Shutdown Specials And Furlough Freebies How Businesses Support Federal Workers During Government Closures

During government shutdowns, hundreds of thousands of federal employees face financial uncertainty as they are furloughed without pay. In response, many businesses across the country have stepped up to offer special deals, discounts, and free meals to help these workers through these difficult periods. These "shutdown specials" and "furlough freebies" have become a tradition during government closures, with restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments showing their support for federal workers. This article examines the various types of offers available during shutdowns, where they can be found, and how federal employees can access these benefits.

Overview of Government Shutdowns and Their Impact on Federal Workers

Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation funding federal agencies, resulting in the temporary closure of non-essential government functions. During these periods, approximately 800,000 federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are placed on temporary leave without pay. According to the Congressional Budget Office, these shutdowns cost about $400 million each day in lost productivity and back pay that will eventually be distributed once the government reopens.

The longest government shutdown on record lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. During this extended period, furloughed employees missed multiple paychecks, creating significant financial hardship for many workers and their families. In response to these challenges, businesses across the country have traditionally offered special deals and freebies to support federal workers during these difficult times.

Restaurant and Food Establishment Offers

Restaurants have been among the most generous supporters of federal workers during shutdowns, offering everything from free meals to significant discounts. These offers vary by establishment but often require federal employees to show their government ID as proof of employment.

Senate Restaurant (Cincinnati, OH) - Offers free meals to federal employees and their children at both Over-the-Rhine and Blue Ash locations - The duration of the offer has not been specified

Potbelly (Multiple locations including Kenwood-Sycamore, Florence, downtown, Rookwood, Colerain, and Deerfield) - Buy-one-get-one-free sandwiches for federal employees with ID - Available January 23-27 during a previous shutdown

Condado Tacos - Offers a free taco to furloughed government employees who show their ID - No purchase necessary

Oblio's Pizza (Denver, CO) - Furloughed employees and their families can eat free - Option for community members to donate to support furloughed families

Kachina Cantina (Denver, CO) - Government employees receive a free Taco Plate with three tacos on tortillas or Navajo fry-bread, rice, beans, and a non-alcoholic drink - Available during the shutdown period

Kaos Pizzeria (Denver, CO) - Federal employees get a free entrée - Family members receive a discount - Available throughout the shutdown duration

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar (Denver, CO) - Furlough Lunch special available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the LoDo location - Employees pay only tax and tip - Dine-in only

Hopdoddy (Denver, CO) - On January 23, offered workers a free burger, regular fries, and non-alcoholic beverage - For the remainder of the shutdown, government workers receive 25% off their meal

Lucha Cantina (Denver, CO and Littleton, CO) - Government workers and their kids receive a free meal - Available from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. during the shutdown

Denny's (Maryland, D.C., and Virginia locations) - Offering free food to federal employees and military members

Bertucci's - 15% discount for federal employees or military members with government ID

Soupergirl (Takoma Park, MD) - 10% off on soups and salads during the shutdown - Offer explicitly not available to members of Congress

Carmine's (Washington, D.C.) - All-day Happy Hour throughout the shutdown - $5 meatball sliders and $8 specialty cocktails - Available to everyone, not just federal employees

Barrel (Washington, D.C.) - "Unhappy Hour" offering select cocktails for $10 and select beers for $6 - Available all day during the shutdown

Butterworth's (Washington, D.C.) - Government shutdown drink specials including a "Furlough-rita" and "Continuing Rye-solution" for $10 each - Mini Guinness for $6 - Welsh rarebit for $5

Compass Coffee (Multiple locations) - Free pastry with the purchase of any drink - Requires showing government ID

Cork Wine Bar (Washington, D.C.) - Discounts on select food and glasses of wine - Specials begin at 3 p.m.

Certo! (Washington, D.C.) - Extended happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. - Located inside the Royal Sonesta at Dupont Circle

Beverage and Coffee Shop Deals

Coffee shops and beverage establishments have also shown their support for federal workers during shutdowns by offering free items and discounts.

