Carl’s Jr., T.G.I. Friday’s use Mayan apocalypse as marketing

Some are approaching the looming Mayan apocalypse next week with trepidation and underground bunkers. The business community, however, is celebrating with Doomsday deals and marketing ploys.

On Dec. 21, the day pegged as the potential end of the world, restaurant chain T.G.I. Friday’s is hosting “Last Friday” celebrations in Miami, Chicago, Washington D.C., Orlando, Tampa and Los Angeles.

At the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Center, the company will offer customers 21 years old and up free access to photo booths, a dance floor and more. Proceeds from Mayan Margaritas and other food and drink will benefit the hunger relief charity Feeding America.

Earlier this week, Carl’s Jr. posted photos of its 12x12x12 burger, featuring a dozen patties, a dozen cheese slices and a dozen bacon strips, on its social media profiles. The monstrosity was created in the fast-food chain’s test kitchen.

“If it’s not the end of the world, then it’s definitely the end of your hunger. #burgergeddon #baconpocalypse #cheesetastrophe,” Carl’s Jr. wrote in a post its Facebook page. More than 21,000 people indicated that they liked the image.

Cypress tire company Toyo Tires is offering a Mayans sweepstakes, dangling a custom Jeep vehicle or a trip to the Yucatan as prizes.

“We believe the Earth was built to last, just like our new Open Country A/T II,” the company wrote of its all-country tires on its Facebook page.

Hotel Maya in Long Beach is throwing an End of the World party on Friday the 21st, with dancers, photo booths, free henna tattoos and a Bucket List raffle for skydiving vouchers, paddle-boarding lessons and sailing classes.

And when the final reckoning comes, many consumers plan to be poorly dressed. After all, Dec. 21 also doubles as National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.

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