Free Meals Discounts And Support Businesses Show Appreciation For Federal Workers During Government Shutdown

During government shutdowns, federal workers often face financial uncertainty as they go without paychecks. In response, many businesses across the country have stepped forward to offer free meals, discounts, and other forms of support to these essential workers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and deals available to federal employees during shutdowns, organized by category for easy reference.

Restaurant and Dining Offers

Numerous restaurants have announced special offers for federal workers affected by government shutdowns. These range from complimentary meals to significant discounts, with most requiring valid government identification to verify employment status.

BBQ and Casual Dining

Several BBQ and casual dining establishments have made notable commitments to supporting federal workers:

• Pork Barrel BBQ and Sweet Fire Donna's (Alexandria, VA): These restaurants, part of the Homegrown Restaurant Group, are offering free BBQ pork or chicken sandwiches Monday through Friday to federal workers who present a government ID. According to Bill Blackburn, a partner at HRG, while a free sandwich won't pay the bills, "it is a symbolic gesture that says, 'Hey, we feel you. We see you. This sucks.'" This practice has been in place since at least 2013, with Blackburn noting that during previous shutdowns, "there were lines out the doors."

• Chalkboard Wings & BBQ: Offering free meals to furloughed workers and their families on Tuesdays until the shutdown ends. The restaurant is collaborating with The Kingstowne Communion on this initiative, and the menu changes each week. Importantly, they've extended this offer to not only federal workers but also "anyone who has been laid off or is fearing being laid off or who have lost government assistance."

• Honeygrow (locations in Virginia): Providing a 20% discount to federal employees who pay at the register and present a valid government-issued ID.

Pizza and Mexican Cuisine

Several pizza and Mexican restaurants have joined in showing support:

• Paisano's: Offering 30% off all pizzas with the promo code "TOGETHER" during the shutdown, requiring a valid government ID at the time of purchase.

• Taco Bamba: Providing one free taco with the purchase of any taco for in-store orders. They're also offering one free taco per guest with valid federal ID when ordering in person at the counter, limited to one free taco per person per visit.

• Jaleo: Offering a free sandwich to federal workers.

• China Chilcano: Providing a free donburi bowl to federal workers.

• Oyamel: Offering a free torta.

• Zaytinya: Providing a free durum wrap or pita sandwich.

• El Tamarindo: Offering free coffee with breakfast and a $15 lunch combo.

Fine Dining and Special Occasion Restaurants

Higher-end establishments have also contributed to relief efforts:

• District Winery: Offering buy-one-get-one-free glasses of wine.

• YUME Sushi: Providing 20% off to federal workers.

• KYOJIN Sushi: Offering 20% off.

• RIMTANG: Providing 20% off.

• Thompson Restaurants: Offering 20% off at all locations.

• Hard Rock Cafe: Featuring all-day happy hour and $12 lunch deals.

• Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy: Offering a free beer with the purchase of a burger or sandwich.

• Opaline: Providing 15% off menu items with government ID.

• Airlie Hotel: Offering a free buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks for federal workers on Wednesdays.

• Nue Vietnamese: Extending happy hour until the shutdown ends with $5 off cocktails, $3 off wine by the glass (50% off bottles), $2 off beers and $12 small plates.

• Trouvaille Brewing Company: Offering the first beer for $1.

• The Fish Market: Featuring all-day happy hour.

• Nina May: Offering a free slice of carrot cake with any food or drink order.

• Cucina MORINI: Offering $10 primi pastas for federal workers.

• Hard Rock Cafe at 999 E Street NW, D.C.: Featuring a $12 entrée special.

• Compass Coffee: Offering a free pastry with any drink order.

Communication and Financial Support

Beyond dining, several communication companies and financial institutions have offered assistance to federal workers facing financial strain during shutdowns.

Phone Companies

Major telecommunications providers have implemented policies to help federal workers manage their bills during the shutdown:

• Verizon: The company is waiving late fees and has a "Promise to Pay" program which allows federal workers to set future payment dates.

• Sprint: Customer Care is working with employees needing short-term payment solutions.

• AT&T: The phone company is adjusting late fees and providing extensions for workers not receiving paychecks.

• T-Mobile: Workers can contact T-Mobile to arrange for payment deferral.

