National Apple Pie Day Free Samples And Pie Promotions Across America

The United States has a deep cultural connection to pies, particularly apple pie, which has become an iconic symbol of American identity. While there are multiple pie-related holidays throughout the year, including National Pie Day on January 23, National Apple Pie Day, and Pi Day on March 14, each offers different opportunities for consumers to enjoy free samples and special promotions. This article explores the available free pie samples, promotional offers, and the cultural significance of apple pie in America.

Understanding Pie-Related Holidays

According to the sources, there are multiple pie-related holidays with different focuses. National Pie Day is celebrated on January 23 and is often confused with National Pi Day, which is celebrated on March 14 to honor the mathematical constant 3.14. While the sources mention National Apple Pie Day as a separate observance, they do not specify a particular date for it. Both January 23 and March 14 feature special pie promotions, though the types of offers vary.

Interestingly, the sources indicate that pie is so popular that there are actually two different National Pie Days. The December 1 observance exists alongside the more popularly celebrated January 23 date. Despite these different holidays, all appear to offer opportunities for pie lovers to enjoy special deals and free samples.

Apple Pie Free Samples and Special Offers

The sources provide limited information about specific free apple pie samples. Polly's Pies does offer a free slice of pie to dine-in customers who order an entrée, with rewards members receiving a free slice with no purchase necessary. While this isn't specifically apple pie, it represents one of the few direct free pie offers mentioned in the sources.

Additionally, the sources mention that Shoney's offers a free slice of its made-in-house Strawberry Pie with the purchase of an entrée or the All You Care To Eat Fresh Food Bar on National Pie Day. While not apple pie, this represents another opportunity for consumers to enjoy a free pie sample.

Restaurant Pie Promotions on Pie-Related Holidays

Several restaurants and chains offer special pie promotions on these holidays:

National Pie Day (January 23) Offers

• Shoney's: Customers can receive a free slice of made-in-house Strawberry Pie with the purchase of an entrée or the All You Care To Eat Fresh Food Bar. Shoney's, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, operates 61 locations in 16 states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The company sells 2 million slices of its Strawberry Pies each year. According to Shoney's chairman and CEO David Davoudpour, "Every day is Pie Day at Shoney's and on National Pie Day's, the treat is on us."

• Burger King: Royal Perks loyalty program members can get a free Hershey Pie on National Pie Day with a purchase of $1 or more in the BK app or online at BK.com. The offer must be activated in the "Offers" tab before placing an order. Participation may vary, while supplies last.

Pi Day (March 14) Offers

• Milk Bar: Order a pie at regular price and get 25 percent off with the promo code PIDAY at checkout. This offer is available for online and app orders only.

• Mountain Mike's Pizza: Mountain Rewards members receive a free mini pizza with the purchase of a 20-ounce bottled beverage.

• Papa Murphy's: Regular-priced items are 31.4 percent off with the prompt code PIDAY25 at checkout, either online or using the app.

• Pieology Pizzeria: Rewards members can earn double Perks points on a purchase of a Create Your Own Pizza, Calzone or salad.

• Polly's Pies: Dine-in customers who order an entrée get a free slice of pie (rewards members get a free slice with no purchase necessary); or customers can buy a special Pi Day Apple Pi with the Greek letter π cut into the top crust for $17.99.

• Round Table Pizza: Royal Rewards members can get a personal pizza with a choice of one topping for $3.14, with the purchase of any large or extra-large pizza. The deal is valid for Royal Rewards Members who have signed up for the rewards program prior to March 14.

• Taco Bell: A Mexican Pizza costs $3.14 on Pi Day.

