Free lunch in Austin after Obama cuts in line

President Barack Obama scrutinizes his credit card as he jokes with the wait staff while ordering barbecue at Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, Thursday, July 10, 2014. Austin is the final leg in his three city trip before returning to Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) less President Barack Obama scrutinizes his credit card as he jokes with the wait staff while ordering barbecue at Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, Thursday, July 10, 2014. Austin is the final leg in his three ... more Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close Free lunch in Austin after Obama cuts in line 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN – Never let it be said there is no such thing as a free lunch, at least when it comes to a presidential visit.

On Thursday, after President Obama finished a 40-minute speech at the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Austin, his motorcade sped a few blocks away for a quick lunch at Franklin's, a noted barbeque spot that was packed as always with a lunch crowd.

As presidents tend to do, Obama cut to the front of the line so he could order takeout for his official travel party – offering to pay for the two people he jumped ahead of.

The lucky lunchers? Houston resident Bruce Finsted and his daughter Faith, of Austin.

Their order: three pounds of beef, two pounds of ribs, a half-pound of sausage and a half-pound of turkey for themselves and two other family members already seated.

When Obama heard their order, he cracked: "Hold on now. How many folks are you guys feeding? Just kidding."

Smiling, he quickly paid the tab – first pulling out a wad of $20 bills and then, after asking his trip director if his credit card was good, offering his JP Morgan card.

The tab? Around $300.

After Obama bought lunch, he departed with takeout for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for Air Force One and a flight back to Washington.