• April 1, 2009

Tim Hortons is the latest fast-food chain to offer a free food item - albeit in significantly more controlled fashion than the recent Quiznos free sub giveaway that left some consumers miffed at being unable to redeem coupons at some locations.

The Hortons offer -- one free BBQ- or ranch-flavored Chicken Wrap Snacker -- was extended only on Wednesday, and only between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The promotion aimed to increase awareness of Wrap Snackers, which come in five varieties, have under 200 calories and normally sell for $1.59. As of 2008, the publicly traded Hortons chain had 3,437 restaurant locations, including 520 in the U.S. and 2,917 in Canada. --Karlene Lukovitz