Fourth of July means free food and drinks for you. See the deals

The red, white and blue dual celebration of the July 4 holiday and America's 250th birthday means many restaurants and brands have deals that could save you some green.

The country's semiquincentennial, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, is celebrated on Saturday, July 4. Leading up to July 4 – and in some cases, afterwards – there's a celebratory smorgasbord of food and drink deals. Many of the specials sport a red, white and blue motif or other celebratory branding.

Fast-food chain Sonic, for instance, has a timely deal and colorful commemorative cups. Through July 12, Sonic has a limited-time America $2.50 menu that includes a Red, White & Blue Slush Float – and limited-edition America's 250th cups available with every drink purchase this summer. Also, on Saturday, July 4, you can get 99-cent corn dogs.

"As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we wanted to mark the moment the Sonic way – with iconic favorites, bold flavors and a $2.50 menu that makes the celebration accessible to everyone," Ryan Dickerson, chief marketing officer at Sonic, told USA TODAY in a statement.

The dual holiday of July 4 and the nation's 250th anniversary is a perfect opportunity to introduce new, limited-time items that engage consumers. More than 9 out of 10 U.S. consumers (91%) say they are more likely to choose a restaurant that offers new or limited-time items, and more than half (52%) have selected a chain specifically to try a limited-time offer, according to market research firm Circana.

"These promotions also tap into the emotional side of consumer behavior," Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana's global executive vice president and chief adviser on consumer goods and foodservice insights, told USA TODAY. "Whether through nostalgia, collectability or a desire to participate in a cultural moment, consumers often view special-edition products as part of the celebration itself."

Here's where you can score deals and freebies to celebrate the nation's semiquincentennial.

July 4 food deals for America's 250th

Burger King offers loyalty members a $2.50 Whopper Jr.

On July 4 only, Royal Perks members can get a Whopper Jr. for $2.50, exclusively on the BK App or on BK.com, Burger King told USA TODAY.

Burger King is also offering a limited-edition Firecracker Cookie Pie while supplies last.

Krispy Kreme offers free Original Glazed doughnut on July 4

Krispy Kreme is offering a free Original Glazed doughnut to customers who don the country's colors in-store on Saturday, July 4. There is a limit of one per guest.

In addition to the freebie, customers can also get an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis, at regular price, from July 2 through July 5. According to Krispy Kreme, in-shop and drive-thru BOGO orders are limited to two per guest, while online pickup or delivery orders using promo code "USA" via the Krispy Kreme app or website are limited to one per order.

The doughnut and coffeehouse chain is releasing a new doughnut collection that features a total of four doughnuts, made up of two brand-new and two returning fan favorites, that are "perfect for backyard barbecues, watch parties, and holiday gatherings." The lineup includes:

• USA Doughnut (new): An unglazed shell doughnut filled with Cookies n' Kreme, dipped in red icing with patriotic stars and a USA sugar piece.
• Firework Doughnut (new): An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in vanilla-flavored icing with gold glitter and a firecracker sugar piece.
• Freedom Ring Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in white icing, blue sprinkles and white stars, piped with red icing stripes.
• Chocolate Iced with Patriotic Sprinkles: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and sprinkled with patriotic sprinkles.

"Whether you're heading to a backyard barbecue, gathering with friends for fireworks, or celebrating with family, our delicious patriotic doughnuts and sweet deals will help bring 'fourth' the fun however and wherever you're celebrating America's 250th birthday," Alison Holder, chief brand and product officer at Krispy Kreme, said in a news release.

DoorDash has July 4 deals for DashPass members

Subscribers to the delivery service's DashPass – you get $0 delivery fees, lower service fees and other perks for $9.99 monthly – have several deals available Thursday, July 2, to July 8:

• Burger King: Buy one Whopper Jr., get one free.
• Jolly Ranchers: $4 off orders of $15 or more.
• Pepsi: Buy 2, save $4
• Pizza Hut: Buy one, get one free Create Your Own Large Pizza
• Takis: Buy two snacks, save $5.

Freddy's offers hot dog, concrete for $2.50

Freddy's is celebrating America's 250th birthday by offering Freddy's Rewards members two special menu items for just $2.50.

From July 3-5, rewards members can get a Freddy's Mini Red White & Blueberry Concrete for $2.50. Customers can also get a Freddy's All-beef Hot Dog for $2.50. The offer is available at the drive-thru and in-restaurant for dine-in, pickup or delivery.

