Barbecue restaurants and food brands frequently offer promotional deals and complimentary items to attract and reward customers. These promotions often take the form of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) offers, free items for specific customer groups such as military personnel, or birthday freebies. The availability and specifics of these offers vary by brand, location, and time. This article details current and recent promotions from specific barbecue chains and other food establishments, based on information from official press releases, brand websites, and verified promotional calendars.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Monthly BOGO Promotion
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a national barbecue chain, runs a month-long promotion called “BBQ Bliss: A Month of Freebies & Flavor!” The promotion features weekly BOGO deals and is available exclusively through dickeys.com and the Dickey’s app. For January 2025, the promotion included weekly BOGO deals. The first week, from January 6th to January 12th, featured two BOGO offers: a BOGO on salads with meat using the code Lettuce25 and a BOGO on combos using the code COMBO12. The combo offer included options such as the Brisket Sandwich Combo, Pulled Pork Sandwich Combo, Loaded Baker Combo, Loaded Baker with Meat Combo, Trail Boss Combo, Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo (all three varieties), Dickey Dog Combo, Turkey Sandwich Combo, Westerner Sandwich Combo, and Smoked Chicken Sandwich Combo. Customers could mix and match any of these combo options to enjoy the BOGO meal. The promotion is presented as a gesture of gratitude to guests for their support.
Melvin’s BBQ: Freebies for Veterans and Military Personnel
Melvin’s BBQ, a family-owned barbecue restaurant in the Charleston, South Carolina area, offers a free item to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. According to multiple news reports, on November 11, all veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit Melvin’s BBQ locations in Mount Pleasant and James Island can receive a free Little Joe sandwich. To receive this offer, customers must present a valid military ID. This promotion is part of the restaurant’s community engagement and is confirmed by local news sources covering Veterans Day events.
Birthday Freebies from Food and Retail Brands
Many brands offer free items or coupons to customers who sign up for their loyalty programs or mailing lists, particularly on their birthdays. This practice is common across food and retail sectors. The following information is sourced from a compiled list of birthday freebies.
Food and Beverage Brands
- Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Customers who sign up for the brand’s program can receive a free 12-inch traditional pizza if they spend $5. This offer is available in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
- Applebee's: By signing up, customers can receive a free dessert with any purchase of $15 or more.
- Arby's: Signing up provides access to a free dessert, which can be a regular shake, cookies, or a turnover. This offer is available in all 50 states. The offer is noted as "no-purchase-required."
- Atlanta Bread: Customers who sign up can receive a free cookie with any purchase. This offer is available in Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
Retail Brands
- Athleta: Customers who sign up for the brand’s program receive a birthday coupon emailed to them. This offer is available in most U.S. states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Melvin’s BBQ: Brand Overview and Community Presence
While not a direct free sample program, Melvin’s BBQ has a long-standing presence in the Charleston community and is frequently featured in local media for its food and community events. The restaurant is known for its mustard-based barbecue sauce and has been recognized in various "best of" lists. It has been voted "Best Barbecue" by local magazines and named one of the essential barbecue spots in Charleston. The restaurant caters events and participates in community activities, such as the Post and Courier's Adult Egg Hunt. It also offers a catering menu with items like pulled pork, chicken, turkey, brisket combos, smoked wings, ribs, and pulled pork sliders. The restaurant has been in operation for decades, with a history dating back to the 1930s or 1980s, and is currently run by the founder's son. It is known for its classic side dishes like onion rings, hash and rice, and mac and cheese. The restaurant has been featured in national barbecue lists, such as "The South's Top 50 Barbecue Joints Of 2023" and "1 BBQ Joint In The South Is In South Carolina—See The List Of Top 50."
Conclusion
Barbecue restaurants and food brands use targeted promotions to engage with customers. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit employs a structured monthly BOGO promotion available through its digital channels. Melvin’s BBQ offers a specific, time-limited free item for veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day. Additionally, numerous national and regional food and retail brands offer birthday freebies to customers who join their loyalty programs, providing a predictable way for consumers to receive complimentary items. The availability of these offers is subject to geographic restrictions, time limits, and specific eligibility requirements, such as membership or proof of service. Consumers interested in these promotions should verify the current terms and conditions directly with the brands, as offers may change.