A simple hug or dance move could send you walking away with a smile, a few extra bucks and a free meal — part of a unique campaign replacing money with lovin’ at McDonald’s.
The McDonald’s located on University Boulevard is participating in the “Pay with Lovin'” campaign, a new instant win game introduced during the Super Bowl.
In commercials played during the game, unsuspecting customers perform designated acts of love to receive a free order of McDonald’s. The spots depict happiness and love and genuine hugs, phone calls, and fist bumps accompanied with laughter, smiles, and cheerful music playing in the background.
Alexandra Sherrill, manager of the McDonald’s on University, says customers are chosen — at random — during specific times throughout the day. After the chosen customer orders, he or she is asked to perform an act of love in exchange for their order, which is free of monetary charge.
According to McDonald’s official rules, the act of lovin’ can range from calling a loved one to blowing a kiss.
“People are usually surprised and get really excited. One boy thanked me and told me he was going to put it on Facebook immediately!” says Sherrill.
At the beginning of the campaign, the University location served 15 to 16 free meals daily. As it comes to an end, the amount of free meals has gone to five or six.
Sean Sposato, an employee at McDonald’s, says during the first day of participation, a brother and sister were chosen and asked to tell someone that they loved them. He says they chose each other, and what started out as a joke turned into a genuine moment of love between the two.
“The sister started to tear up a little and they gave each other a big hug and kiss and it got kind of emotional. I think it made me realize people don’t generally tell people who they love that they love them and that moment was very special. It really does make people happy, I will say,” Sposato said.
The chance to Pay with Lovin’ will end at the University Boulevard location on Feb. 14.
