• by Nina Lentini  @Nina_Lentini, June 25, 2008

All day Thursday, Jack in the Box will offer customers two free tacos when they present a receipt for the purchase of gasoline.

In a news release distributed on Tuesday, the San Diego-based quick-serve restaurant said the giveaway, promoted as a balm against high gas prices, would begin at midnight and end at 11:59 p.m. The offer is limited to one order per guest with no purchase necessary.

"The rising price of fuel is really putting the pinch on consumers," said SVP/CMO Terri Graham in the statement. "Giving away free tacos is our way of letting guests know that Jack's got their back in these tough economic times."

A 30-second TV ad, created by AOR Secret Weapon, began airing last week, while a 15-second ad is running at gas station pumps.

Also, a special Web site, 2freetacosday.com, provides details as well as an interview with "Jack." There, a short video features a person dressed in suit and tie with an enormous "jack in the box"-looking head explaining the offer and ending with, "Viva la taco!" There is also a link to an "exclusive" interview with Jack posted on an Orange County Register blog.

There are more than 2,100 Jack in the Box restaurants in 18 states.