WHAT’S IN A DAME

Retailers itemize freebies, bargains

In the Monopoly game of life, maybe we just landed on the least desired space.

Income tax. Pay 10% or $200.

Or, maybe we just chose a charmed Community Chest card.

Income tax refund. Collect $20.

But today, April 15, we can all score Free Parking.

Or at least discounted froyo.

Several businesses have turned Tax Day into Treat Day, offering deals and steals we’ll detail below. We can’t help but notice our list seems shorter than previous years. Some that gave out freebies in past years, like Cinnabon, which passed out free Cinnabon Bites, are not participating this year. Explained Cinnabon to a customer on Facebook: “I’m so sorry to disappoint you, but we are not doing our tax day promotion this year.” No Bites? That bites! (Sure, we don’t have one in Little Rock, but we’re not above spending a fortune in gasoline to drive to, say, Jonesboro or Rogers for “free” sweets.)

Here’s are some of the various one-day bargains that we’ve come across. (Note: Not all locations might be participating. So call ahead.)

Arby’s: The last few years Arby’s has given away free Curly Fries to customers on April 15. While details and the coupon were not yet available on arbys.com or social media outlets as of press time, the restaurant did confirm on Facebook (facebook.com/ arbys): “Yes, we will be doing the promotion again this year. Please stay tuned with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.” We will. Free fries are no small potatoes.

Boston Market: Restaurants are offering two meals (half-chicken, two sides, cornbread) for $10.40 - like the 1040 tax form? Get it? Oh well, you can’t get it, there are no Boston Market locations - only their commercials - in Arkansas anyway.

Great American Cookies: The Facebook site (facebook.com/greatamericancookies) of the cookie retailer with locations in plenty of Arkansas shopping centers announces: “Incomes the sweetness! This Tax Day, we’re giving out one FREE chocolate chip cookie to every customer (limit one per person).” Ooh, wonder if one can claim dependents?

HydroMassage: Rubbed the wrong way by tax time? HydroMassage is offering free massages today through Friday at participating locations. A coupon is found at hydromassage.com/taxday where they stress - er, emphasize (after all, we’re talking about eliminating stress here) - appointments might be necessary and high-demand could limit treatment times.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: The serve-yourself yogurt chain (locations in Little Rock, Bryant and Hot Springs) will be offering a cup of yogurt and toppings for $4.15 - get it, Tax Day is 4/15? If you enjoy your toppings with a little yogurt, like we do, this could be a cool savings for sure. You might need a coupon, which should be found at facebook.com/orangeleafyogurt. All it said as of press time was “Tax Day offer available 4/15. Coming Spoon!”

Schlotzsky’s: “Here’s a Tax Return you’ll actually enjoy finishing” says the offer on Schlotzsky’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Schlotzskys) that requires no coupon. Buy a 32-ounce fountain drink and chips, receive a free small The Original sandwich(smoked ham, Genoa and cotto salamis, melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, black olives, red onion, lettuce, tomato, mustard and signature dressing). Served on sourdough, the sandwich will leave you with some sweet dough.

Sonic: In the past, the drive-in has offered half-price Tax Day drink specials (alas, none of them alcoholic). While a spokesman didn’t offer specifics about a promotion on Facebook (facebook.com/sonicdrivein), I did get this: “There just might be - keep an eye on our page” and a winky face.

It’s not too taxing to email: [email protected] What’s in a Dame is a weekly report from the woman ’hood.

Style, Pages 31 on 04/15/2014

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