Can we use a famous logo on a gift card as part of a promotion?

I agree with Mr. Weinrieb. How hard can it be to contact the Marketing or PR department of the national chain to request consent and inquire if they have any specific requirements for using their gift cards to promote a business? You dont' want the promotion to cost any more than you already are investing in it by exposing your business to trademark infringement/dilution liability or even just a legal matter that will require retaining an attorney.

Since you are using the logo of the company you are promoting, the odds are that you will not run into much trouble, HOWEVER, the judicious course would be to contact the company, tell them what you are planning, and get their authorization in writing.