Carl's Jr. Coupon Disaster

Take a look at how Carl's Jr. is handling a coupon accident. http://tinyurl.com/8wt7tv

Really? You are going to make me drive to your restaurant to get the burger I’m excited about winning so that I can read the makeshift sign on your door that pretty much tells me to prove I was at the game or leave. Yeah, I’m going to feel good about doing business with you in the future - NOT - No wonder some in the restaurant industry are struggling.

If I owned a Carl’s Jr. - First I would take down the sign and accept the coupon - I know that:
* The damage has been contained - no more coupons can be printed
* My food cost on that item is probably way less that $1
* Spending less than $1 to get a new guest in the door is cheap
* A large percentage of coupon holders will spend additional dollars - fries drink
etc.

Then - I would make every coupon holder my new best friend by giving them the best food and service that they have ever had - ever. I would encourage them to sign up for my email list - I might even tell them the next time they are in to ask for me and I'll buy their drinks. I would turn them into a customer for life and in so doing create tons of positive word of mouth as well dollars to the bottom line.