New App Lets Kids Eat Free At Over 300 Sydney and Melbourne Restaurants

Taking the kids out for a meal is no easy feat. It requires lots of planning, meticulous timing, and worst of all, lots of money. This new Aussie app aims to take the edge of your dining experience by allowing kids to eat free at hundreds of cafes and restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne.

FreeFoodSaturday (FFS) is the brainchild of Sydney dad Phil Goodman who became fed up with paying through the roof for a dining experience with his kids that often left a bad taste in his mouth.

"FreeFoodSaturday is here to disrupt the market, in the same way that Uber has done to taxis. I want to make it easier for parents to go out and enjoy a meal, and best of all take the heat off paying the bill," says Phil. 

Launching on April 31, 2019, the app gives users a choice of over 300 restaurants - from high end to fast food chains - and as long as an accompanying adult is purchasing a meal, the kids will eat for free on Saturdays (day and night). That's right, for free. 

Where Can They Eat For Free?

So far over 300 venues have signed up to be part of FFS. Family favourites like Beach Burritto, Fratelli Fresh, Guzman y Gomez, PappaRich, Kids Shake Shack, Jamie's Italian, Kiddy Burgz, Hungry Jacks, Betty's Burgers and Gourmet Pizza Kitchen are all offering free kids meals on Saturdays.

But you can also find fancy places like Tim Ho Wan, the Newport Arms, the Boathouse, Din Tai Fung, The Sneaky Possum and the Quick Brown Rabbit for your next feed. The app allows you to search by location and so far (Phil gave us an exclusive look!) we've found one venue in pretty much every area of Sydney and Melbourne. 

The app has been in development for over 2 years now because Phil wanted to make sure restaurants would come on board in support of the initiative.

"Most families I know aren't taking their kids to restaurants anymore because of the expense. Kids meals aren't that cheap - and even when they are - you often feel ripped off when your kid throws it on the floor anyway," says Phil.

"Then there's the feeling of embarrassment and regret because restaurant owners just don't make you feel welcome in their venues when you bring your kids.

"I hear that more and more people are ordering UberEats and staying at home to save them the trouble - and the judgement," he adds.

Free Meals Will Rescue The Restaurant Industry 

Phil managed to convince so many restaurants to join the app because he believes it's win-win for parents and for hospitality.

"Parents are more likely to take their kids to new restaurants if they don't have to pay for kids meals. Kids are being exposed to new foods and are more likely to have a good time if their parents are relaxed. Restaurants are struggling to fill seats these days anyway - I truly believe that FFS will help the hospitality industry."

FFS, which is free to download, is still in beta phase but we expect a flurry of new users at the end of the month! 

*You may have noticed that April 31 doesn't exisit. That's because the app doesn't exist either. April Fools! 

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