Why are things that are (Free) are not free ?

Like Steak & Shake’s latest promo… kids eat free on weekends.

No. No, they don’t.

One kid gets a free entrée when an adult spends $9. You know what the most expensive meal deal is there? Double burger, 2 sides, and a milkshake: for $7.99! You can’t even get to $9.

Frickin’ rip offs suck.

@Robmandu: Then, technically, nothing that’s “Buy One Get One Free” is free, nor is “Free Shipping” really free (since you have to buy the product that’s being shipped).

The best thing in life are free.

@laureth, I get that.

But the gigantic banner on the outside of the restaurant says “Kids eat free weekends!”

It’s pretty clear. And it’s not an unusual offer, as many eateries make the same (legitimate) offer. At S&S, it’s a bit of a bait & switch, though… since they don’t spring the conditions on you until you’re already in the door.

BTW, did I mention that the “kids eat free” does not include a side item (like french fries) or even a drink?

The gigantic banner
A) probably has fine print explaining the promotion
B) is not technically a lie – some kids are in fact eating free. The banner does not say “ALL kids eat free” nor does it say “Kids eat EVERYTHING free”. Give two individual kids a pair of ice cubes to munch on, and the banner is accurate. Misleading, but accurate.