Grubhub's food deals for July 4th weekend

The delivery service has several food deals available through Sunday, July 5, including:

• Burger King: Buy one Whopper Jr., get one free with orders of $15 or more.
• KFC: Buy one get one free two-piece Chicken Combo ($15 minimum order).
• Primo Hoagies: Get $15 off your order of $50 or more.
• Shake Shack: Free Bacon Cheeseburger with orders of $25 or more.

Whataburger customers can win a free National Park adventure

From July 1-8, Whataburger customers who purchase a Whatameal with a Coca-Cola beverage through the Whataburger App will be entered for a chance to win a four-night National Park adventure for themselves and up to five guests at a destination of their choice within Whataburger's 17-state footprint.

According to Whataburger, the grand prize package includes round-trip coach airfare for up to six travelers, one rental vehicle, four nights of hotel accommodations, a visit to one national park, a national parks essentials kit and special Whataburger merchandise.

Two runners-up will each win free Whataburger for a year, the company told USA TODAY.

Captain D's customers can win a free Alaska cruise

Captain D's has partnered with PepsiCo to give one lucky winner and five guests the chance to win a seven-night Alaska cruise.

The sweepstakes is open from June 22 through July 27, according to the company, and guests simply need to visit any participating Captain D's location, purchase any Pepsi-Cola beverage with their meal and text "ALASKA" to the number printed on their receipt along with a photo of their receipt.

The grand prize package includes a seven-night Alaska cruise for six adults, three ocean-view cruise rooms, round-trip airfare to Seattle, two-night hotel accommodations in Seattle and a $3,000 travel stipend.

Logan's Roadhouse offers deal on gift cards

From July 3-5, Logan's Roadhouse is offering $25 digital gift cards for $17.76. The offer is available exclusively online, the company told USA TODAY.

Additionally, Logan's Roadhouse is offering a limited-time Red, White & Blue Cake with layers of vanilla cake and white chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream. The restaurant chain is also offering complimentary Red, White & Blue Butter served with its signature rolls for dine-in guests.

Hardee's, Carl's Jr. offer free biscuit, discounted burger

From July 3-5, Hardee's rewards members can get a free Star-Spangled Biscuit in the Hardee's app.

Also from July 3-5, Carl's Jr. rewards members can also score a Double Cheeseburger for $2.50 in the Carl's Jr. app, at Carlsjr.com or by scanning the QR code while checking out in-store.

7 Brew offers deal on bundle of drinks

On July 4th, 7 Brew customers can get four medium drinks for just $17 with the Fill-A-Tray.

Additionally, customers can ask their barista about the Red, White & Brew Chiller, a secret menu drink built to celebrate 250 years of America.

Applebee's Dollarita returns for July

The Neighborhood Grill + Bar has its returning viral cocktail, the Dollarita, available during July. The 12-ounce margarita, made with tequila, triple sec and lime, will be served all day, every day in July at participating locations. The offer is dine-in only and may vary by restaurant.

Firehouse Subs offers limited-time July 4th deal

From June 29 through July 4, customers who buy one small or medium sub can get a second for just $2.50. The offer excludes Steak & Cheese Melts and Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket subs, according to the company.

Great American Cookies offers free cookies

From July 1-4, active-duty military members and veterans, with valid military or veteran identification, can receive a free Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie from participating Great American Cookies locations.

Get a free pizza at Fazoli's

Diners who purchase any Family Meal at Fazoli's from July 3-7 will receive a free Whole Pizza using code "FIREWORKS26," the company told USA TODAY.

HoneyBaked Ham Company BOGO 50% off rib deal

At HoneyBaked Ham Co. stores through July 4, when you buy two packages of BBQ Baby Back Ribs (starting at $22.99), you get the second 50% off. Other deals for your holiday celebrations include $5 off your order of $35 or more (use code 730178) and $15 off purchases of $100 or more (use code730179). The offer is good on orders made in-store or online for in-store pickup at participating locations through Saturday, July 4.

Krystal's free bomb pop deal on July 4

Krystal is giving out free Bomb Pops on July 4 with any in-store purchase, while supplies last. And as part of its Krystalpalooza, which runs through Aug. 12, the fast-food chainhas rotating daily deals for members of its Club Krystal loyalty program in the Krystal app and online.

Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard $2.50 menu

The burger chain with locations in Colorado and Wyoming is rolling back prices on Saturday, July 4, to $2.50 for several menu items, including frozen custard pints, root beer floats, single scoops, fried ice cream and small custard treats, such as shakes and Spoonbenders. The offer is available in stores and on the Good Times app, while supplies last.

