Macayos Anniversary Promotions And Birthday Freebies Chimichanga Challenges And Meal Deals

Macayo's Mexican Food, a well-established restaurant chain in Arizona with over 78 years of history, offers various promotional deals and freebies throughout the year, particularly around anniversaries and special occasions. The chain, which invented the chimichanga back in 1946, provides customers with numerous opportunities to enjoy free meals, special pricing, and unique challenges. This article explores the various anniversary promotions, birthday freebies, and special offers available at Macayo's locations across the valley.

Anniversary Celebrations

Macayo's regularly celebrates its anniversaries with special promotions that showcase the brand's history and commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine. For its 78th anniversary and National Chimichanga Day, the restaurant chain offered several specials at locations around the valley. These included BOGO (Buy One, Get One) chimichangas with the purchase of two beverages, plus the option to add sides of rice, beans, guacamole, or Macayo's famous Baja sauce for just $0.78 each. Additionally, customers could enjoy samples of Dox XX and Don Julio tequila, participate in face painting, pinata smashing, and receive Macayo's giveaways.

The restaurant also celebrated its 79th anniversary with special offers on September 26th. This included a $7.90 Corazon Margarita served on the rocks or frozen, available for dine-in only. Another promotion offered Buy One, Get One Free on a la carte chimichangas (shredded beef or shredded chicken) with the purchase of two beverages, also available for dine-in only. Customers could also add sides of Mexican rice or refried beans for $0.79.

Macayo's has a rich history that includes holding the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chimichanga. In 2021, during their 75th anniversary, they attempted this world record, which required building a custom 30-foot deep fryer from handwritten drawings and coordinating 30+ people for the attempt. This dedication to their signature dish demonstrates the brand's commitment to celebrating its culinary heritage.

Chimichanga Challenges

One of the most notable promotions at Macayo's is the five-pound chimichanga challenge, which has become a permanent offering at select locations around the valley. This challenge costs $30 and is not listed on the regular menu, making it a special treat for adventurous eaters. To complete the challenge, participants must eat the entire five-pound chimichanga in less than 20 minutes. Those who succeed receive free Macayo's meals for one year, which breaks down to one free meal per month for a total of 12 meals.

The five-pound chimichanga is a massive creation, consisting of three 13-inch tortillas (compared to the single 13-inch tortilla used for regular chimichangas). It is stuffed with 40 ounces of protein (shredded beef, shredded chicken, or carnitas) mixed with Mexican rice and refried beans. The chimichanga is deep-fried and topped with red enchilada sauce, Macayo's Baja sauce, fire-roasted tomatillo sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, mixed cheese, and Jack cheese.

According to reports, only one person has successfully completed the challenge in Ahwatukee, finishing the chimichanga in 10 minutes. The challenge includes a timer set for 20 minutes, and participants are served by clapping waitstaff who create an exciting atmosphere. If a participant does not complete the challenge within the time limit, they must pay for the chimichanga. This rule emphasizes that the challenge is meant to be attempted by serious eaters who believe they can finish the massive portion.

Participants often bring "eating teams" to support them during the challenge. One account mentioned a participant bringing his 100-pound wife and six-year-old daughter as his support team. While the team doesn't help with eating, they provide moral support and can help document the attempt. The chimichanga is delivered to the table with much fanfare, including clapping waitstaff and plenty of smiles, creating an exciting dining experience even for those not attempting the challenge.

Weekly Specials

Macayo's offers weekly specials that rotate throughout the week, providing customers with consistent opportunities to enjoy discounted meals and drinks. These specials are designed to reward regular customers and attract new visitors with different promotions each day.

• Margarita Monday: Every Monday, customers can purchase margarita mugs for $7.90 with refills available for $0.79. This offer is available for dine-in only, with a limit of two mugs per guest at the discounted price. This popular promotion allows customers to enjoy their favorite cocktails at a reduced price while socializing with friends and family.

• Taco Tuesday: Every Tuesday, crispy tacos with either shredded beef or shredded chicken are available for $3 each. This offer is available for dine-in or Macayo Takeout, but not through any third-party delivery services. The Tuesday special provides an affordable option for those craving tacos, a staple of Mexican cuisine.

• Kids Wednesday: Every Wednesday, children 12 years and younger receive a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer is available for dine-in only, with a maximum of two free kids meals per adult entree. This family-friendly promotion makes dining out more affordable for families with children.

• Triple Point Thursday: Every Thursday, Rita Rewards members earn triple points on their purchases. This offer is available for dine-in or Macayo Takeout. The loyalty program rewards frequent customers with points that can be redeemed for future purchases, encouraging repeat business.

In addition to these weekly specials, many Macayo's locations offer happy hour pricing. For example, the Avondale location has happy hours daily from 2PM to 6PM, plus 8PM to close, available for dine-in guests only. These extended happy hours provide additional opportunities for customers to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers.

