National Cheeseburger Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Burger Deals And Discounts Across America

National Cheeseburger Day, celebrated annually on September 18, has become a significant occasion for burger enthusiasts nationwide. As one of America's most beloved food items, with consumers eating an estimated 50 billion burgers each year, this holiday provides an opportunity for restaurants to offer special promotions and freebies. The average U.S. consumer enjoys approximately 26 burgers annually from restaurants and food service operations, making National Cheeseburger Day a highlight for many foodies. This comprehensive guide details the available freebies, discounts, and special offers for National Cheeseburger Day 2025, focusing on options that may be available to consumers in Ohio and across the United States.

Major Fast Food Chain Offers

Fast food chains typically lead the way with substantial promotions for National Cheeseburger Day. These offers range from deeply discounted items to free products with purchase, often requiring the use of mobile apps or loyalty programs.

McDonald's

McDonald's has established itself as a key player in National Cheeseburger Day celebrations. For 2025, the chain is offering its Double Cheeseburger for an exceptionally low price of $0.50 through the McDonald's mobile app. This deal is exclusive to app users, with a limit of one burger per customer. The promotion highlights how digital platforms have become essential channels for accessing restaurant deals, as customers must download and use the app to take advantage of this substantial discount.

Burger King

Burger King presents an attractive freebie offer for cheeseburger enthusiasts. Through the BK mobile app, customers can receive a free cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more. This low purchase threshold makes the deal accessible to nearly all customers, though it requires the use of the company's mobile application. The promotion demonstrates Burger King's strategy of leveraging digital engagement to drive both app downloads and in-store traffic.

Wendy's

Wendy's has extended its National Cheeseburger Day celebration beyond the single day, running a promotion from September 18-22. During this period, customers using the Wendy's app can add a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger to their order for just one cent. This promotional item features a juicy patty with crispy applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. The minimal cost makes this an excellent value proposition for customers already planning to purchase from Wendy's.

Checkers/Rally's

Checkers, also known as Rally's in some markets, is offering its signature Big Buford for $3 at participating locations nationwide. This price point represents a significant discount from the regular menu price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The promotion is available while supplies last, which is a common limitation for time-sensitive restaurant deals.

Smashburger

Smashburger has joined the National Cheeseburger Day festivities by offering any single Smashburger for $4.99 at participating locations. The promotion is available for dine-in, pickup, and delivery orders placed directly through Smashburger's website and mobile app. Customers using online ordering can apply the code BURGERDAY25 to receive the discounted price on delivery or pickup orders. This multi-channel approach ensures accessibility for various customer preferences.

Sonic

Sonic Drive-In is providing a buy-one-get-one-free offer on its Double Smasher burgers for National Cheeseburger Day. This promotion is exclusively available through the Sonic mobile app, requiring customers to place their orders digitally. BOGO deals are particularly appealing as they effectively cut the cost of each burger in half while encouraging customers to potentially try additional menu items.

White Castle

White Castle is extending its celebration beyond National Cheeseburger Day proper, offering a free slider with the promo code "SAYCHEESE" at checkout online or in the app from September 18 to 21. This four-day promotion gives customers flexibility in when they can redeem their freebie. White Castle's sliders, with their distinctive square shape and small size, represent a different take on the traditional cheeseburger concept.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is rewarding its loyalty program members with a free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with the purchase of at least $1 from any app or online order. The offer is valid between September 15 and 19, providing a slightly longer redemption window than some competitors. This promotion highlights how restaurant loyalty programs have become increasingly important for accessing exclusive deals and freebies.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is incorporating National Cheeseburger Day into its "Burger Week" promotion, marking September 18 as the culmination of the week-long event. On this day, cheeseburger lovers can get a free Jr. Cheeseburger with any $1+ order. The connection to a larger promotional event demonstrates how individual holidays can be leveraged within broader marketing campaigns.

Sit-Down Restaurant Offers

While fast food chains dominate National Cheeseburger Day promotions, several sit-down restaurants also participate with their own special offers. These establishments typically provide different value propositions, often including meal deals rather than standalone burger discounts.

Applebee's

Applebee's has become one of the most consistent participants in National Cheeseburger Day celebrations. For 2025, the restaurant is offering any of its three classic handcrafted burgers—Applebee's Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger—plus fries for just $8.99. This meal deal represents substantial value, as the burger and fry combination typically costs more at regular price. The offer is available for dine-in, to-go, online at Applebees.com, or through the Applebee's mobile app. Notably, third-party delivery services are excluded from this promotion, which encourages direct ordering through the restaurant's own channels.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is targeting its loyalty program members with a buy-one-get-one-free burger offer valid all day on National Cheeseburger Day. This promotion requires customers to be members of the Blazin' Rewards program, which is free to join. BOGO deals at sit-down restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings provide particularly good value, as the regular price point for burgers at these establishments is typically higher than at fast-food chains.

Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers, the restaurant chain co-owned by Mark Wahlberg and his family, is offering 50% off all burgers on September 18 in honor of National Cheeseburger Day. The offer is limited to one per customer and cannot be combined with other promotions. It is valid for both in-store and online orders. This substantial discount makes Wahlburgers an attractive option for customers looking to enjoy a higher-quality burger experience at a reduced price.