Casey's offers $12 pizzas

From July 2-5, Casey's is offering customers $12 pizzas. The offer is valid in-store, online or via the Casey's app using promo code "USA."

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard's 4th of Gelati dessert

The Italian Ice chain has a special 4th of Gelati dessert made with blue and red Italian Ice, layered with creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard, topped with Firecracker Glitter, available through July 5. Members of Rita's loyalty program who use the Rita's Ice app will get double loyalty punches with a purchase of the treat. New members get one free small Ice, custard, or gelato just for signing up.

Get a $17.76 meal deal

Several restaurants have specially-priced meals for the historic celebration:

• Chicken Salad Chick: On Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, you can get two large Quick Chicks for $17.76.
• Dog Haus: On July 4th, get any Dog or Sausage paired with a pint of beer for $17.76, or any Burger paired with a pint of beer for $17.76. Also, throughout July, you can add any slider to your order for $2.50.
• Ford's Garage: The automobile-themed chain with locations in eight states, including Florida, Michigan and Indiana, has a special $17.76 meal deal, available July 1-4. You get an American Standard Burger, fries and select draft beers or a soft drink.
• Kona Grill: From July 2-5, the casual restaurant chain is offering a special $17.76 All-American Meal that includes a Kona Cheeseburger, fries, a side order of mac and cheese, and a slice of apple pie. You can also get $2.50 American brews.
• RA Sushi: The restaurant chain's $17.76 holiday special meal, available on July 4, comes with a RA Burger, side of mac and cheese and a slice of apple pie. There's also $2.50 American beers.
• STK Steakhouse: You can get a $17.76 All-American Meal with the classic STK Cheeseburger, fries and a side of mac and cheese, plus a slice of apple pie from Thursday, July 2, to Sunday, July 5. Also on tap: $2.50 American brews.
• Taziki's Mediterranean Café: From July 3-5, get a Grilled Chicken Family Feast for four for just $17.76, with the option to add two Sneaky Taziki Rolls for $2.50 each. Available at Florida locations in Gainesville, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Beach.

July 4th weekend 25% off online meal deals

Eddie Merlot's and Sullivan's Steakhouse restaurants, both owned by Dividend Restaurant Group, have a holiday weekend deal. You get 25% off online orders from July 3-5 with the promo code JULY. (Some item exclusions apply; not valid for dine-in.)

