PANAMA CITY — When co-workers Anthony Perea and Ashley Hewett walked into the McDonald’s on North Cove Boulevard on Monday, they had no idea they’d be dancing for their lunch.
Perea and Hewett, employees at Hewett Tire & Auto Center, were two of about 40 customers who were asked to “Pay with Lovin’,” part of the fast-food chain’s new advertising campaign that premiered Sunday during the Super Bowl.
“I felt like we were walking into a trap, but it was a fantastic trap. ... I’d walk into that trap any day,” Perea said. “It’s nice to have a happy moment in the middle of the day.”
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Every day through Feb. 14, McDonald’s employees will be randomly choosing customers to “Pay with Lovin’,” which could require anything from calling a loved one to giving a high five.
Tracy Johnstone, the owner of Johnstone Foods McDonald’s, which operates the location across from the Panama City Mall, described the restaurant’s atmosphere Monday as “electric.” Johnstone Foods also operates three other McDonald’s restaurants in the Bay County area, each of which will be participating in the promotion.
“We’ve had group hugs, high-fives; we’ve had a little dancing going on,” Johnstone said. “It’s just whatever the love currency is for that customer. It has been phenomenal.”
Johnstone said although the restaurant has specified timeframes for the Pay With Lovin’ promotion, discretion about who to choose is left to the cashiers.
“We’ve coached them, but it’s at their discretion,” Johnstone said. “It’s just been really surprising that people are being so open with their displays of affection.”