The Quest Continues...

Ok, so my quest to get free stuff is still on, lest you think I’ve grown faint hearted over the non-response from Susie Fogelson of the Food Network. In fact, it took a bit of a serious turn last week, while I was dining at one of my favorite restaurant chains.

We ate as a family at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, where we were seated next to the open kitchen. One of the chefs was talking rather loudly, and my son overheard some less than appropriate language. And while I won’t go into great detail (partially out of respect for my still favorite restaurant), it involved the word penis and some mild profanity. Had I been alone, or simply with my wife, it would’ve rolled off my back like rain drops on a freshly waxed windshield. However, I was with my kids and had to do some explaining that I didn’t really care to do while eating my eggplant pizza (I know what you’re thinking… seriously, it rocks!). So, being the activist that I now am, I submitted an online comment to the Carrabba’s corporate office.

Today, the phone rings, and it’s the manager of the restaurant. He’s extremely apologetic and wants me to describe the perpetrator to him. So I start feeling guilty, right? Like I’m going to be responsible for someone losing their job. Then he says to me, “look… don’t worry… I’m not going to fire him, I just want to teach him what’s acceptable and what’s not. So we go through the whole story and I’m thinking to myself, “I sure hope Isaac heard this guy right.” I’d really hate to get someone in trouble for something they didn’t do. But the bottom line is this… I now have a dinner for 2 at Carrabba’s. Can you say, “rock on!”?

So, after you’re done showing your support for McD’s (see blog below), please go have yourself a nice Italian dinner at Carrabba’s.

McDonald's Writes Back

So… in case you’re following the “Free Stuff from Big Companies Chronicles”, here’s the latest from McDonalds…

Dear Mr. Dismukes:

Thank you for your complimentary letter. We’re delighted to learn that you enjoy eating at McDonald’s.

Our Menu Management team works very hard to develop great-tasting, top-quality food products that meet the many tastes of the nearly 50 million people we serve each day. Our restaurant employees aim to serve you the hottest, freshest food, served quickly and with a smile, like only McDonald’s can! It’s nice to receive your comments and know our efforts are appreciated.

Again, Mr. Dismukes, thanks for contacting McDonald’s. We look forward to serving you again soon under the Golden Arches.

Sincerely,

Sarah R Schupp

Customer Satisfaction Representative

Enclosed in the letter was a “Be Our Guest” card, entitling me to one large sandwich of my choosing. So, while the response was vague and in no way answered my concerns about the economy, I am touched by the generosity that was afforded me by the mega-behemoth that is McDonalds. And even though I did not receive a tee shirt (or a sandwich for my wife), I highly encourage you to go to your nearest McDonalds for lunch tomorrow to show your support for the company that went the extra mile to ‘give back’. Buy yourself a Big Mac or a chocolate milk shake. And while you’re there, tell ‘em that Ben sent you… and that he sends his regards to Sarah Schupp.

Response #1

Response #1 - from the folks at Wrigley (which apparently owns the Altoids brand, unbeknownst to me.)

Dear Mr. Dismukes,

Thank you for taking the time to reach out and request samples of Altoids® Ginger Mints. Altoids® Ginger Mints has been a very popular product and we appreciate your interest in it.

Unfortunately, because Wrigley receives many thousands of requests for samples from around the world, it's simply not possible for us to supply all of this free product and it wouldn't be fair for us to give to a few and not others. While we sincerely wish we could be more helpful, we won't be able to provide you with the samples that you requested.

If you have any additional questions or comments please feel free to contact us at 1-800-WRIGLEY Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Angela Brooks
Consumer Affairs Representative

Needless to say, I'm more than a bit disappointed in their response... which is why I chose to fight back. Apparently, this is not uncommon, seeing as how the email included a link to a website on which I could post a rebuttal... a 255 character rebuttal... but a rebuttal nonetheless:


Angela... seriously? That's it? That's all you can say? No sample pack? No coupon? Come on! I bet you dole out freebies to your family all the time. Who's gonna know I'm not family? Just this once... PLEASE!! Times are tough and my breath stinks!