More July 4 and America 250th deals

• Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: On July 4th, dine-in customers can get BD's All-American Burger served with a classic side for just $10 all day long. There are also drafts of Bad Daddy's Amber Ale for $2.50.
• Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay: From July 1-4, get the Palace Classic Burger for just $7.04.
• Buca di Beppo: Through July 5, you can get a free Colossal Brownie Sundae with any dine-in purchase of $75 or more (while supplies last; excludes tax, gratuity, alcohol).
• California Tortilla: Get a digital scratch-off card with any purchase from Wednesday, July 1, to July 8. Each card wins something, but 250 lucky winners will score a free burrito.
• Checkers & Rally's: On July 4th, get an All-American Duo, with an All-American Hamburger and warm Apple Pie for just $2.50.
• Cicis Pizza: Get the pizza chain's limited-time America's Triple Pepperoni Pizza to go as a giant pizza starting at $16.99 through Aug. 2. Sign up for Cicis Rewards and get a deal for one $3.99 Adult Buffet, valid Monday through Friday.
• Circle K:  Through Sept. 1, play the new Scratch & Win game daily in the Circle K app for a chance to win free Polar Pops, other drinks and merchandise, a $250 Circle K gift card and cash prizes of up to $25,000.
• Cuervo Tequila: The tequila brand will reimburse you for a Friday margarita, starting July 3, through Sept. 4. Just submit a receipt for one Cuervo pour or cocktail receipt (up to $10) on the Cuervo website. Also enter the Ultimate Summer Friday Sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,500 to fund your ideal Summer Friday, with an additional 300 winners receiving $25 toward their next margarita.
• Del Taco: Over the holiday weekend (July 3–5), when you buy one Double Del Cheeseburger, get one free. Requires membership in Del Yeah! Rewards and orders must be placed via the Del Taco app or at deltaco.com. Offer good at participating locations; additional restrictions may apply.
• Dickie's Barbecue Pit: From July 2-5, get $5 off online or app orders of $25 or more using code FIREWORKS and $15 off orders of $75 or more using code JULY1776. Beginning July 1, you can get a limited-edition patriotic Big Yellow Cup ($3.99) with a portion of proceeds from every cup sold benefiting our nation's first responders. Note: All Dickey's locations will also be open during normal business hours on July 4.
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: From Thursday, July 2, to Monday, July 6, members of the Inner Circle loyalty program can get a full rack of baby back ribs or ½ BBQ chicken with fries and fresh fruit for just $21.95.
• Firehouse Subs: Through July 4, when you buy one small or medium sub, you can get a second for just $2.50. (Offer excludes Steak & Cheese Melt and Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket subs.)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Find a pair of menu deals July 3-5, available in the Freddy's Rewards app – a $2.50 Mini Red White & Blueberry Concrete and an All-beef Hot Dog for $2.50.
• The Greene Turtle: The sports bar chain has $2.50 domestic pints available at select locations on Saturday, July 4. The offer is available for dine-in only with a purchase of entrée or handheld. (Must be 21+ years of age; cannot be combined with other deals, discounts, or happy hour.)
• Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream: Through Aug. 15, when you get a specialty pizza and a Mountain Dew, you're entered for a chance to win one of three $3,000 cash prizes, along with weekly Mountain Dew prize packs. On Monday, June 29, the pizza parlor chain will host America 250 Block Party celebrations with giveaways, music, games and free slices of its limited-time America 250 Birthday Cake Dessert Pizza.
• The Halal Guys: On Saturday, July 4, get free baklava with any entrée and drink purchase using code JULY4 (offer is good in-store, in-app, and online). Entertaining a crowd? Get $25 off catering orders of $250 or more from July 3–5 with code CATER250 when ordering in-app or online.
• Huddle House: Members of Huddle House Rewards get 4X points on all purchases from July 3 through July 5.
• Jimmy John's: From July 3-5, members of the JJ Rewards loyalty program can buy one Toasted or Favorite 8-inch sandwich and get one free with promo code FREEDOM. Also on Friday, July 3, get a free lemonade with the purchase of any sandwich or wrap using promo code SUMMERFRIDAY. The offer is good every Friday in July.
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken: Members of the Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken loyalty program get a 4X points booster on orders from July 3-6.
• Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Get a deal on the 'Merica Margarita on Saturday, July 4. The red, white and blue frozen margarita, priced at $13 and available through Aug. 2, is available for $7.04 on the holiday. (Offer good for those 21 and older, dine-in and takeout only, not delivery; cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.)

• Main Event: Celebrate the holiday weekend with a $14.99 All You Can Play pass, which includes unlimited activities and a free $10 Arcade Game Card. Also, any party or event booked for July 3-5 will get 250 Winners Choice points for each guest in attendance. Plus, if you bowl a 250 game, you win 250 minutes of free game play.
• Mountain Mike's Pizza: The pizza restaurant's July 4th deal gets you $10 off two large pizzas with code SUMMER26. You can pre-order starting Wednesday, July 1.
• Original ChopShop: After 4 p.m. July 1-5, get $2.50 Kids Meals. And members of the Chop Rewards loyalty program can get $2.50 off any menu item with promo code FUELTHE4TH (offer good on online and in-app orders; make sure to register and be signed in to your loyalty account at checkout).
• Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Through July 5, when you buy any whole pie, you can also get a whole apple pie for just $2.50.
• PJ's Coffee: The coffee chain has a limited-time 16-ounce Firecracker Lemonade for $2.50, June 29- July 5 (offer good at participating locations only).
• Tabañero: The sauce maker is giving shoppers 25% off on July 4 with code USA25. Available online is a 250th Anniversary Mini 4-Pack Gift Set ($10).
• Taco John's: Wednesday and Thursday (July 1-2) get a Beef & Bean Super Burrito for $2.50 (offer good in-restaurant and via drive-thru at participating locations (no redemption limit). Then, July 3-5, members of the TJ Rewards loyalty program can get 250 bonus Rewards points with any qualifying purchase of $1 or more.
• Tender Greens: Through Sunday, July 5, get a free $20 gift card with catering orders of $200 or more, or a $30 gift card with orders of $300 or more.
• TGI Fridays: Get a free dessert with purchase of an entrée on Saturday, July 4. The offer is for dine-in only at participating locations nationwide.

Contributing: Amaris Encina

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X, and email him atmikegsnider &@mikegsnider.bsky.social &@mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fourth of July means free food and drinks for you. See the deals

Reporting by Mike Snider and Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 10:14 AM.