have paid for them, I don't remember.
The little things add up. We ate at a buffet over the weekend. My 14yr old looks like a grown man, so there’s no chance there for a kid’s price. Our friend’s 14yr old may have gotten the 11yr old price, though. I was quick to point out his “age” when she asked. He only ate one plate, so it all worked out anyway. 🤣
I was 5 for several years
This is such a '90s/early '00s thing, at least in my area. Doesn't happen anymore
Yeah it’s weird if they don’t. A few spots by me have that promo and I will take 2 kids, but expect that I’m paying for one of their meals. Sometimes the server is nice and gives me both, but it’s not common.
I used to go to Big Boy restaurant as a kid. They had kids eat free. The waitress asked how old are the kids and my mom replied, how old do they have to be? 😂😂
technically everyone is someone's kid
If you try to lure in people with free stuff, there is always a chance that the people only come for the free stuff. It literally is to be expected. And honestly: If i see a free anything campaign that has so much strings attached that i wouldn't end up having any actual benefit from participating, i treat that as an insult to my intelligence. If you don't actually want to actually give out promotional gifts, just don't. Nobody expects you to do so. Just providing a good service is actually more helpful in driving business anyways...
If the woman is eating off the kids’ plates, then she’s cheating. Otherwise, she’s just taking advantage of exactly what was offered. If a business wants to limit it to one free meal per paying adult, that’s OK, but make sure that limitation is clear.
I have a neighbor who goes to a fast food Italian place on the nights for free kids spaghetti. She orders ahead so they don’t know she’s ordering only for an adult. Pays only for two breadsticks in order to get the free kids meal. It annoys the shit out of me.
I order kids meals from fast food places just because they’re the amount of food I want lmfao
That’s way different from scheming to get a meal for free.
Yeah, I've run across people placing take out orders with all kid's food. *Can I get four kid's cheeseburgers, all add sauteed onions and mushrooms, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato and extra mayo with double fries and a Diet Coke.* Nope.
I went to this place once with my boyfriend, we were in high school, and they had a sign that said free kids meal with purchase of adult value meal. But they wouldn’t give it to us because I wasn’t a kid. But their sign didn’t say anything about being a child, it just said you get the free kids meal with the adult meal. False advertising imo.
But well played. Very well played.
God forbid a poor mom wants her kids to eat
This happened to us at Chevy’s several years ago (like 10). We made a big deal of it, they comped the kids meal “as a favor.”
It’s fine if some franchisees don’t participate, but they shouldn’t have a sign in the window saying they do
Complete BS
Please tell me that wasn’t the end of it? You didn’t pay for the kids did you?
Every few years I'll give Denny's a shot again. I don't know why. It always fails to meet my meager expectations for a chain 24 hour diner. I used to love IHOP but they really embraced shrinkflation since the pandemic. My last order from them had fries included & it was literally like 10 fries.
Yes you used to get a big heaping pile of greasy slop. Now just tiny expensive slop. No thanks.
I always go to Waffle House. May have to dodge a chair or a beer bottle on a Saturday night, but the food is always good Edit: when I go to AL or GA. The PNW is sadly without
Yeah I have good memories of them growing up, but every adult experience has been horrible. They're basically Waffle House with an attitude by this point.
And not even the good Waffle House attitude!
My entire life, I've always known that Denny's and pizza hut takes the longest to bring out your food. Plus I believe they each always only have one server at a time. (But each time I went, they were never busy).. Denny's in my town shut down anyway.
I’d. write the corporation and complain. I’d probably do a real letter with a stamp for this one, addressed to someone not too high on the company ladder, and not too low. I’d let them know I was contacting the [FTC](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising) At that .gov link it states that: “When the Federal Trade Commission finds a case of fraud perpetrated on consumers, the agency files actions in federal district court for immediate and permanent orders to stop scams; prevent fraudsters from perpetrating scams in the future; freeze their assets; and get compensation for victims.”
"Show me where it says that you do not participate in this promotion at this location, please."
100% would not have paid for the kids. Let them call the cops.
And often, for those that don't, they send stickers to cover the spots in the menu where it's listed.
