Acts of kindness replace cash in Central Texas McDonald's

AUSTIN, Texas - "We're just waiting for a customer to walk in," said Guadalupe Morales just before the lunch rush on Monday. Morales has been with the McDonald's along I-35 in the Capital Plaza for 14 years and now serves as the store manager.

Morales got creative behind the counter. Instead of adding up the totals she suggested alternative ways of paying with lovin'. From hugs and high-fives to selfies and even dancing all were acceptable forms of payment. The customers were randomly selected to pay with lovin'.

"My total is telling me that you are going to have to dance. That's the total you'll have to pay me," said Morales.

"I danced to get a free meal," said Hortencia Dominguez, 17.

"Seeing their smile and how they react is amazing and beautiful," said Morales.

"I thought it was a game or a trick you know on the bloopers," said Johnny Ybarra who high-fived Morales for his meal.

McDonald's is banking on a different kind of payment with the new Choose Love campaign. The Pay with Lovin' Super Bowl commercial launched the campaign. 2014 proved to be a challenging year for the company's bottom line according to the CEO with slumping sales and growing competition.

"Doing nice things obviously with a lot going on in our world just brings us back to those heartfelt moments," said Herman Ustariz who owns four Austin area McDonald's.

"Your total tells me you need to call someone and tell them you love them," said Morales to customer Fred Ellison. Ellison called his girlfriend.

"It makes our employees happy and it rubs off," said Ustariz.

"I might hit the lottery today," said Ellison.

More than 1 million people across the country will pay with lovin' before Valentine's Day.

"Go around and share love," said Morales to a customer.