Meow for 10% off restaurant sign

A local café put up a chalkboard that said: “If you can fit in ten meows when you order, we’ll take 10% off your bill.” It’s weird, funny, and totally irresistible.

Marketing analysis

This kind of silly promo works because it flips the script. Instead of begging people to buy, it invites them into a game. It’s not just a discount—it’s a story people want to tell. A chalkboard suddenly becomes a viral ad machine.

Why it works

• Pattern interrupt: Makes people stop, smile, and snap a photo.
• User participation: The customer performs the ad.
• Social currency: Doing something goofy earns likes.
• Low cost: Just chalk and creativity.

Examples

• Starbucks’ name “mistakes” fuel endless meme posts.
• Wendy’s Twitter burns attract millions of followers.
• Innocent Drinks’ quirky copy turns bottles into content.