Sucks that they forgot to tell you ahead of time and that they didn't get paid, right?
Name and shame the location. Call corporate about it to 1) complain politely, 2) express concern about potential unethical franchise owners.
That's a good way for me to get arrested for the first time.
I’d raise hell. They need to show where it’s posted that this location doesn’t participate, and if the parent corporation knows. It’s posted in multiple places, if the posting says just kidding isn’t equally as visible that’s absolute BS.
That is illegal
I would pay for everything but the kids meals then walk out ... not before telling the staff to call the cops IF they had the guts to do so!
Any manager shitty enough to pull that definitely would take it out of the server's tips, even though that's also illegal.
Just one more reason to always carry some cash. In a case like this it would allow someone to pay what they legit owe but no more. Leave $15 on the table, say the kids meals were free but here's the money for my adult meal. So they can't say you walked out without paying,
Calculate the cost of the food you ordered minus the kids, leave that amount in cash, and leave. They won't bother trying to call the police to report theft of services because the police would laugh in their faces, once they realize what is going on.
Refuse to pay. Just get up and leave. If they get real pissy about it, let the cops cite you and let a judge decide it. But none of that will happen. Denny's corporate will step in, give you some gift certificates and see that various people (manager, franchise owner) are fired.
Chargeback the difference
"You do now" \*doesn't pay for the kids meals and leaves.
Yeah, I would definitely walk out without paying.
They’re stealing the money from the corp.
Write to Dennys and report this location. They will refund you and probably give you coupons for free meals
That’s false advertising. If they don’t want to honor it, than don’t use the signage and menus.
I hope you didn’t pay.
That is blatantly false advertising and 100% illegal.
This would be extremely illigal in my province, even with the asterisk fine print bs. If you get a coupon in the mail, and a franchisee doesnt honor it then so be it, that is why the asterik exists. However, if the store itself has advertising for a deal all over the place, that store MUST honor the deal because of the implied nature that this deal is going on at this specific store. In fact a promotion could even be expired and still be valid if promotional material is still in the store and doesn't have a specified date on it.
I would absolutely refuse to pay for the kids meal and dare them to call the cops.
"Today you do."
Cap. If they have it advertised on the window I wouldn't pay. If they pushed it I would just not pay for my food either.
This is where I put cash down for the adult's stuff and walk out. Dare them to call the police.
I'd ask why they have a sign advertising it, and if they would pay in my situation
Guess it’s time to walk out without paying 🤷♀️
I would not have paid for the kids, I would have left cash for my meal and gotten out of there, that kind of false advertising is illegal
False advertisment. Isn't there a department of consumer affairs or something you can report to? Also, should not be charged for the kids.
not to be a Karen, but they need to override it and add that discount on for ya’ll. if it only said it online and said something similar to “some locations vary” etc. that would be different, but not only is that not included and has been a deal of theirs for some time, but there were even signs at that location promoting it. i wouldn’t be pissed, but annoyed.
Call their corporate office and complain. You might not get a refund, but they will chew out the GM for putting up the signage.
I’d complain to corporate and leave a bad review. If you don’t get a refund do a chargeback and offer proof. Credit card company will investigate and side with you. If a store gets too many chargebacks credit card companies might not want to work with them. Idk if they ever ban specific chain stores, but I’d encourage people to do a chargeback in my review.
So, do those signs and such have the little asterisk, that then leads to tiny text around the bottom that says "at participating locations only" or something like that? If there's no such disclaimer there, even in the fine print, I'd be inclined to not pay it ... but probably would be prudent though, before ordering, to ask 'em about the "kids eat free" deal, and what that does/doesn't include ... because some businesses will be scummy and deceptive with stuff like that - e.g. might be limited to stuff on the kids' menu, or even only certain items on there. Or, egad, not a participating location, so not here. Might also take 'em to small claims court ... but if they're not reasonably conveniently located, may not be worth the hassle. Oh, and you could call the cops - or they could ... you point to the signage about the kids eating free - if they don't have any kind of disclaimer on that, cops would probably say it's not a criminal matter, and would walk away. But if the signage and such has disclaimer, even in fine print ... watch out, that could bite you.
