16 Back-to-School Restaurant Deals and Freebies
Ring in the season with something delicious.
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Fried Chicken
Back-to-school season is an exciting time. There’s a lot to do, like shopping for new clothes and school supplies. But it’s also hectic. Schedules are changing and everyone is busy. Restaurants nationwide know that everyone from teachers and students to parents are going to need all the fuel they can get, and are offering delicious deals and discounts in honor of the season.
Auntie Anne’s: Through September 2, buy $30 worth of gift cards (from Auntie Anne’s or Cinnabon – feel free to mix and match) and get a free $5 reward from each brand (so that’d be $10 total) to use next time. This deal is only open to rewards members, and must be redeemed by October 27. Rewards membership is required to redeem online and is valid until October 27 only.
Baked by Melissa: These bite-sized cupcakes are perfect for tossing in a lunch bag, and their back-to-school pack is available now through September 27. The Backpack Snacks 25-pack is $37 and includes flavors like red velvet, triple chocolate fudge, tie-dye, chocolate chip pancake, cookie dough, mint cookie and cookies and cream.
Bar Louie: This chain is celebrating teachers and school administrators with 10 percent off food items. This deal is available in-restaurant only with a valid school ID through September 30.
California Pizza Kitchen: Now through September 30, get half off a kids meal with an adult entree purchase (Monday through Wednesday).
Cheba Hut: On August 24, stop by Cheba Hut for a free glass of Kool-Aid. The first 200 guests who stop in that day will also get a limited-edition Cottonmouth Cures cup they can fill with free Kool-Aid for a year.
Cinnabon: Spend $30 in gift cards at Cinnabon or Auntie Anne’s through September 2 and get a free $5 reward from each brand toward a future visit.
Cracker Barrel: When school is in session, everyone is tired and a lot of us want to go to bed a lot earlier. To that end, Cracker Barrel is offering early dinner deals at a discount. This way, the family can have smaller portions at a lower price on weekdays between 4-6 p.m., for dine-in only.
Jessica Grenier Photography/Photo courtesy of Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels: A lot of back-to-school season is waiting around. There’s the line for drop off and pick up after school. This can be compounded if there’s different schools or schedules involved. It's a great idea to have one less line if possible. As part of their Line Relief Free Bagel & Shmear, rewards members will enjoy a free fresh-baked bagel and cream cheese with any purchase when they order in the app or online and skip the line. Choose from any Einstein Bros. bagel, as well as any cream cheese or topping, through August 31.
Kentucky Fried Chicken: Perfect for after school or after sporting practice, the 40-Piece Saucy Nuggets Party Pack is right now just $19.99. There’s also 50-percent off chicken sandwiches, 40-percent off 12pc Chicken on the Bone, and beginning, September 5, free deliveries on Thursdays when you order online or through the app, restrictions apply.
Kolache Factory: Through August 21 and between August 26 and 28, buy two kolaches and get two free, or order online and get 10-percent off with code BACK2SCHOOL.
Panda Express: From August 22 through September 8, purchasing an online order of $30 or more in gift cards will receive an $8 bonus card.
Pieology: Pie Life Rewards members with Pies and Perks status will enjoy daily perks with every Craft Your Own Pizza purchase – a choice of side salad, a fresh-baked cookie, or a non-alcoholic beverage throughout 2024.
Raising Cane’s: On August 26 and August 27, Caniac Club Members will receive a free Kids Combo when they buy any combo (except a Kids Combo).
Schlotzsky’s: Through October 6, get a $5 pizza after 5 p.m. on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays). The offer is valid in store only at participating locations.
Smashburger: Through August 21, make an online order of $25 or more in gift cards and get a coupon for a $5 Single Classic SmashBurger.
Starbird: This premium fast-food chain is honoring teachers in so many ways. This includes a catering giveaway: 10 lucky teachers will receive a fully catered class party and a $50 gift card to Starbird. Teachers can be nominated here. It will also be offering $5 off the Starbird Family meal every Friday (website or app orders only) with code FAMILY. The Starbird Family meal includes 12 tenders, one pound of tots, two slaw and six house-made sauces.
Tender Greens: Through August 31, kids eat free after 4 p.m. with purchase of a single entree.
Tiff’s Treats: Add a snack to their lunchbox! Tiff's Treats is offering 20-percent off cookies with code HALLPASS now through September 2. It will also be hosting a teacher's wish list giveaway, selecting up to 20 teachers to receive one to two dozen cookies with balloons and have their school supplies list purchased (up to $250 worth). Teachers can enter here through August 28.
Wendy’s: Get a free Wendy’s Kids’ Meal with premium combo purchase when using the digital offer exclusively in the Wendy’s app.
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