Citrus Heights Nation's Reminds It's Not Just For Burgers

CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) - Family-owned Nation's is known of course for its giant burgers, but the chain's Citrus Heights restaurant is hoping Tuesday's free breakfast will entice customers to see them as more than just a burger joint.

Some customers didn't need any convincing.

"These are receipts from every day since they opened, back in November," said Nation's fanatic Ted Blankenship, displaying an envelope full of receipts.

Others were first-timers.

"I've had a Nation's burger, not their breakfast before," said Citrus Heights resident Ann Rymsza.

But when you say free, they will all come.

"I'm here because Nation's has some of the greatest breakfast in the world … and it's free!" Sacramento resident Rachel Merriweather said.

Local, family-owned businesses have become a dying breed in this economy, so Nation's hopes its breakfast menu becomes a customer staple.

"Money is tight. The breakfast we are giving away free today is normally only $4.15," said Nation's Vice President Grant Power.

Power said much of the menu at Nation's comes right from California.

"Our produce is almost all from California," he said. "Our meat is from the Central Valley, the eggs as well."

And because they don't accept or allow tipping, "If you're going to tip at one of our competitors, you're adding another 15 percent on top of what you're already paying," he said.

The Citrus Heights Nation's gave away a few thousand dollars in food to about 200 customers on Tuesday, hoping it will make it up in repeat customers.