Plenty of us have done crazy things for free food before — but Chick-fil-A’s been encouraging it for almost two decades. The popular company knows how badly you’ll want a free chicken sandwich for lunch today, so they’re going to make you work for it. How? By dressing like a cow, of course.
Even though Chick-fil-A is a chicken chain, their cow mascots set them aside from all other fast food restaurants. The “Eat mor chikin” cows officially debuted in 1995 and took the place of the company’s original chicken mascot, reportedly named Doodles. No offense, Doodles — but the cows showed that the chain had a sense of humor.
And that’s probably why Chick-fil-A makes a point to honor them every year. Today marks their 15th Cow Appreciation Day, meaning that if you dress up like a cow, you get free food.
Now, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it to go out and buy a cow costume when it’s probably more expensive than the meal itself. Unless you already have one lying around, you can easily make one at home. Chick-fil-A stated that customers just needed to show up in “anything cow-like” to be eligible for the free entree. That means that black and white-spotted shirts, a cow mask, or maybe even a big bell around your neck would count.
Eligible customers can get a free entree. The only catch is that you can’t use your app to get it.
“Cow Appreciation Day is the one day of the year when it’s okay to dress udderly crazy in exchange for free food,” they wrote on their website. What’s not to love about it?
The promotion is happening almost all day. Customers can dress up like cows until 7 p.m. in order to participate.
Since Halloween is still a few months away, this is the perfect opportunity to have a little fun in a costume. And since it’s been going on for 15 years, obviously the company is quite proud of it. They even have their own shirts to celebrate.
According to Chick-fil-A’s stats, over 2,400 locations participate every year. In 2018, 1.95 million donned a cow costume for a free entree item.
Children are also encouraged to participate. Any child who comes in dressed up like a cow gets a free Kid’s Meal.
Still curious about what’s included on the list of entrees? You’re not alone.
For breakfast hours, you can get a free bagel, biscuit, or scramble bowl. Their delicious Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin is also included in the promotion.
Lunch and dinner items include their sandwiches, wraps, Chick-n-Strips, and nuggets. But, only the eight or 12-count.
So, really — it’s mostly anything that’s not a salad. But why get a salad when you can get a Cool Wrap? (Personally, I’m a fan, but Chick-fil-A seems to also suggest this yummy substitution.)
You may wonder why salads aren’t included. They feel like it’d be the best way to make the experience more efficient for their staff and customers.
Chick-fil-A is usually packed as-is on days they’re not giving out free food. So, you can imagine that Cow Appreciation Day will be quite busy at all locations.
At least the staff can be entertained by the multiple customers who come in dressed like cows. In fact, it may be one of their most fun days ever.
Free food and a fun DIY project? What’s not to love.
Let’s hope that Chick-fil-A keeps this tradition for years to come. It’s the perfect way to spend your lunch break.
