Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken offers free mashed potatoes on National Mashed Potato Day

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken will give guests a free side of mashed potatoes and gravy on Oct. 18 at participating restaurants, with a $5 in-store purchase. The chain is also launching an Instagram giveaway with Idahoan Foods for 10 themed prize packs.

Why it matters: - Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is using National Mashed Potato Day to drive store traffic with a simple food offer tied to one of its signature sides. - The promotion also extends the brand’s partnership marketing with Idahoan Foods and adds a social giveaway to reach fans online.

What happened: - On Sunday, Oct. 18, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken will offer a free regular side of Famous Mashed Potatoes and gravy at participating restaurants. - The free side requires any $5 in-store purchase. - The promotion is tied to National Mashed Potato Day. - Lee’s is also running a one-day Instagram giveaway in partnership with Idahoan Foods.

The details: - The mashed potatoes are made with Idahoan potatoes. - Fans can enter the giveaway by commenting on the designated post on Lee’s Instagram page on Oct. 18. - The giveaway will award 10 exclusive chicken-and-potato-themed prize packs. - The prize packs include Lee’s merchandise and other surprises. - Lee’s directs customers to more information and its Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.

Between the lines: - The campaign leans on a familiar comfort-food pairing to spotlight a menu item that Lee’s says has been a guest favorite for 60 years. - The giveaway gives Lee’s a way to turn a one-day food deal into broader social engagement and brand visibility. - Dan Sokolik, vice president of marketing for Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, said National Mashed Potato Day is a chance to spotlight the side and give guests an extra reason to visit.

What's next: - Guests can redeem the free side only on Oct. 18 at participating restaurants. - Fans can enter the Instagram giveaway on Oct. 18 for a chance at one of the 10 prize packs. - Lee’s will continue promoting the offer and giveaway through its social channels and website.

The bottom line: - Lee’s is pairing a limited-time in-store giveaway with a social media contest to celebrate a food holiday and push its signature mashed potatoes and gravy.