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Chains offer freebies to penny-pinching customers

SAN DIEGO As gas prices hover at or near record highs, an increasing number of restaurants are trying to drive traffic by offering customers relief in the form of free drinks or food.

On June 26, the 2,100-unit Jack in the Box is giving away two tacos to any guest who presents a receipt for the purchase of gas. Terri Graham, the San Diego-based chain's chief marketing officer, said the giveaway "is our way of letting guests know that JackÕs got their back in these tough economic times."

Evos, a health-focused fast-casual chain, is doing a similar promotion at its four Florida stores from June 28 to July 1. Those units will give customers a free low-fat, organic milk shake when they bring in any receipt for a gas purchase over $25. Officials from the five-unit Evos, which is based in Tampa, Fla., said its store in Henderson, Nev., would offer a similar deal sometime next month.

Earlier this month, the 700-unit A&W All American Food gave guests a free root beer float in a one-day promotion designed to provide "sweet relief" to customers feeling the pinch at the pumps.

High gas prices are also behind the theme of Domino's latest contest. With more Americans expected to forgo road trips this summer, the 8,641-unit pizza chain is asking customers to describe how they plan on entertaining themselves at home. The person with the most creative "staycation" plan will be rewarded with a $1,000 worth of Domino's gift certificates.

"As gas prices keep rising, consumers are becoming more creative when it comes to ways to save money on everything from travel to dinner," said Patrick Doyle, president of Domino's USA.

On Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was around $4.07, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. A year ago this time, the average price for regular gas was about $2.98.

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