BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- "Free free free." That's the magic word restaurants are using to lure customers.

Since Dennys Restaurants gave away free Grand Slam breakfasts during the Super Bowl, similar promotions have popped up everywhere, such as free coffee from Starbucks and buy one get one free deals from Jamba Juice.

On Tuesday Jack in the Box gave away tacos and Wednesday was Arby's turn to hand out free chicken club sandwiches.

But that's not all, free food is even popping up online, with restaurants like Mimi's cafe and Del Taco offering free food to people who sign up for club memberships.

The freebies seem to be paying off. Jack in the Box saw a 30 percent increase in customer traffic from Tuesday's Taco giveaway. As for Arby's, a local area supervisor trainee for the chain said customer traffic "has been increasing. I think the guests are coming in, getting something free from us and get to see our great service and come back. It's been helping a lot."

Arby's customer Gordon Wickersham said, "Well that's a good idea because it got me out but I'm one of Bakersfield's original cheapskates."

Wickersham's wife, Betty said "Besides, it's variety in your diet and anybody that'll cook for me I'm going to support."

Restaurants call the food freebie trend a win-win situation, saying free food offers bring in business and give back to the community struggling with the tough economy.