Whataburger

Whataburger is providing a unique deal that combines a burger purchase with a free side item. Customers who order the No. 5, the Bacon & Cheese Whataburger, will receive free fries or onion rings of any size. The beloved burger features bacon, American cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onions, and mustard. Customers can claim their free side by ordering through the Whataburger app or online. This promotion offers flexibility with the choice of free side item, allowing customers to select their preference.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's is extending its National Cheeseburger Day celebration beyond the actual holiday, offering customers with the Freddy's rewards app a free Original Double Steakburger with any purchase of $10 or more. The deal is valid from September 18 through September 21, providing customers with a four-day window to redeem the offer. This longer redemption period accommodates varying schedules and may help distribute customer traffic over multiple days.

BurgerFi

BurgerFi is participating in National Cheeseburger Day with a straightforward offer: buy one BurgerFi cheeseburger and get a second one for just $1 at any participating location. This promotion does not appear to require the use of a mobile app or loyalty program, making it accessible to all customers. The minimal cost for the second burger effectively provides a substantial discount on the overall meal.

Regional and Local Options

While major national chains dominate the National Cheeseburger Day landscape, regional and local restaurants may also participate in the festivities. In Ohio, consumers have several options to consider.

Milano Subs

Based on the available information, Milano Subs operates three locations in Ohio, including: - University of Dayton: 1834 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409 - Miami Township: 9572 Springboro Pike, Miami Township, OH 45342 - Beavercreek: 2260 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45431

While the provided menu information for Milano Subs includes various food items, it does not specifically mention any National Cheeseburger Day promotions. However, given that the chain has multiple locations in Ohio, it's worth checking directly with these Dayton-area locations to inquire about any special offers they might be running for the holiday.

How to Access These Deals

The majority of National Cheeseburger Day promotions require specific actions or platforms to access. Understanding these requirements is essential for customers who want to take advantage of the available deals.

Mobile App Requirements

Many deals, particularly from fast food chains, require the use of the restaurant's mobile application. These include: - McDonald's: $0.50 Double Cheeseburger through app - Burger King: Free cheeseburger with $1+ purchase through app - Wendy's: $0.01 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger through app - Sonic: BOGO Double Smasher burgers through app - Smashburger: $4.99 single burger through website/app with code BURGERDAY25 - Dairy Queen: Free burger with $1+ purchase through app/online - Whataburger: Free fries/rings with app/online order

This pattern demonstrates how mobile apps have become essential tools for accessing restaurant promotions. Customers are encouraged to download these apps in advance of National Cheeseburger Day to ensure they can participate in the deals.

Loyalty Program Requirements

Several promotions are tied to restaurant loyalty programs: - Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO burgers for Blazin' Rewards members - Dairy Queen: Free burger for rewards members with $1+ purchase - Freddy's: Free burger for rewards members with $10+ purchase

Joining these loyalty programs is typically free and can provide benefits beyond just National Cheeseburger Day promotions. Regular customers may find it worthwhile to enroll in these programs to access exclusive deals throughout the year.

Online Ordering Requirements

Some promotions specifically require online ordering rather than in-person purchases: - Smashburger: Website/app orders with code BURGERDAY25 - Whataburger: App or online order for free side - White Castle: Online or app order with code "SAYCHEESE"

This requirement helps restaurants track promotion usage and may also encourage customers who might not otherwise order online to try digital ordering methods.

Purchase Thresholds

Many free burger deals require a minimum purchase amount: - Burger King: Free cheeseburger with $1+ purchase - Jack in the Box: Free Jr. Cheeseburger with $1+ order - Dairy Queen: Free burger with $1+ purchase - Freddy's: Free burger with $10+ purchase

These minimum purchase requirements help ensure that the promotions drive additional revenue while still providing value to customers. The $1 threshold is particularly common, making these offers accessible to nearly all customers.

Tips for Maximizing Cheeseburger Day Deals

To get the most value from National Cheeseburger Day promotions, consumers should consider the following strategies:

1. Plan Ahead: Download necessary apps and join loyalty programs before September 18 to avoid technical issues on the day itself.

2. Check Location Participation: Not all locations may participate in promotions, especially for regional chains. Calling ahead or checking the app can confirm participation.

3. Combine Deals When Possible: Some offers that don't explicitly prohibit combination can be paired for greater value, though many chains include limitations on offer stacking.

4. Consider Timing: For deals with extended redemption periods (like White Castle's four-day offer), choosing less busy times can result in better service and potentially fresher food.

5. Share with Friends: BOGO deals work best when shared, so coordinating with friends or family can maximize the value of these promotions.

6. Explore Menu Options: Some promotions apply to specific menu items, but others may allow for customization or upgrades for additional costs.

7. Check for Exclusions: Many promotions exclude third-party delivery services or have limitations on certain burger varieties or add-ons.

Conclusion

National Cheeseburger Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for burger enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite food at reduced prices or even for free. From fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King to sit-down restaurants like Applebee's and Wahlburgers, the range of promotions provides options for various preferences and budgets. While the provided information doesn't specify Dayton, Ohio exclusive deals, many of the national chains likely have participating locations in the area.

The most successful approach to celebrating National Cheeseburger Day involves researching available offers in advance, downloading necessary apps, and understanding the specific requirements for each promotion. By planning strategically, consumers can maximize their savings and enjoy multiple deals throughout the celebration period. As National Cheeseburger Day continues to grow in popularity, restaurants are likely to expand their promotions in future years, potentially offering even more value to burger-loving consumers.

Sources

1. National Hamburger Day 2025: Free food at Burger King; Wendy's, Dairy Queen deals in Ohio
2. National Cheeseburger Day 2025 deals: McDonald's, In-N-Out, Five Guys and more
3. McDonald's cheeseburger day deals: Freebies list, locations
4. Best National Cheeseburger Day deals 2025
5. Milano Subs
6. National Cheeseburger Day deals 2024