U.S. companies parlay Dec. 21 publicity

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Two major U.S. restaurant chains are getting in on the hoopla over the pending end of the world as predicted by the ancient Mayan calendar.

Carl's Jr. this week unveiled a massive 21x21x21-inch hamburger that was painstakingly crafted by the gang in the fast-food giant's test kitchen in honor of the catastrophe predicted for Dec. 21.

"If it's not the end of the world, then it's definitely the end of your hunger," said a notice posted on Facebook along with a picture of the sandwich, which is made up of a dozen beef patties, 12 strips of bacon and equal number of cheese slices.

The "Last Friday" campaign by T.G.I Friday's includes apocalypse eve bashes in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities. The final fun for customers includes dancing, free use of the photo booths and Mayan Margaritas. Proceeds go to charity.

The Los Angeles Times said a number of U.S. retailers, hotels and other establishments are marking the Mayan prediction with a mix of good humor and great specials.

"We believe the Earth was built to last, just like our new Open Country A/T II," Toyo Tires wrote on Facebook, where it also offered a contest that included a free trip to the Mayan homeland in Mexico's Yucatan.