Arkansas-Specific Pi Day Deals

• 7-Eleven: Rewards members can get a large pizza for $3.14

• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Buy one regular, full-size Pizookie, and get one for $3.14 (dine-in only)

• Blaze Pizza: Buy one pizza, get one for $3.14 (in-store only)

• Blue Cake/Honey Pies: 10% off pies when you order online with code MON10

• The Botanical at 8th & A: Enjoy pies donated by local bakeries, which will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the NWA Space and Science Center

• Burger King: Get a free Hershey's Pie with a purchase of $3.14 or more

• Burgers Pies and Fries: Pies for $3.14

• Cici's Pizza: Buy one medium or large 1-topping pizza with original round crust, get one for $3.14 (in-store or online with code PIDAY)

• Circle K: Get two slices or a personal pizza and a 20 oz. drink or 44 oz

The Cultural Significance of Apple Pie in America

Apple pie holds a special place in American culture. According to the sources, apple pie was brought to the American colonies in the 17th century. As apple trees (which were not native to the Americas) began to grow, baking became easier, and apple pie has since become "an indelible part of the American identity." In fact, apple pie is considered one of the most American things in the world.

Historical references to apple pie date back centuries. English poet Robert Greene praised a lady with prose mentioning "Their breath is like the steame of apple-pyes." Amelia Simmons' cookbook "The American Cookery" includes two recipes for apple pie. With the main difference being the addition of eggs, Marlborough pudding and apple pudding are very similar to apple pie.

When it comes to America's favorite pies, apple pie faces stiff competition. In a poll by The National Day Calendar, apple pie received 37% of votes, higher than pecan pie (16%), cherry pie (14%), and blueberry pie (9%). The remaining 24% went to "other" pies, with chocolate being the dominant choice in that category. Even during Thanksgiving time, apple pie remains the top-searched pie across most of the U.S., according to Google.

However, according to Google search data analyzed by sports and betting site Betway Insider from March 2022 to March 2023, cream pie was ranked as the favorite pie. The top 10 favorite pies in the U.S. according to this analysis were:

1. Cream pie
2. Pumpkin pie
3. Lemon Meringue pie
4. Apple pie
5. Cherry pie
6. Pecan pie
7. Key Lime pie
8. Peach Cobbler
9. Sweet Potato pie
10. Blueberry pie

Another measurement of desserts finds apple pie ranking number 5 behind some other desserts, with chocolate chip cookies reigning as the favorite. Despite these rankings, apple pie remains a beloved dessert with strong cultural significance.

Activities for National Apple Pie Day

While the sources don't provide specific information about National Apple Pie Day activities, they do suggest some ways to celebrate apple pie:

• Bake your own apple pie following recipes from cookbooks. There are even dedicated apple pie cookbooks, such as Ken Haedrich's Apple Pie. Individuals can follow the recipe to the letter or improvise based on preference.

• Host an apple pie potluck. Since there are so many different ways to make apple pie, there's a chance that people haven't tried their favorite kind yet. Getting friends together and setting a challenge to each bake a different apple pie can be a fun way to explore varieties.

How to Find Local Pie Promotions

For consumers interested in finding local pie promotions, the sources suggest checking individual restaurant social media accounts and searching for hashtags like #NationalPieDay. Participation may vary by location, and many offers are subject to availability. The sources also recommend checking with local restaurants, bakeries, and businesses directly, as many may offer specials or participate in pie-related celebrations without widely advertising them.

The Arkansas-specific examples demonstrate how local businesses create their own Pi Day celebrations, with some offering discounts and specials on their best pies and pizzas, while others join in the celebration with simple social media shoutouts. Whether people are craving a classic pepperoni pizza, a homemade fruit pie, or looking for a fun event to attend, there are plenty of ways to enjoy National Pi Day.

Conclusion

The provided source material offers limited information about specific National Apple Pie Day free samples but provides valuable insights into various pie-related promotions across different holidays. Consumers can find numerous opportunities to enjoy free pie samples, discounted prices, and special offers on National Pie Day, Pi Day, and other pie-related occasions. The cultural significance of apple pie as an American icon continues to make it a beloved dessert, even as other pie varieties compete for the top spot in popularity rankings. For those interested in pie promotions, checking with local restaurants and following social media hashtags can uncover additional opportunities to enjoy pie-themed specials.

Sources

1. Patch.com - Pi Day 2025: Where to Find Deals on Pizzas, Pies & More in OC
2. USA Today - National Pie Day 2024: Deals at Shoney's, Burger King plus America's pie preferences
3. National Today - National Apple Pie Day
4. Aymag - Pi Day Arkansas