Dining chain Outback Steakhouse, known for its Australian steaks, has just launched its "ReplaceMates" contest, aiming to address the common issue of last-minute cancellations of “flaky friends,” a frustration many of us are familiar with.
It’s like when you're all set for a night out with your bestie, only to receive that dreaded text canceling on you. Again.
Enter Outback's "ReplaceMates" contest, where you have the chance to win a dinner date with a paid method actor who will stand in for your unreliable friend on May 8, declared by the steakhouse as “Mate Day.”
🚨May 8 is Mate Day at Outback. And this year, flaky friends are getting replaced by #ReplaceMates. Tag your mate who is always too busy to make plans for a chance to have a method actor play them at dinner with you on May 8th (or take a $500 gift card instead). 😂🤷
— Outback Steakhouse (@Outback) April 22, 2024
Open… pic.twitter.com/WSTDihELYo
The social media contest is launched with a 36-second ad that shows Jane having dinner with a method actor playing her bestie Tess.
The humorous spot shows the actress struggling to remember the names of her own kids, not yet fully in character.
The spot ends with the message, “If your mate can’t meet you on Mate Day, enter for a chance to win a Mate Day dinner with an actor playing your busy mate.”
What’s in Store for the Winners
Customers in the U.S. (aged 21 and older) can participate by tagging their flakiest friend on Outback's social media channels from April 22 to 25.
The grand prize winner will have the choice of enjoying dinner worth about $1,500 with a “ReplaceMate” on May 8, or a $500 e-gift card.
On top of the grand prize, Outback will also be giving away $100 e-gift cards each to 10 first-prize winners and $50 e-gift cards to 20 second-prize winners.
Additionally, on Mate's Day, Outback Steakhouse will treat customers to a limited-edition commemorative pin that captures the joy of friendship.
The pin, featuring a koala and a kangaroo shaking hands, is a fun way to celebrate the good times and bonds we share with our reliable friends.
If you want to create a humorous yet heartwarming campaign like “ReplaceMates,” check out our curated list of social media marketing agencies.
