It seems like every day, there is more anxiety-inducing news about coronavirus. Often, the good news gets lost in the tidal wave of bad, but there are a lot of great stories about communities stepping up to help those in need. One example is communities feeding those in need and also first responders. For some school-aged children, they count on those meals and snacks provided at schools. And for first responders, while everyone is safe in their, they are the ones on the front lines. I’ve put together a list of restaurants that are providing free meals and special deals not only to those deserving and in need, but to many of us who are just craving comfort food.
Let’s start with the really good news: a list of places offering freebies and deals to people on the front line of this coronavirus crisis.
Freebies and Deals for First Responders and Front-line Healthcare Workers
Starbucks
Now through May 3, Starbucks is offering a free tall brewed coffee — hot or iced — to any customer who identifies as a first responder or front-line worker supporting the healthcare system. This includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff, and medical researchers.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme announced it will be offering free doughnuts to healthcare workers nationwide every Monday through May 11. To snag a free Original Glazed dozen, go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru and show your employer badge.
Sweetgreen
The salad chain is offering to provide free meals to hospital workers. The restaurant is offering medical staff the opportunity to enter their hospital by signing up here.
&Pizza
The pizza chain is offering free pizzas to hospital workers. All they need to do is show a valid ID at the store or text 200-03 #HERO for delivery.
Steak ‘n Shake
Effective now through April 7 at all Steak ‘n Shake restaurants across America, workers in the following industries just need to show a job I.D., such as a business card, badge or name tag, to receive 20% off of any Steakburger or Fries, according to an email from a company spokesperson.
Paris Baguette
All Manhattan locations are giving free coffee to medical professionals, the NYPD, and the FDNY when they come in uniform or show a valid form of ID.
Freebies and Deals for Kids
Burger King
Starting March 23, Burger King is offering a free kid’s meal with any purchase. Only drive through and take-out available.
McDonald’s
Participating McDonald’s are also offering free Happy Meals to kids with any purchase. Since it’s not a nationwide effort, be sure to call ahead and check.
Smoothie King
Any kid 12 and under will receive a free, 12 oz. kid’s smoothie with the purchase of any 20 oz. smoothie using the Smoothie King Healthy Rewards App.
TGI Friday’s
Use code FREEKIDS to get a free kids entrée with online orders of $20 or more.
Firehouse Subs
Through the end of April, guests can enjoy a free kids’ combo with the purchase of a medium or large sub by showing a coupon at the register or mentioning it on the phone.
Moe’s
Now until March 28th, enjoy a free kid’s entrée with any adult entrée purchase. Order to go, curbside, online or through our app. FREE delivery on orders of $10+
What restaurants and delivery services are offering food delivery during coronavirus?
While the food isn’t free, some restaurants and delivery services are waiving their delivery fee, which certainly makes ordering in less costly. Here’s the list:
- Uber Eats
- GrubHub
- KFC
- Moe’s
- Chipotle
- Chili’s
- Blake Pizza
- Del Taco
- El Pollo Loco
- Boston Market
- Cracker Barrel
- Jersey Mike’s
- Little Caesar’s
- O’Charley’s
- Taco Bell
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Red Lobster
- And way more! Just search your favorite restaurant to see if they are offering free delivery
Coronavirus restaurant deals for everyone
You don’t have to be a kid, healthcare worker, or a first responder to get these deals. These are open to everyone!
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Get BOGO traditional wings on Tuesdays, and BOGO boneless wings on Thursdays.
- Chili’s: Get free delivery on all orders over $15. Guests in California and Tennessee can also order $5 Presidente Margaritas® and $7 Patron Margaritas for curbside pickup and delivery.
- Cheesecake Factory: When customers order through the website and get at least $30 worth of food, they will get a free slice of cheesecake with the promo code FREESLICE.
- Denny’s: Now until April 12, get $5 off orders of $20 or more, and free delivery.
- Dunkin’: Now through April 6, get free delivery and $3 off on Grubhub orders of $15 or more from participating Dunkin’ restaurants.
- IHOP: Now through April 19, use code IHOP20 at checkout to get 20% off your first online order. Free delivery with no minimum required.
- O’Charley’s: For $5, get the Bacon Cheddar Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Hamburger with fries. All orders are eligible for free delivery.
- Olive Garden: Get two meals for the price of one — $12.99 — with their “Buy One, Take One” promotion. Free, no-contact delivery is available on orders with a $40 minimum.
- Panda Express: Now until April 17, feed the whole family with a $20 Family Meal when you order online or through the Panda Express app.
- Saladworks: Get a $5 gift card with a purchase of $20 or more. All orders come with free delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats, and score $4 off $20 orders on Grubhub.
- Subway: Get a free Footlong when you order two Footlongs for takeout. Use code SUBWAYNOW for free Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, and Seamless delivery.
- Wendy’s: Get a free Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit with any breakfast purchase. All orders $10 are eligible for free delivery on Grubhub and Postmates.
- 7-Eleven: Get free delivery on orders placed through the 7NOW delivery app.
- 99 Restaurant and Pub: Now through April 26, use code HERE4YOU online for 20% off to-go orders.
Don’t forget to look for local restaurant deals
Beyond major national chains, many locally owned franchises and independent restaurants are offering deals for kids, healthcare workers and just those who are looking for a nice night in! Just search for your location!
I always try to shop local first because a larger percentage of money that is spent at local retailers stays in the community. Help your neighbors and community by eating local!
I’ll be posting a list of SWFL restaurant deals ASAP.
Related coronavirus posts:
- No Prime Membership Needed to Stream Children’s Shows on Amazon
- Ultimate List of Free Online Resources for Kids
- 14 Frugal Tips to Help You Thrive During Coronavirus
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