Seekonk Diner Is Hiding Gift Cards Across the SouthCoast

The Hamilton Diner just might be the Fun 107 of diners.

Here at Fun 107, we have brainstorming meetings about how to give away things to people to make them happy.  Simple stuff.

You don't, however, often see small businesses pulling morning radio-like stunts similar to the ones we do here at Fun 107, but we've found one in Seekonk.

If you live in town, you are probably aware of the antics of The Hamilton Diner has pulled since they've taken over the spot two years ago.

A Local Diner Turning Kindness Into a Game

For the past couple of months, owner Thomas "Ari" Chikelesthels says the diner has been quietly hiding gift cards throughout the SouthCoast. Led by Ari's wife, Katie, what started as a low key idea has evolved into something bigger.

About a week or two ago, Katie helped shift things into a new gear. She began dressing up in a full egg costume and walking around local spots, handing out gift cards to the diner.

Then, a few days ago, Katie started posting pictures of the local spots where she's leaving the gift cards. Residents who recognized the locations could grab the gift cards, first come first served. It's like a real time scavenger hunt.

The gift cards range anywhere from five dollars up to one hundred dollars, which adds to the excitement. Some are found within minutes, while others spark a scramble of people trying to get there first.

The diner has already made drops in places like Bristol, Barrington, East Providence, and Cumberland, with plans to expand further into the SouthCoast.

More Than Marketing, This is About Community

While it may look like a clever marketing stunt, Ari says the idea goes deeper than that. The goal is to spread positivity and give back.

Sometimes the gift cards end up in the hands of someone who needs it. Other times, the person who finds it passes it along to someone else. The diner also offers kindness cards which can be used by customers who cannot afford a meal.

It is a simple concept that has created a ripple effect of generosity.