Moxie Bread Company (Louisville, CO) - Free drip coffee for furloughed employees throughout the shutdown - Located at 641 Main St.

Precision Pours Coffee House (Louisville, CO) - Half off any drink with valid government ID - Located at 1030 E South Boulder Rd.

Post Brewing Co. (Multiple locations) - Furlough Lunch special available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Employees pay only tax and tip - Dine-in only

Furloughed employees can also get buy-one-get-one beers at certain establishments throughout the shutdown period.

Entertainment and Activity Discounts

While restaurants and food establishments make up the majority of shutdown specials, some other businesses have also offered discounts and free activities for federal workers.

Punch Bowl Social (Denver, CO) - 25% discount on all food, beverages, and games - Includes brunch and daily specials - Offer doesn't include private parties or merchandise - Available at 65 Broadway and 3120 Uinta St.

Ragin' Hog BBQ (Denver, CO) - Free pork or chopped beef sandwich combo with ID - Located at 4361 Lowell Blvd.

Señor Bear (Denver, CO) - Free bowl of pozole with pork, hominy, and red chile broth - Includes a beer - Available Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - Located at 3301 Tejon St.

Chef Kristin Hazlett (Denver, CO) - Personal chef offering to cook furloughed employees and their families a meal in their own homes - Contact: 719-660-5065

Le French Cafe (Boulder, CO) - Free order of sweet or savory crepes - Available 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays) - Located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave. C-1, Boulder

Some local sports teams have also offered free admission to games during shutdown periods, though specific details are not provided in the source material.

Eligibility Requirements and How to Access These Offers

Most shutdown specials require federal employees to show their government ID as proof of employment. Some offers are specifically for furloughed employees, while others extend to all federal workers, including those who are required to work without pay during shutdowns.

Many offers are limited to one per person, though some establishments extend deals to include family members. Most offers are available during the entire duration of the shutdown, though some have specific time-limited promotions.

To access these offers, federal employees typically need to: 1. Present their valid government ID 2. Mention the shutdown special or furlough freebie 3. Follow any specific instructions (such as ordering during certain hours or for dine-in only)

Geographic Distribution of Shutdown Specials

Shutdown specials are not limited to one region but have appeared in cities across the United States, particularly in areas with high concentrations of federal workers.

Washington, D.C. Area: - The nation's capital has numerous shutdown specials due to the large number of federal employees working in the region - Offers include restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and downtown

Denver, Colorado: - Multiple restaurants and establishments offering deals - Includes a mix of chain and local businesses

Cincinnati, Ohio: - Senate Restaurant offering free meals to federal employees and their children

Louisville and Boulder, Colorado: - Several local businesses including coffee shops and breweries offering specials

Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.: - Chain restaurants like Denny's offering free food to federal employees and military members

Conclusion

During government shutdowns, when hundreds of thousands of federal workers face financial uncertainty due to furloughs without pay, many businesses have stepped up to offer support through shutdown specials and furlough freebies. These offers range from free meals and drinks to discounts on various goods and services. Restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments across the country have participated in this tradition of supporting federal workers during difficult times.

Federal employees can access these offers by presenting their government ID and following any specific instructions provided by each business. While most offers are available throughout the duration of a shutdown, some may have specific time limitations or eligibility requirements. The geographic distribution of these specials reflects the areas with higher concentrations of federal workers, particularly in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and other cities with significant federal presence.

As government shutdowns continue to occur, this tradition of business support for federal workers likely will continue as well, providing both practical assistance and a sense of community solidarity during challenging times.

Sources

1. Cincinnati Shutdown Specials
2. Nationwide Shutdown Freebies
3. Denver Shutdown Specials
4. Washington-area Shutdown Discounts
5. DC-area Shutdown Specials
6. DC-area Food and Drink Deals