Apr 11, 2018

West Coast-Based Tech Company Selects Boston as First Expansion Market to Promote “Ride Rewarding” to Restaurants and Bars Combatting Disruptive Industry Forces April 11, 2018 07:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time BOSTON--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Freebird Rides, a new Uber-affiliated app, announces its arrival in Boston by partnering with more than 100 local bars and restaurants to offer customers cash rewards in return for their patronage via Uber. Freebird seamlessly connects with Uber and provides a platform to help restaurant and bar owners drive consumers to their establishments. Meanwhile, “freebirding” consumers get free Uber rides or cash rewards on food and drink purchases, while leaving their car at home and ensuring a safe and hassle-free night out. While the consequences of some delivery-oriented technologies, from online shopping to meal delivery services, have encouraged isolation among consumers, Freebird’s technology is helping small business owners in the bar and restaurant sector fill their establishments once again. The app encourages consumers to get out, network and socialize the original way, over a meal or a drink, rather than from behind a screen at home. Freebird Rides was founded by Kurt Brendlinger, who is the Company’s CEO and partner of Santa Monica Capital Partners, an entrepreneurial merchant bank. In addition to his track record of turning ideas into successful businesses, he is one of the senior advisors to production company 3 Ball Entertainment, whose hit series include The Biggest Loser (NBC) and Bar Rescue (Paramount Network). “Freebird Rides is actually a conduit to going out, discovering a new place with friends, getting there and back safely and earning cash rewards,” CEO and Founder Brendlinger says. “It’s a win for regular Uber users and a solution for businesses that benefit from a service that drives customers to their door.” Co-CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment, Todd A. Nelson, said, “As the creator and executive producer of Bar Rescue, and many other makeover shows featuring entrepreneurs, I’ve seen first-hand the struggle small business owners have to drive customers to their establishments and keep them coming back. New smartphone technology presents an even bigger challenge, so I am thrilled to be an investor in Freebird Rides, whose technology literally incentivizes patrons to go out rather than stay in, while helping keep them safe in the process.” Freebird Rides was tested successfully throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, CA in fall 2017, and for the last several weeks in Boston before its official launch today. Free to consumers, the app is a unique form of marketing for restaurants and bars because they only pay Freebird when someone pays a tab with a Freebird linked credit card. Freebird does not require businesses to sign a contract. Additionally, businesses can choose which days to offer rewards to Freebirders and can use it to promote targeted menu items on social media. “Giving VIP incentives to consumers that ride responsibly gives us the opportunity to defeat drunk driving,” commented Brendlinger. “We want to make it free and easy for consumers to be safe while enjoying a night out on the town. Freebird provides that solution. We are already thrilled by the initial response to the app by consumers and business owners alike.” Brendlinger was drawn to Boston as Freebird’s first launch market because of its tech-savvy and strong Uber population, coupled with the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene and notorious lack of parking. Brendlinger is familiar with the Boston market since both his daughters chose Boston for college. Freebird has already received significant support from industry partners. The app partnered with Guinness Beer offering Safe Rides home to consumers during the weeks before and after St. Patrick’s Day, a program Guinness extended because of its positive reception by consumers. Freebird is also partnering with Burke Distributing and Martignetti Companies, distributors of beer and wines and spirits respectively. These partners believe in the value that Freebird brings to Boston’s bar and restaurant community and are helping to spread the word. Download Freebird Rides at no cost from the App Store or visit www.freebirdrides.com About Freebird Rides Freebird Rides operates a national platform that provides consumers rewards and cash back whenever booking an Uber ride. Businesses (in particular bars and restaurants) use Freebird Rides to acquire customers by reimbursing an Uber ride up to a cap the business sets only for customers who dine and drink at the establishment. The consumer feels like a VIP, becomes a more loyal customer and can have worry free fun with no drinking and driving. Freebird Rides is currently available in Los Angeles & Orange County, California and Boston, MA with additional national markets being added in the months ahead.