Latest Burger Toy: ‘Mini Red’

The Red Robin restaurant chain’s new mascot, “Mini Red,” appears to be the charitable type.

The chain, which has six locations in Orange County, is selling its new toy mascot for $1.99 with the purchase of a children’s meal and donating $1 from each sale to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County. The promotion comes at the same time that Burger King and McDonald’s are enjoying booming business with their respective Pokemon and Toy Story 2 merchandise giveaways.

Although kids meal toys are often free at fast food chains, Red Robin officials said they are selling the mascot to cover their costs and to give part of the proceeds to charity.

Mike Snyder, president and chief executive of Colorado-based Red Robin International, said more than 100 Red Robin restaurants are participating in the charitable effort. Big Brothers/Big Sisters strives to match school-age children from primarily single-parent families with volunteers who serve as role models and friends.

The toy sale runs through Dec. 31. Red Robin restaurants are in Brea, La Habra, Orange, Santa Ana, Stanton and Tustin.