Introduction to the Promotion
AVONDALE — Friendship Chinese restaurant in Avondale is offering an unconventional promotion: free appetizers for life to anyone who gets a permanent tattoo of its logo. Alan Yuen, who owns Friendship, 2830 N. Milwaukee Ave., said the promotion “is a real thing” and two people have gotten tattooed so far.
The Tattoo Promotion
And you can even get the tattoo for free next door to the restaurant at Legacy Tattoo Chicago, 2828 N. Milwaukee Ave., through April 18. “If they’re hungry and they don’t want to pay for an appetizer, they can go get a tattoo — just walk over, then sit down and eat,” Yuen said with a laugh.
First Tattoo Recipient
Friendship employee Selin Ekinci was looking for a fun first tattoo — a design that told a story and could help her recall happy memories. When Yuen told her about the new promotion, Ekinci jumped at the chance to participate, she said. She became the first person to get the restaurant’s logo tattooed for free, choosing a red design on her ankle.
Selin Ekinci was the first person to get a Friendship Chinese tattoo. Credit: Provided
Benefits of the Promotion
As a Friendship employee, Ekinci does get some free food during work. But she plans to dine in at least once a week when off the clock and cash in on her tattoo’s perks. “I love the Chinese aesthetic, so it was my best chance at my first tattoo,” she said. “Free appetizers was the cherry on top. … The Angry Long Beans [starter] is my favorite dish of all time.”
Inspiration Behind the Promotion
Brian Clutter, who opened Legacy Tattoo in 2019, came up with the idea for the promotion. He was inspired by beloved hot dog joint Hot Doug’s long-standing policy of “free hot dogs for life” for customers who got inked with the restaurant’s logo. While Hot Doug’s closed in 2014, the idea stuck. “We hope that the people that want to get the tattoo would also want to come over and eat some of the restaurant’s other dishes,” Clutter said. “It’s motivation to come get more stuff.”
Local Business Support
Amid heavy construction along Milwaukee Avenue, local business owners are trying to get creative to remind people to keep shopping locally. Work recently picked up on the Logan Square portion of Milwaukee Avenue and wrapped up on the Avondale side near Friendship — more reason to bring back foot traffic, Yuen said. “January was surprisingly slower than [past] January times,” Yuen said. “Normally, it’s a really busy month, but this year is a little bit slower, I think because of the construction. I see dining is picking up a little bit with the weather and with social media.”
Promotion Details
The tattoos are free and can be done in red or black, but appointments at Legacy Tattoo are required. Friendship’s owners are keeping a list of who gets the tattoo, which will need to be shown before getting a free dish. Only one free appetizer will be given per visit, Yuen said. The free tattoo promotion at Legacy ends April 18. After that, people will still be able to get the tattoo, but for a flat price.
Conclusion
The promotion is a unique way for Friendship Chinese restaurant to attract customers and build a loyal following. With the free tattoo offer, customers can enjoy their favorite appetizers for life, while also supporting local businesses. The promotion has already gained attention, with Ekinci inspiring her friends to get the tattoo and thinking of other designs to add to her new artwork.
FAQs
Q: How can I get a free tattoo of Friendship Chinese restaurant’s logo?
A: You can get a free tattoo of Friendship Chinese restaurant’s logo at Legacy Tattoo Chicago, 2828 N. Milwaukee Ave., through April 18.
Q: What are the benefits of getting the tattoo?
A: You will receive free appetizers for life at Friendship Chinese restaurant.
Q: Can I get the tattoo in any color?
A: The tattoos can be done in red or black.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment to get the tattoo?
A: Yes, appointments at Legacy Tattoo are required.
Q: How many free appetizers can I get per visit?
A: Only one free appetizer will be given per visit.
Q: How can I contact Friendship Chinese restaurant to learn more about the promotion?
A: You can call Friendship at 773-227-0970 or direct message the owner on Instagram.
