Gift Card Bonus Promotions

Many eateries have promotions offering free stuff with the purchase of a gift card around the holidays. I generally don’t recommend gift cards since some come with restrictions and fees, and it binds the person to that specific place for purchases, compared to cash. If you are planning on getting a gift card anyway, or if you want to get a little bonus for yourself, I rounded up a bunch of the deals. Not all deals displayed an expiration date, and there are often stipulations on when and on what you can use bonus cards, so please review the fine print before purchasing. Also, many sites are poorly done in Flash, so I was not always able to link you directly to the deals, but did so wherever possible.

This list will continue to grow, so check back often.

Remembering Those We’ve Lost

The bad economy has affected us all, and it has hit the food service industry hard. There have been numerous closings in the area over the past year. I’ve compiled a list of places I know have closed in the past year.

  • Whataburger – University Blvd. Orlando, FL
  • Shane’s Rib Shack – Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL
  • Shane’s Rib Shack – Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL
  • All Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale Restaurants (2008). There is actually one Bennigan’s left on US-192, near I-4
  • T.G.I. Friday’s – E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL
  • Denny’s – E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL
  • Pizzeria Uno – E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL
  • Smokey Bones – Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL
  • Natural Chicken – Orange Ave. Orlando, FL
  • Quizno’s – Blake Blvd. Celebration, FL
  • Casselberry Kitchen – Casselberry, FL (via Damien McKenna)
  • Fazoli’s – E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL (via Paul J)
  • Fazoli’s – Babcock St. Melbourne, FL
  • Hu Hot Mongolian BBQ off of Sand Lake Rd (via Ryan Price)
  • BD’s Mongolian BBQ off of 434 in Mailtand (via Ryan Price)
  • American Pie Pizza Co. – Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL
  • Barney’s Steak and Seafood – E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL
  • Donato’s – All Central Florida locations (via Brian Ashe)
  • Krystal’s – Semoran Blvd. (between University and Aloma) Winter Park, FL
  • Uncle Jones on 436 in Altamonte Springs. (via Mark Branson)

If you know of one I missed, please let me know and I will add it to the list.