It was five degrees outside. Elderly men and women ranging from age 60 to 96 huddled over their walkers. The children were quiet, every once in a while a youngster would unzip their coat a little and ask mom, “How much longer do we have to wait?”

These people weren’t angry or anything, it was just too darn cold and some of their bodies were headed toward a permanent sleep mode. It wasn’t a line for jobs, soup, or a bed to sleep in, but a free “Grand Slam” breakfast from Denny’s. For all in attendance, the two sausage links, two bacon strips, two pancakes, and two eggs were well worth the wait.

This year’s Super Bowl was another chance to half-heartedly laugh at the best commercials America has to offer. However, when the third quarter rolled around, Denny’s Corp. aired a thirty second commercial that promised a free breakfast to even the most un-able bodied citizen. It left many choking on their miny-corndogs and yelling to rewind the TiVo.

The 30 second ad cost Denny’s three million dollars ($100,000 per second) and with food costs, they shelled out a total of five million for the eight hour giveaway taking place on Feb. 3, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. With 1,541 locations nationwide, an estimated two million people attended the event.

On any other day, a “Grand Slam” breakfast costs $5.99. According to AdAge.com, the meal costs Denny’s approximately $1.50 to make. With some, if not most customers buying a drink, the restaurant chain came close to breaking even.

The question is: Will this bring in more people to eat at a Denny’s location. For people like Mike Bird of Wausau, not much had changed except that by 1 p.m. his stomach was full. “There’s a reason I don’t drive out to Denny’s already,” he said. “ Cedar Creek is too damn far.” But with the promise of a free meal, people came from all over. Many ate at Denny’s for the first and quite possibly last time (barring another giveaway, that is).

Most Americans in search of an affordable breakfast will likely hold to their previous habits. With “restaurants” such as McDonalds and Burger King promising cheap and fast dining, the economically concerned individual will most definitely continue to choose low price over high(er) quality.

Although the free breakfast was originally a money making venture, Denny’s Corp. should be applauded for their service to a struggling nation. For most folks, it was more an act of charity than another “where’s the catch” deal. Funny may sell, but free always wins.