VALDOSTA — During the hard economic times, parents can take advantage of all the Kids Eat Free offers since more and more restaurants are adding these deals to their menus.

According to a story in USA Today, “Restaurant operators have reported customer traffic declines for a staggering 22 consecutive months, the National Restaurant Association reports. Families are staying home.

Visits from families with kids were down 5 percent for the year ended in June, NPD Group says.”

Moe’s has had the Kids Eat Free deal since 2005. Every Wednesday, after 4 p.m., kids can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. According to Mike Montgomery, manager, it has been pretty consistent and busy on Wednesdays throughout the years.

Most of the restaurants that have the Kids Eat Free deal usually require a purchase of an adult meal and the child must be 12 or under.

In addition to kids eating free, Atlanta Bread Company entertains the children as well. Every Thursday, from 4 p.m. until close, kids can participate in games, color sheets or watch TV, all organized by Rebecca George, the kids event coordinator. She said the kids have a circle area designed specifically for them, and when parents order a whole sandwich, half and half, or a whole salad, their children can eat free.

According to George, they have had that deal for a while as well, and it has also been busy during these nights.

Just about two months ago, Slap Daddy’s started a Family Night on Mondays after 5 p.m. and the kids get free meals. According to the owner Bob Braybrooks, kids don’t really care whether they eat for free or not, and that is why he spiced up the Family Night for the kids by adding some fun activities for them. For example, they have a clown called Hookey Pookey who makes balloon animals for them and a hamburger costume character that greets and welcomes everyone. The parents need to buy a combo in order to receive the free deal for their kids.

Restaurants are also benefiting from these deals. And if parents don’t watch out, they could end up spending more money while thinking that they are saving off their kids meals.

“Some parents get so giddy about free kids meals that they celebrate by buying desserts or drinks and spend more than if they had paid for the kids meals, says Barry Yow, whose Web site, MyKidsEatFree.com, is tracking the trend,” according to the USA Today article.

On Aug. 17 IHop also started a Kids Eat Free deal, which will last until Sept. 13. The IHop in Valdosta already has that deal as well. Every day, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. families get free meals with each adult entree purchase for their kids, who must be 12 or under, according to IHop.com.

Submarina California Subs in Valdosta had its own deal during the summer vacation. They were eating free all day every day, said Vicky Hedgecock. Now that school has started, kids can eat for a buck after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.



Area restaurants with special kids deals



• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 3200 N. Ashley St., Suite G, (229) 241-9464. Dine in only from 4-8 p.m., 12 years and under with each regular priced adult meal. Tuesday night.



• Captain D’s, 2914 N. Ashley St., (229) 247-8659. Thursday night.



• IHOP, 1821 W. Hill Ave., (229) 249-8444. For a limited time only, kids 12 and under get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal from 4-10 p.m.. Dine in only. Offer good through Sept. 13. Every night.



• Las Banderas Mexican Restaurant, 904 Baytree Road, (229) 245-9797. Kids 12 years and under each free with each regular priced adult meal, not valid with other offer or discounts. Wednesday and Sunday nights.



• Shoney’s, 1830 W. Hill Ave., (229) 247-1516. Kids under 4 eat free from the kids menu at participating locations. Every night.



• Slap Daddy’s, 914 Baytree Road, (229) 244-1966. After 5 p.m. Monday nights.



• Atlanta Bread Company, 914 Baytree Road, (229) 244-1966. After 4 p.m. Thursday nights.



• Moe’s, 1525 Baytree Road No. M, (229) 293-0663, and 3145 N. Ashley St., (229) 333-0649. After 4 p.m. Wednesday nights.



• Submarina California Subs, 104 E. Northside Drive, (229) 241-9948. After 4 p.m. every night.



To view deals in other areas, please visit the Web site MyKidsEatFree.com.



Note: Please call the restaurant to verify they are still offering the kids night special prior to visiting.