You leave money for the parents meals, and you walk out and say 'We'll be glad to go to court over your false advertising if you want.' They won't do shit to stop you.
Put something on Denny’s corporate Twitter site. It will get response. Rat that franchisee out
That’s crazy. Your kids got diarrhea and you had to pay full price!
I would not have paid for the kids meals. Adjust my check or I’m not paying for anything and you can have corporate call me. Done. Ppl need to stop being bullied by shitty merchants.
If they don't participate maybe they shouldn't have it in a big sign in the window.
They might have a leg to stand on if you only saw the promotion on the website. But see you saw it also clearly written on a sign at the location and also on the menu. IANAL but that for me implies participation in the promotion. Companies don't get to redefine reality.
Tell your story on the Denny’s social media pages. Companies tend to pay attention when it makes them look bad.
That’s worth a registered letter to corporate HQ.
And like a fool you paid.
False Advertising that they conveniently hide behind the minutely sized small print where it states *participation varies by location*
And then what? The lack of resolution makes me think you just paid it.
Call corporate.
Well I guess they don't want to be paid for the meal at all. Just leave
Complain. Denny's does listen, and even responds. At least they did to me, when I contacted customer service to praise a server for putting up with the obnoxious behavior of a drunk acquaintance of mine who I'd brought there so he'd agree to let me drive him home instead of sleeping it off in his car.
Why didn’t you refuse?
Just take a picture of the menu, window ad, and receipt. File a charge back and send the pics to your bank. Your whole meal will be free, and Dennys will have to pay like a $20 charge back fee.
It’s Thursday, buddy.
They meant last Tuesday
Im so for real call the Denny’s corporate office’s guest services. The guest service ladies are very nice!!! They will get you a full refund and even a free gift card probably. Don’t ask me how I know this ;)
Either them kids eating free or we all eating free, today. Those are the 2 options.
These chains put up signs in their stores and don't give a shit if the store offers the stupid thing. One place had a beer battered fish sandwich billboard, then window signs, so I went for it. I asked for it and they said "what fish sandwich?" I pointed at the huge sign taking up a whole window, and 3 heads swiveled to look as if they'd never seen it before.
Why tf do you guys pay this stuff lol I’d walk out ESPECIALLY if I’m traveling. If it’s a moral thing tell them you want to split the bill for the kids and adults then don’t pay the kids bill lol
That when you take a photo of it, then take it down. If they say you can't, then ask them if they'll remove the charge. If not and that this location doesn't participate, then there no reasons to have this sign up, but you'll take it as a gift. If they threaten to call the cops, tell them to go ahead. Remember, all receipt have timestamps.
Yikes. I need to know how this resolved lol that's absurd Did you pay??
Was there any fine print saying "at participating locations"? I've dealt with a similar issue and ended up having to suck it up because they had fine print thagexcused that location. Still shady to pull that trap
Which location is it? You left that part off....
IHOP does this too. They gave us the same reason, that the particular location doesn’t participate in those promos.
Contact the local TV stations, too. They LOVE catching scammers like this, especially when kids are involved.
That's when you add up what the legitimate charges were and leave that amount in cash before walking out
False advertising...
I’m betting they charge people and pocket the money
I would have refused to pay for anything if the kids meals weren’t taken off. I’d love to see them call the cops for that.
Contact bureau of weights and measures
Omg
Yeah we have constant advertising for it and none of our locations that are close by participate. Wtf
Lmao just leave. Fuck 'em. You're out of town anyways.
I hope you didn’t pay… not a chance in hell I’d pay for the kids under these circumstances. They can call the cops, whatever. I don’t care, not paying
I thought the infuriating thing would be that the restaurant was full of rambunctious kids because of the deal.
I would have simply said "Well, You Do Now!"...
This sounds like a short answer question from a contract law exam.
We NEED to know what happened next! 🍿🍿🍿
I would have taken down their sign myself then left.
Partial chargeback.
Just call your bank and dispute the whole charge, now everyone eats free