Upmarket Australian burger franchise Grill’d has apologized to customers for reneging on a 2 for 1 offer after competitor Nando’s promised to redeem Grill’d coupons.

In something reminiscent of the Quiznos free sub internet offer turned public relations disaster, coupons intended for print media only were being downloaded and presented at Grill’d locations.

As a small business, we didn't think our staff and local suppliers would be able to cope with such huge numbers of vouchers coming through and we didn't want to give you a bad Grill'd experience. But we should have bitten the bullet and given it our best shot.Simon Crowe Grill’s

Aggressive and often considered tacky competitor Nando’s saw an opportunity and took it;

Following Grill'd's decision to pull its latest university two-for-one promotion, Nando's has stepped up to the plate so to speak... Anyone who brings in a copy of the Grill'd voucher to any Nando's restaurant nationally will be able to buy any burger or wrap and receive one of equal or lesser value for free. Nando’s

It would seem highly unlikely that Grill’d would follow all of the Quiznos franchising examples although surely these embarrassing mistakes will begin to educate all fast food franchisors to think before they act especially when customers are going to be turned away. 

Customers can get very nasty when upset and over just a small culinary investment of a few dollars.     Think about it.

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Related Reading:

• Grill'd on the front burner
• Quiznos May Compensate Customers for Botched Free Subs