Kids Eat Free Recipe

Design a clear 11x17 promotional sign that states: “KIDS EAT FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée every Wednesday.” Include hours (e.g., 11:00 AM–9:00 PM), any age limit (e.g., ages 12 & under), and limits per adult (e.g., one free kids meal per paid adult entrée). Ensure legal/footnote text like “Dine-in only. No substitutions. Not valid with other offers.”

Create 6 tabletop tent cards that match the sign for placement at high-visibility tables, the host stand, and near the register.

Update the digital menu and website banner with the same promotion copy and an eye-catching image sized for web and mobile.

Prepare three social media posts (announcement, mid-week reminder, and day-of reminder). Include promotion details, eligibility rules, and an appetizing photo of the kids meal and adult entrée.

Program the POS so that when an adult entrée is rung in on Wednesdays, staff are prompted to add one free kids meal per adult entrée automatically or via a modifier. Set the kids item price to $0.00 and ensure tax/discount handling is correct.

Prepare a one-page staff instruction sheet that summarizes eligibility (day/time/age), POS steps to apply the free kids meal, how to handle takeout/delivery or ineligible combos, and common FAQs (e.g., extra sides/drinks are charged).

Hold a 15-minute pre-shift training on Wednesday before service to review the promotion flow, POS steps, and customer communication tips (e.g., politely confirming age and explaining limits).

Order Intake

When a guest orders an adult entrée on a Wednesday, staff should ask if they would like the complimentary kids meal and confirm the child’s choice of entrée, side, drink, and optional dessert. Confirm the child’s age if required by the policy.

Kitchen Ticketing

Ensure the ticket clearly marks the kids meal as comp (free) and lists chosen components. Prep the kids entrée according to standard recipes (grilled cheese: 2 slices bread, 1 tbsp butter, 2 slices cheddar, grill until golden; chicken tenders: 2 pieces, breaded and fried to 165°F; mini pizza: 6–8" dough, 1/4 cup sauce, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, bake until crust is golden).

Sides & Drinks

Portion selected sides (fries: 3–4 oz; carrot sticks: 1/2 cup; apple slices: 1/2 cup) and prepare drink (small 8–12 oz). Include any utensils, napkins, and a child-friendly cup or straw as appropriate.

Plating & Delivery

Arrange the kids meal on a kid-sized plate or divided tray. Add a small activity (optional) like a coloring sheet. Servers should deliver the adult entrée and the complimentary kids meal together when possible and note on the check that the kids meal is applied per the promotion.

Handling Extras & Substitutions

If parents request substitutions beyond the standard kids meal components (upgrades, extra sides, special sauces), note the additional charges and add them to the check. If a child requires allergen accommodations, follow allergy protocol and notify the kitchen; if accommodation cannot be safely made, politely decline the free item and offer alternatives at charge.

Only one free kids meal is allowed per qualifying paid adult entrée. If a table has multiple children and fewer adults, additional kids meals must be paid at regular kids menu price.

The promotion is intended for dine-in only. For takeout or delivery, decide local policy (recommended: offer the promotion only for dine-in) and ensure POS blocks the discount for ineligible order types.

At closing, reconcile comped kids meals in the daily sales report so management can track participation and cost.