An update to my earlier post here:
http://www.realtown.com/ryancave/blog/developments/bennigansclosing/

Many have asked me what they can do with their gift cards to Bennigan's and/or Steak & Ale. My suggestions: Use as a shoe horn, hole punch and make into a necklace charm, frame as a memento to corporate mismanagement, etc. Ok, so this may not be the answer you were looking for. Unfortunately, best I can tell, if you have a Gift Card for Bennigan's or Steak & Ale, they are probably worthless. Technically, I've heard that you are a creditor and could file a claim against their bankruptcy (I heard you could file a claim at www.uscourts.gov. That you could download the bankruptcy form and submit form B-10). However, you'd have to get in like with their other creditors and chances of you ever actually getting anything are slim to none (and the trouble probably isn't worth what you might recoup). This is further evidence why (in my opinion) gift cards are simply not good gifts... Even if the recipient LOVES the store/issuer, they may not get to use it. If a store files bankruptcy/closes, they're probably out of luck. Though this is rare, especially with "major" companies like the one that owns Bennigan's and Steak & Ale, this shows you that it can happen to any major corporation.

While we're on the topic, you might also want to be careful of "expiring" or "diminishing" gift cards. Many places issue gift cards that "expire" after a certain length of time (often after one year) or diminish in value as "maintenance fees" are changed every few months. I think this is horrible since the store already collected the cash (from when the card was purchased) and the company is collecting interest on the money until you use the card. A perfect example: a friend gave me a gift card to Harley Davidson in Allen Texas a few years ago (I think it was $50). I used part of it almost immediately (around $25), but when I returned the next time I wanted to use the balance, I was told that it had "expired" and wasn't worth anything. So, basically, they kept around $25 and never had to make good on it. I felt like they "stole" from me (or from my friend who had paid for and given me the card). But there it was in fine print on the back of the card... it expired one year from issue. This is why I don't give gift cards from Harley Davidson (or any other merchant that has gift cards that "expire" ). If you don't know what to buy me (my birthday was just this past week), just give me the universal gift card that never expires... cash.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com