Banking Services

Financial institutions have also stepped up to support federal employees:

• One Detroit Credit Union: For members with existing loans, the credit union is offering payment extensions. They're also providing new loans with a 60-day payment deferment. Both existing members and non-members may apply, but participants must provide proof of the notice or letter they received from the Government. When applying on their website, applicants should select "Personal Loan/Consolidation" as the loan type and comment "Government Shutdown" when asked for the loan purpose. For payment extensions on existing loans, members can call the Contact Center at 313-964-8640 or visit one of their three branches.

Entertainment and Attraction Discounts

Museums, theaters, and entertainment venues have joined in supporting federal workers by offering discounted or free admission.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

• Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (Washington, D.C.): Federal workers can receive complimentary admission to the grand home and lavish gardens once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by showing a government ID.

• Bennett's Curse and CreepyWoods Haunted Forest (Baltimore and White Marsh, Maryland): These attractions are offering a "Furlough Fear Deal" to federal employees affected by the government shutdown. The deal began on a Saturday in October (specific date not provided in sources).

• International Spy Museum (Washington, D.C.): Offering 50% off tickets for federal workers.

• The Phillips Collection (Washington, D.C.): Featuring $10 general admission and a 10% discount in the museum shop.

• The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum (Washington, D.C.): Providing free admission to the "LGBTJews in the Federal City" special exhibition.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Washington Improv Theatre (Washington, D.C.): Offering $5 tickets to Laugh Riot.

• Pinstripes: Providing one free hour of bowling for federal workers.

• Blooms Collective: Offering 20% off workshops for federal workers.

• Kraken Kourts and Skates: Using code "FEDSKATE" to provide pizza and beer for $9.99 plus one hour of skate admission and rental for free. They're also offering code "SHUTDOWN" to buy one hour and get one hour of pickleball free.

Specialized Support from Restaurant Chains

Some national restaurant chains have implemented targeted support for specific groups of federal workers:

• TGI Fridays: The restaurant chain is giving Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers a free meal daily through October 23. According to the company, "TSA and air traffic control workers keep our country moving, and we wanted to do our part to support them."

Community Impact and Business Perspective

The tradition of businesses offering support during government shutdowns appears to have significant community impact. Bill Blackburn of the Homegrown Restaurant Group, which operates Pork Barrel BBQ and Sweet Fire Donna's, has been providing sandwiches during tough times since 2013.

"It builds us a lot of goodwill, and it connects us with our community. It connects us with our customers," Blackburn explained. "And the response has been great. In 2013, it was huge. There were lines out the doors."

Local residents have also expressed appreciation for these gestures. Kelsey Davis, a furloughed federal worker, noted that such offers are "really reassuring," adding that "any gesture that appreciates the hard work of federal employees, I think, is worth a lot in that in the area."

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of these shutdown freebies and discounts, federal workers typically need to:

1. Present a valid government-issued identification at the time of purchase or service
2. Mention that they're a federal worker affected by the shutdown
3. Follow any specific procedures outlined by individual businesses (such as using promo codes)

Some offers, like those at One Detroit Credit Union, require additional documentation such as the official notice or letter received from the Government regarding the shutdown.

Conclusion

During government shutdowns, when federal workers face financial uncertainty, many businesses across various industries step forward to offer support through free meals, discounts, financial assistance, and complimentary services. These gestures, while not solving the underlying financial challenges, provide symbolic appreciation for the essential work these employees perform. From restaurant meals to banking assistance and entertainment discounts, these offers demonstrate community solidarity with federal workers during difficult times.

For federal workers affected by shutdowns, these resources can provide some relief and a sense of being valued by their communities. By taking advantage of these offers, workers can stretch their limited resources while enjoying some of the amenities and services they might otherwise have to forgo.

As shutdowns continue to occur, this tradition of business support appears likely to persist, with each iteration building on previous efforts to show appreciation for federal employees.

Sources

1. Virginia restaurants offer 'freebies' for federal workers amid government shutdown
2. Help Me Hank's shutdown survival guide: Deals, freebies for federal workers
3. Restaurants and businesses offer freebies, deals for federal workers during shutdown
4. DC area businesses offer freebies and deals for federal workers hit by shutdown
5. Restaurants offer federal shutdown freebies and deals in Alexandria
6. Government shutdown deals
7. Deals, specials for federal workers during the shutdown