Black Friday is maybe best summarized by the infinity loop of terror and aggravation that is the plot (and viewing experience) of the 1996 film Jingle All the Way.
To ease the stress and frustration that accompanies leaving the house on Friday, November 23, Gut Check has corralled a list of restaurants and businesses in St. Louis offering food discounts and freebies on Black Friday.
Or at least, a list of foodstuffs specials to offer reprieve between shopping trips.
Frida's Deli Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly Frida's Deli will be offering a variety of food discounts throughout the day, while supplies last. From 8 to 10 a.m. the shop offers $1 toasted bagel with cream cheese (regular or vegan) and $2 fresh orange juice (12 ounce). From 10 a.m. to Noon it offers 50 cent house-made ginger-lemon soda (12 ounce). From 2 to 7 p.m. it offers $5 gluten-free cheese pizzas (Add veggies for 50 cents each) and from 5 to 7 p.m. it offers 50 percent off kale chips with the purchase of a sandwich or a free cup of soup with the purchase of two sandwiches.
Local Harvest Cafe & Catering Local Harvest's Tower Grove and Downtown locations will host a Black Friday Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to its Facebook page guests can expect: "Special menus, good times, hot chocolate, booze... Worried about crowds at Tower Grove? Hit us up at the Old Post Office - 80 seats there (and cocktails.)"
Sams's Club If you're a Sam's Club member, snag a complimentary cup of Starbucks "Holiday Blend" coffee and a pastry at Sam's Club on Black Friday. The big-box store opens at 7 a.m.
7-Eleven In case one free cup of caffeine doesn't suffice, 7-Eleven convenience stores are offering a free coffee with the purchase of a Red Bull energy drink.
Dunkin Donuts Between 6 a.m. to Noon Dunkin Donuts is offering a deal to Twitter users. Tweet @DunkinDonuts the answer to the question, "How do Dunkin' K-Cup Packs keep you running through the busiest time of the year," and include the hashtag #DDKCUPS for a chance to win a Keurig coffee brewer and two Dunkin' K-Cup Packs.
Sonic Drive-In To better serve early-morning shoppers Sonic Drive-In restaurants are opening at 6 a.m. on Black Friday and are offering half-price breakfast burritos all day.
Reb Lobster Venture to a Red Lobster location on Black Friday and buy one Maine Stay entree, get a second free with a coupon available via the chain's Facebook page. This one pays for itself in three simple words: Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Macaroni Grill Use this coupon courtesy of Macaroni Grill's website for a buy one entree, get one free deal that begins on Black Friday and runs till Sunday, November 25.
California Pizza Kitchen Fans of California Pizza Kitchen really cash out on Black Friday. The pizza chain is promoting a deal where buying $100 in gift cards gets you two free $20 rewards cards. So it's actually like you're spending $60 for $100. The catch is that the reward cards must be used between January 7, 2013 to March 3, 2013.