Holiday Specials

Macayo's also offers special promotions during holidays and themed events, celebrating cultural moments and providing additional value to customers during these times.

• Cinco de Mayo: On May 5th, Macayo's offers an 'A La Carte Macayo Chimi' for $10, with the option to add sides of guacamole, rice, and beans for just $0.78 (available for dine-in or takeout). Drink specials include $3 Dos XX Ambar or Lager (bottles or drafts), $4 Fireball shots, $7 Dos XX plus a shot of Fireball or Gran Centenario Plata, and $8 Cinco Margarita with Gran Centenario Plata. These specials make Cinco de Mayo an affordable and festive celebration for customers.

• Christmas in July: From July 10th to July 31st, Macayo's offers a $10 discount on every $50 Macayo gift card, effectively giving customers $40 worth of value for $50. This promotion provides an opportunity for customers to purchase discounted gift cards for themselves or others, making it a practical holiday-themed deal.

• National Tequila Day: On July 24th, Macayo's introduced new margarita mugs as part of their celebration. This promotion highlights the restaurant's commitment to quality tequila and margaritas, which are central to their menu.

Location-Specific Offers

Macayo's has multiple locations across Arizona, each offering the same core menu but with some location-specific promotions and hours. The Avondale location, which joined the brand family as its 12th member in January 2024, provides additional insights into how the chain expands while maintaining consistency.

Located at 10220 W. McDowell Rd., the Avondale location offers the authentic Macayo's Mexican food dishes that are both traditional and modern, serving the Avondale community and surrounding residents. The restaurant operates with hours from Sunday to Thursday, 11AM to 9PM, and Friday & Saturday, 11AM to 10PM. This extended weekend hours schedule accommodates both local residents and visitors looking for Mexican cuisine.

The Avondale location also participates in the weekly specials mentioned above but has its own happy hour hours: daily from 2PM to 6PM, plus 8PM to close, available for dine-in guests only. These extended happy hours provide additional opportunities for customers to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers.

The general manager and assistant manager at the Avondale location, Shane Weismann and Isabel Medina, are responsible for implementing these promotions and ensuring customers have a positive experience. They are also the ones who explain the rules for the five-pound chimichanga challenge to interested participants.

Gift Card Promotions

Macayo's regularly offers promotions on their gift cards, providing customers with additional value. The "Christmas in July" promotion, which runs from July 10th to July 31st, offers a $10 discount on every $50 Macayo gift card, effectively giving customers $40 worth of value for $50. This promotion provides an opportunity for customers to purchase discounted gift cards for themselves or others, making it a practical holiday-themed deal.

Loyalty Program

Macayo's offers a loyalty program called Rita Rewards, which provides members with exclusive benefits. On Thursdays, Rita Rewards members earn triple points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for future meals. This incentivizes repeat business and rewards loyal customers with additional value.

The loyalty program is available for both dine-in and takeout orders, making it convenient for regular customers regardless of how they choose to enjoy their meals. By offering triple points on a specific day of the week, Macayo's encourages members to visit on Thursdays, potentially increasing traffic on what might otherwise be a slower day.

Kids-Friendly Offerings

Macayo's recognizes the importance of family dining and offers several promotions specifically designed for families. On Wednesdays, children 12 years and younger receive a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer is available for dine-in only, with a maximum of two free kids meals per adult entree. This family-friendly promotion makes dining out more affordable for families with children.

Additionally, the restaurant offers a kids menu with various options that appeal to younger diners. The availability of free kids meals on Wednesdays provides families with an affordable option for dining out during the week, making it easier for parents to treat their children without breaking the budget.

Conclusion

Macayo's Mexican Food offers a variety of anniversary promotions, birthday freebies, and special challenges throughout the year. From the five-pound chimichanga challenge that can win customers free meals for a year to weekly specials and holiday-themed promotions, there are numerous opportunities for customers to enjoy discounted or free meals. The restaurant chain continues to celebrate its history, including holding the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chimichanga, and offers these promotions to thank customers for their loyalty.

The combination of consistent weekly specials, holiday-themed promotions, and unique challenges like the five-pound chimichanga creates a dynamic dining experience that appeals to a wide range of customers. Whether customers are looking for affordable family meals, discounted drinks during happy hour, or an adventurous eating challenge, Macayo's has something to offer.

As the chain continues to expand, with new locations like the Avondale restaurant joining the family, it maintains consistency in its offerings while adapting to the needs of local communities. This balance of tradition and innovation has helped Macayo's remain a popular destination for authentic Mexican food in Arizona for over 78 years.

Sources

1. Phoenix New Times - Macayo's Five-Pound Chimichanga Challenge
2. Local Wine Events - Macayo's 78th Anniversary and National Chimichanga Day
3. ABC15 - Cinco de Mayo Specials
4. Macayo's - Avondale Location
5. Macayo's - Word from the Bird
6. Macayo's - 79th Anniversary Celebration