It’s great that several restaurant chains have offered free or heavily discounted menu items during this economically challenging year.  What a break for me and so many others who wanted good food on the cheap.  So last week when a friend emailed a Boston Market coupon (a meal for $1.00) I jumped on it. 

Middle of the week when I pulled through drive-up I was told they were out of one meat item, I gladly accepted what they had and was on my way.  So thrilled was I to get a healthy, hot meal (I like Boston Market) for a buck, I went back two days later, way before the promo ended.  This time the line of people snaked through the lobby and into the dining area; I saw old friends and made new ones. 

When I was ready to order, the lady behind the counter announced, “we’re out of chicken, you can have meatloaf or turkey!”  “But my coupon is for a quarter chicken or three pieces”, I mumbled.  “Ma’am this is all we have, we didn’t expect so many people.”  No worries, I had a taste for meatloaf anyway.

While I was enjoying my meal I couldn’t help but wonder what the planning meetings at the Boston Market corporate offices looked like.  Had they not studied and analyzed the Denny’s Grand Slam freebies much earlier in the year?  Had they missed the mangled parking lots at every KFC in the country this summer with the new grilled chicken launch?  I’m just saying, maybe they could have planned a little better.  And yes, I know unforeseen variables can wreak havoc on the best laid plans, but to be completely out of the item your promoting with three days left makes you raise an eyebrow. 

It reminded me to have a plan for the unexpected… with my business and my personal finances. 

What’s your plan for the unexpected?