From the Inside Out

Who doesn’t love getting something for free, especially during one of the worst recessions in the history of our country? Thanks to Whataburger, now you can get free food items every other day leading up to December 24th, 2009. It’s called the “12 Days of Whataburger” promotion, and it includes everything from free shakes to french fries and burgers.

All you have to do is visit Whataburger’s “12 Days” website and provide your email address and zip code. After signing up, you’ll receive free food coupons throughout December. It’s Whataburger’s way of spreading Christmas cheer, and nothing says “Merry Christmas” like free food.

Enjoy!

The recession is reportedly coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean people are ready to start spending quite yet. In honor of those who are still watching their wallets, I’m sharing some freebies to get you through the the weekend. It may just help to offset the cost of the candy and costumes you have to pick up for Halloween:

• Stop by your local Taco Bell store on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 pm to midnight and pick up a Black Jack Taco for free.
• If you don’t have a costume yet, dress like a burrito, head to Chipotle, and they will give you a free burrito for dinner (Saturday, 6 pm - close)
• La Madeleine is offering a free pastry to customers who print out a coupon from their Web site. You can find the coupon here.
• Maggiano’s Little Italy wants you to have leftovers “Today & Tomorrow.” First, choose an entree from a special selection of items priced at $12.95 — then Maggiano’s will give you a second selection to take with you after your meal to enjoy as your dinner the next day. The promotion is available for dine-in only and is good through Nov. 25.
• All month long, with a minimum adult purchase of $6, two children can eat free at Boston Market. Kids must be present to eat free.
• Enjoy a free game of bowling at the Allen Bowl on Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX. The offer is good through the end of the year, though you will need to print out a coupon to receive your free game. You can get the coupon here.
• Not valid during the weekend, but it’s still a great deal: Posadas is offering a free nacho bar Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The nacho bar includes beans, meat, queso, lettuce, tomato, salsa and one sopapillia.

April 15th marks the day many Americans dread — tax day — but don’t fret. A few restaurants are trying to mitigate Tax Day damage by offering free food and discounts to their customers. Finally, a reason to be happy about tax day!

If you’re a fan of PF Chang’s, stop by the restaurant on Wednesday for a great tax day discount. Chang’s is offering 15% off the total bill. This offer applies nationwide to all guests and applies to every order.

McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurants are giving out a $10.40 certificate for future use. Many $15 to $20 Entrees will also be discounted to $10.40 on the 15th.

MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream is giving away single-scoop servings to customers at 200 stores in what it calls an “e-cone-omic ice cream stimulus package.”

Cinnabon is offering free Tax Day Bites (small bite-size cinnamon rolls) from 5 to 8 p.m. at its 700 outlets.

Taco Del Mar’s promotion, “Taxes Suck. Tacos Don’t,” is funny, but it’s only being offered in the West. It offers a free taco coupon to people who register on the company website.

Finally, T.G.I. Friday’s is giving out gift cards in honor of tax day. If you spend between $10-$15, you get a $5 gift card; spend more than $25 and receive a $10 card.

How’s that for tax relief?