The start of school year brings extra expenses and stresses to families in August. Restaurant chains know this, and some are offering incentives such as discounts and bonus cards to keep customers coming in late summer.
Here are a few of the offers chains have announced on their websites or in news releases.
California Pizza Kitchen: The Orange County chain is offering half off a kids’ meal to dine-in customers with the purchase of an adult entree Monday through Friday through Sept. 30. cpk.com
P.F. Chang’s: Back-to-School bundles start around $20 per person and include choice of entree, soup or salad and appetizer. pfchangs.com
The Cheesecake Factory: Customers who purchase $50 in gift cards through Sept. 2 can get a free $10 bonus card to be used Sept. 3-30. thecheesecakefactory.com
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs: The sandwich shop with a stoner theme is throwing an end-of-summer party on Aug. 24. The first 200 guests will get a free “Cottonmouth Cures” cup entitling them to Kool-Aid for a year. Check your local restaurant for participation. chebahut.com
Fazoli’s: Pasta dishes such as spaghetti and fettuccine Alfredo are going for $4 at participating locations through Sept. 9. Online customers should use the code BACK4SCHOOL. fazolis.com
Marco’s Pizza: A new Margherita Magnifico Pizza, made with three cheeses, is available for a limited time starting at $10.99. Use the promo code MARGMAG. marcos.com
Popeyes: The chain is offering what it calls a Sunday Scaries Menu on Sundays only to combat the stress of going back to a fall routine. Items include chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, Cajun fries, a Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cup and the chain’s new Chocolate Chip Biscuits. It is also offering rewards members a free chicken sandwich with any $10 purchase on Sundays through Sept. 8. The deal is available on Popeyes’ app or online. popeyes.com
Panda Express: Guests who order $30 or more in gift cards Aug. 22-Sept. 8 will receive an $8 bonus card. https://www.pandaexpress.com/gift-cards
Starbird: On Family Meal Fridays, customers can get $5 off a meal that includes 12 tenders a pound of tots, two slaws and six house-made sauces. The discount is available online or through the chain’s app with the code family. starbirdchicken.com
