A coyote walks into a Quiznos ...

The Quiznos restaurant chain took full advantage of a unique marketing opportunity when it issued a playful, tongue-in-cheek response after a wild coyote wandered into one of its shops in Chicago's busy Loop area on Tuesday.

After the unusual event, the company quickly issued a press release quoting Steve Provost, Quiznos' Executive Vice President/Corporate Marketing Officer, as saying: "We've certainly been looking to expand our customer base and appeal to different demographics, and it appears that we have hit a chord with the animal kingdom. This has never happened before; we can only think that [the coyote] must have been attracted to our new Prime Rib on Garlic Bread and its above-average portions of meat. One thing is for sure, this coyote clearly has excellent taste."

The coyote walked right into the restaurant through the front door--which was evidently propped open due to unseasonably warm weather--causing startled customers to scatter. It tried to jump over the counter, but when it couldn't make the leap, it plopped down in the beverage cooler. The animal lingered for about 40 minutes, as dozens of rubber-necking pedestrians poked their heads in to see what the rumpus was all about--some of whom snapped pics of the puzzled mammal with their cell phones.

Eventually, officers from Chicago Animal Care and Control arrived and escorted the coyote safely away. Animal Control staff even gave the coyote a name--Adrian. The staff deduced that Adrian is a male, and approximately a year-and-a-half old--which is about the age when coyotes leave their families to find their own way in the wild.

Quiznos' media response wasn't all shtick. The statement also scored some points among animal lovers--and touched on the ongoing environmental crisis of commercial and residential development wiping out animal habitats.

"We will support the safety for Adrian and any other members of the wild animal kingdom who face severe challenges and unknown urban obstacles to find their way to Quiznos restaurants," said Provost. "We are pleased to donate $1,000 to Chicago Animal Care and Control, where Adrian currently resides."

This morning, Adrian will be transported to the Flint Creek Wildlife Refuge near Barrington, Ill. The refuge is a rambling, fenced-in area where stray urban coyotes are allowed to roam--and in any case is a much safer home than the mean streets of Chicago. Quiznos announced it was even giving Adrian a farewell present--a Prime Rib on Garlic Bread sub "to go"--adding that it was the sandwich that the coyote had "traveled far and wide for." The chain also closed the store to sanitize it before reopening.

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