By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers
A public relations stunt by one of the nation's largest fast-food chains could expand circulation of $2 bills, a favorite of collectors and older Americans. Taco Bell tells Whispers that they plan to go public with a campaign tomorrow when they will pay for a full-page ad in USA Today to urge the government to print and circulate the little-used $2 bill.
The effort is part of the restaurant's bid to promote its new $2 meals. To build the effort, the firm has started a Facebook page to collect signatures on a petition. The $2 bill hasn't been in demand and production for years and accounts for less than 1 percent of all bills in circulation, said the firm. The last one was printed in 2006.
The company thought it would be a quirky way to promote the $2 bill and its new $2 menu. In an excerpt provided to Whispers, Taco Bell's USA Today ad reads: "This summer, more than ever, Americans are searching for value. Here's our solution. Cooler than a $5. Twice as powerful as a $1. And thanks to our new $2 Meal Deal, only at Taco Bell can Americans get three items for two bucks. Which is why we're writing to you today: Taco Bell is asking the Federal Reserve to circulate more $2 bills. As we head into the summer season, please help us better serve the American consumer by circulating more $2 bills. We'll be happy to discuss this in-person. We'll bring the Chicken Burrito, Doritos and Pepsi. You bring the Jefferson."
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