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If you wanted to ensnare me, you wouldn’t need an elaborate ruse. Just leave a trail of free cupcakes (no matter how questionable), or have a person dance around in a giant cupcake costume, and curiosity will compel me to follow the trail.

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At least that’s what I learned about myself when a promotion for the new season of 2 Broke Girls took over midtown Manhattan on Monday. I was on my way to work and nearly missed my morning pitch meeting because I was so awestruck by the epic, yellow-and-red food truck and dancing, giant cupcake-people, all handing out free mini Sprinkles cupcakes and cups of coffee. Oh, and later in the day, they brought out a full-size Teacups ride bedecked in 2 Broke Girls gear. Because sometimes you need a lunch break that includes an amusement-park ride.

Come to #columbuscircle and ride them tea cups ladies #2brokegirls #cbs

A photo posted by Alvon Miller (@burnitdowngroup) on

It’s one of the crazy-awesome things about working near the tourist mecca that is Times Square: Several times a year, brands try to capitalize on all the foot traffic with a huge stunt, like hiring sky-writers to create X-Men logos in the sky (which was actually unnerving—strange planes marking X’s over select buildings in NYC?) or giving away bottles of the winning flavor of Snapple from the previous night’s episode of Celebrity Apprentice.

It’s a bizarre and fascinating place to work, for sure, though these little surprises (for the most part) make me smile. Plus, who can resist a free cupcake*?

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*As long as it’s from a reputable source—you know, like a TV show schilling for viewers—not some shady white, windowless van.

 

 

Author: candacebd

Candace Braun Davison is a writer, editor and recipe developer who divides her time between New York and Florida. She's written articles that have appeared in PureWow, Delish, House Beautiful, Cosmo, Elle, Esquire, Elle Decor, Veranda, Good Housekeeping and more. She's also published and contributed to multiple cookbooks, including a tailgate cookbook specifically designed for USF students. A portion of the proceeds benefitted student scholarships at the university.