10 Ways to Get Free Food on Your Birthday
Birthdays only come once a year, and free food is one of the ways to celebrate. Luckily, dozens of chains have figured out that giving away free burgers, desserts, and breakfast platters is a good way to get you in the door. The catch is that most places ask you to join their rewards program first. Sign up weeks in advance, and you can have freebies waiting for you at these 10 locations when the big day arrives.
Denny’s Everyday Value Slam Breakfast
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If Denny’s menu suits your palate, join their reward program, add your birthdate, and you could receive a birthday reward such as an Everyday Value Slam, depending on participating location and offer terms. While the meal includes two eggs and either bacon or sausage, plus pancakes, French toast, or a biscuit & gravy, the exact birthday reward details can vary. Some locations may request an ID to confirm your birthday.
IHOP Stack of Pancakes
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Pancake enthusiasts can exchange PanCoins for a full stack through the International Bank of Pancakes rewards program. Add your birth date when creating your account, then join at least seven days before the big day. The PanCoins deposit automatically, and you’re ready to savour their signature buttermilk pancakes.
Starbucks Birthday Reward
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One complimentary item arrives in your account automatically when you’re a Starbucks Rewards member celebrating a birthday. This reward covers a beverage, food item, or bottled drink. One catch is that your account must be at least seven days old. In addition, the birthday must be in the profile, and there must be at least one Star-earning purchase before the big day.
Go For A Birthday Burger At Red Robin
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A burger freebie hits differently when it’s tied to your birthday month. Red Robin Royalty members can receive a birthday reward that’s redeemable through the account, usually as part of the program’s monthly perks. The freebie doesn’t always require showing up on the celebrant’s birthday, perfect for people who don’t want to spend their special day waiting for a table.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut and Coffee
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Members of this brand’s reward program can receive a free birthday doughnut. Add your birthday when you sign up for the program. The app generates a barcode that any participating location can scan. Some programs specify an Original Glazed doughnut, but birthday reward details vary by region. A cup of coffee can be included, too.
Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Scoop
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For anyone who gets excited at the mention of a free scoop of ice cream, this business should be on their bucket list. Joining their Birthday Club membership, filling in your birthday, and completing your profile at least a week should suffice. Celebrants only have to walk in with their coupon and point to their wide range of flavors.
Chick-fil-A’s Location-Specific Birthday Treat
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Chick-fil-A rewards customers on their birthdays on a tier-based system. Chick-fil-A One Members and Chick-fil-A One Silver Members receive anything from a Chocolate Chunk Cookie to a small frosted coffee, depending on the specific tier. Chick-fil-A One Red Members will receive either a sandwich or a pack of chicken nuggets, while Chick-fil-A One Signature Members will receive their choice of entrée.
Cold Stone Creamery Buy-One-Get-One Creation
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My Cold Stone Club offers a welcome Buy One, Get One FREE Creation for joining, and members also receive a birthday reward each year. The birthday reward starts 7 days before your birthday and expires 7 days after. Qualifying customers pay for one Creation upfront, but walking out with two signature sundaes makes it worthwhile, especially for a family, friend, or partner.
Auntie Anne’s Free Pretzel
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Spending $1 on pretzels in the year leading up to your birthday unlocks a free pretzel through the Auntie Anne’s Perks app. Regular mall food court customers hit that amount without trying. Download the app and track your purchases to confirm that you’ve met the requirement. Their classic salted pretzel is the go-to, but sweet options like cinnamon sugar work, too.
Book A Table And Let The Staff Know
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Not every birthday freebie is printed in neon. Some restaurants still do small comps, especially when you’re celebrating at the table. Mention it when booking, as it gives staff time to flag the reservation without feeling cornered. While it may not work everywhere, and it won’t earn you a full meal, a free dessert can elevate what would have been a cliché birthday celebration.