When I was eight months along with my first son, a reporter asked why I was parked in front of a Chick-fil-A for its grand opening in single-digit Colorado temps.
I answered, “Baby loves chicken!”
The real truth? “Mommy loves free food.”
Yes, You Really Can Get a Free Lunch
While camping out during your third trimester isn’t for everyone, restaurant grand openings are a fantastic chance to snag complimentary grub.
I’ve taken part in three Chick-fil-A campouts — each time finishing among the first 100 through the door. The payoff? A year’s worth of meals: 52 vouchers for meal deal #1.
More recently, my friend Jamie and I camped to collect 52 vouchers for a free bagel with “shmear” from Einstein Bros. Bagels and a medium coffee from Caribou. Other pals have walked away with a year of free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and a year’s supply of coffee from Scooter’s Coffee & Yogurt.
Many chains and neighborhood spots run promotions or giveaways at their openings, from a single donut to an entire free dinner. Managers want a large turnout on opening day — it’s great exposure, and local media might show up.
While there are likely lots of ways to discover restaurant openings where you live, these are the methods that work best for me:
Check Chain Websites for Nearby Openings
If you’re familiar with a chain that frequently hands out freebies for grand openings (like the ones mentioned), regularly browse their site for upcoming openings in your area.
Because freebies are often left to the manager’s discretion, a grand opening might or might not include promotions. I’ve also heard success stories at new Bob Evans, Panda Express, Dutch Bros Coffee and Chili’s locations.
Listen for Rumors About New Restaurants
If a new eatery is coming to town, chances are people are already talking.
When a friend says they’re finally putting in “(blank) restaurant,” it only takes a few minutes to check the company’s website or Facebook page to see if they’re offering incentives to get you there bright and early.
My friends once hyped up the local Trader Joe’s opening — I was up at 4 a.m. to wait in line for a free tote, lei and coffee.
Watch for New Construction Signs
At any given time in my city of Colorado Springs, something is being built.
When I stop at a light, I scan nearby lots to see what’s going up — then I go online later to find more information.
How to Actually Get Free Food at Grand Openings
I’ll give you a moment to check if your favorite restaurant has an upcoming grand opening. Found one? Excellent!
Here are some pointers to increase your chances of walking away with the freebie.
Arrive Early
If you adore Einstein Bros. and are willing to camp out for bagels, you can bet 500 other locals might feel the same way.
Note what time lining up is allowed and seriously think about showing up early.
Some chains, like Chick-fil-A, are so popular they run a lottery. If you’re there 24 hours ahead, you’ll usually be eligible for a raffle ticket to try for one of the first 100 spots.
At other openings, arriving an hour before doors open may suffice. If you’ve never camped out and aren’t sure when to show up, check the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Or Google “What time should I show up for a Buffalo Wild Wings opening” and read tips from seasoned campers.
Dress for the Conditions
Whether it’s 7 degrees or 107, the worst thing is to be stuck on pavement unprepared.
If it’s cold, bring hand warmers; if it’s hot, bring a frozen water bottle.
Bring Snacks
Some places hand out snacks while you wait, and others do not. Pack something to nibble so you don’t get “hangry.”
Bring a Tent
If you or your friend has a tent, bring it along.
As “fun” as lounging in a lawn chair or on the curb sounds, by hour eight you’ll wish you could lie down or escape the crowd for a bit.
Bring Something to Do
If you want to make the wait pay off, bring work or another way to earn while you wait.
Often the location’s Wi‑Fi is already working — why not take surveys, do freelance gigs, or list items on eBay?
Be Ready to Mingle
At campouts you’ll meet all kinds of interesting people who share the same obsession — free food.
Why not strike up a conversation and make a new connection while you wait?
Plan for Restroom Access
This will be just like that road trip in ’09 when your friend refused to stop so you could pee.
Remember the new restaurant isn’t open yet, so restroom access can be limited. You probably don’t want to end up having to use an alley behind a dumpster.
Your Turn: Where have you scored free food? Got any campout strategies to share?
Riley Carter is a radio producer who lives with a spouse, two boys and a puppy in Colorado Springs, CO. Riley loves getting the best deals and prefers thrifted clothes so they can indulge in the occasional pricey latte.
