A chain restaurant that's preparing to open in the St. Louis Galleria is contacting local food bloggers and social-media types this week with an offer: Mention the restaurant on Twitter and Facebook in exchange for free food and other perks.

BlackFinn American Grille, a Charlotte, N.C.,-based chain, is planning to open a 9,500-square-foot restaurant this spring in the former Mark Shale space at the mall. An anticipated September 2011 opening was delayed.

In emails obtained by the Post-Dispatch (a full copy is below), a BlackFinn representative is asking bloggers to sign up as "Social Ambassadors" for the restaurant.

The ambassadors are being asked to provide one Facebook and one Twitter post a week about BlackFinn as well as one interaction a week on the restaurant's Facebook page or Twitter account.  

In exchange for their shilling, the ambassadors will receive BlackFinn perks, including: a $25 gift card, five free appetizers or free flatbreads, invitations to a VIP preview event and grand opening, and the "option to host a party after we open."

Several local bloggers say they have turned down the offer.

"I was so turned off by this email, I doubt I'll be dining at this establishment," says Maddie Marshall, who writes about food and other topics at her City In a Jar blog. "We've been contacted before by local eateries, but nothing like this. Stuck out like a sore thumb."

Stephanie Shepard, who runs the blog Off the Eaten Path, says she said no to BlackFinn.

"Honestly, the idea gives me an uncomfortable feeling," says Shepard, who points out that she posts a disclaimer whenever she has received free food, for the sake of transparency. "I am not the type of blogger that will post positive reviews for money (or) perks, and that's what the BlackFinn offer feels like to me."

Attempts to contact BlackFinn social media consultant Stephen Traversie, who has been sending the tweets-for-benefits offers, and the chain's regional spokesman were unsuccessful Friday.

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Copy of email from BlackFinn to St. Louis bloggers:

"Hey, my name is Stephen and I work with BlackFinn American Grille that is coming to the St. Louis Galleria Mall this Spring. We are currently in the process of seeking out potential Social Ambassadors to assist us in creating awareness around the community for are [sic] opening. Below is what we would ask from a Social Ambassador as well as what we would provide you for helping. If you are interested in being a Social Ambassador for us please email me back or you can give me a call at either of the numbers below. We are very excited about our opening and our Social Ambassador Program! Below is the basic information about this, we would provide you with a tour of the venue prior to opening, more info about us as a company and weekly emails/updates to assist you with what to post and how we are coming along.

Social Ambassador Provides:

• 1 Facebook post a week pertaining to BlackFinn

• 1 Twitter post a week pertaining to BlackFinn

• 1 Interactive post a week with BlackFinn, either commenting on a Facebook post or retweeting a post with a comment

BlackFinn Provides:

• 1 - $25 gift card

• 4 invites to our VIP First Look Event

  - Can attend Grand Opening event as well

• 5 Free appetizer and/or free flatbread cards

  - To giveaway [sic] to your friends

• Option to host a party after we open

  - Game watch, networking events, etc...

Hope you have a great day!

Stephen Traversie | Marketing & Social Media Specialist"