The provided source material details specific promotional offers and freebies available in St. Louis and select national markets, primarily focusing on food and beverage deals tied to holidays and civic events. These promotions span various occasions, including Election Day, St. Patrick's Day, Tax Day, and Veterans Day. The offers generally require specific actions, such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker, joining a rewards program, or verifying military status. While the data highlights participating brands and deal specifics, it does not provide comprehensive details on nationwide availability or eligibility for all listed brands.
Election Day Promotions
In November 2018, St. Louis businesses and national chains encouraged voter participation by offering freebies to customers wearing "I Voted" stickers. These initiatives were designed to reward civic engagement and drive foot traffic to local establishments.
- Shake Shack: The Central West End location in St. Louis offered free french fries to customers who presented an "I Voted" sticker. This was part of a national Shake Shack initiative under their "Stand for Something Good" slogan. The promotion aimed to encourage guests to vote. Employees were also encouraged to participate in the election. The general manager estimated that 800 voters would receive free fries by closing time, compared to an average Tuesday sale of 500 orders.
St. Patrick's Day Food and Drink Specials
Various restaurants offered themed food and drink specials during the week of St. Patrick's Day in 2025. These deals ranged from discounted meals to limited-time menu items.
- Kona Grill: From March 14 to 21, Kona Grill offered Corned Beef Sliders with Chips for $19 all day or $6 during happy hour. A takeout option of six sliders was available for $49. During happy hour, beverages such as beer, sake, and seltzer were priced at $3.
- Panera Bread: On March 16 and 17, select markets including St. Louis, New York City, Chicago, and Boston featured a "Pot of Gold," a green bread bowl filled with mac & cheese. MyPanera members received $2 off any size Mac & Cheese on these dates. Additionally, customers could text "LUCKY" to #31261 between March 16 and 21 to enter the Panera Pot of Gold Sweepstakes for a chance to win free Mac & Cheese for a year.
- El Pollo Loco: From March 17 to 24, customers could purchase Double Pollo Fit Bowls for $8 (approximately half off the original price). This deal was available for in-store, online, and app orders.
- Baskin-Robbins: The source mentions a promotion for St. Patrick's Day but cuts off before providing specific details.
- Portillo's: A limited-time shake was offered, blending chocolate frosting, vanilla ice cream, and mint flavoring.
- STK Steakhouse: Specials were available from March 14 to 21. During happy hour, Lil' Corned Beef Sliders with crispy tots cost $6, while a dinner portion was $26. A takeout option for hosting was $59. The restaurant also featured the "Leprechaun Stiletto" cocktail for $9 during happy hour and $23 during dinner.
- Applebee's: The chain offered "Saintly Sips" cocktails for $6, including the "Tipsy Leprechaun" (Jameson Irish Whiskey, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, premium lemon sour, lemon-lime soda, gold sugar rim) and the "Golden Goose" (Grey Goose vodka, triple sec, mango, lemon sour, sugar rim). Fruit-flavored Rainbow Lemonades with a candy rainbow topping were also available.
- Paris Baguette: Through St. Patrick's Day, the bakery offered themed items including St. Paddy's Mochi Donut, St. Paddy's King Cream Donut, and St. Paddy's Rainbow Cake. PB Rewards members could get a free pastry on March 17 with the purchase of any beverage, along with double points on St. Patrick's Day products.
Tax Day Deals
April 15 promotions focused on providing value to customers during tax season.
- Sonny's BBQ: On April 15, guests could purchase a St. Louis Rib Dinner for $10.99. The dinner included a choice of Sweet & Smokey or House Dry Rubbed St. Louis Style Ribs, two Sidekicks, and Cornbread or Garlic Bread. This deal was available for dine-in, takeout, and online orders.
- Baskin-Robbins: Rewards members received $5 off cake purchases of $30 or more from April 1 to 30, 2025. This offer was exclusive to the Baskin-Robbins app.
- Dunkin': Rewards members had access to exclusive offers. From April 8 to 14, 2025, members could get a free Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Sandwich for $13 when purchasing a beverage. From April 15 to 21, 2025, members could get Avocado Toast for $3 with the purchase of a beverage.
- Popeyes: In celebration of a "Pickle Menu" drop, Popeyes offered two Chicken Sandwiches and a regular side for $12 (or $13 depending on location).
Veterans Day Offers
On November 11, 2025, numerous restaurants offered free meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service was generally required.
- Little Caesars: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active military could receive a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Active-duty military and veterans could enjoy one free meal from a Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Mission BBQ: Veterans received a free sandwich on Veterans Day. The restaurant also hosts a live National Anthem at noon.
- O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military received a free entrée (such as Salisbury steak or shrimp scampi) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and 11. They also received a $5 reward card for their next visit.
- Ojos Locos Sports Cantina: Veterans and active-duty military received 20% off all food items.
- Olive Garden: On November 11, veterans and current military members dining in received a free entrée from a special menu upon showing proof of service.
- Texas Roadhouse: The chain offered free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on Veterans Day.
- Viva Chicken: Veterans and active-duty military could eat for free with a guest purchase on November 11, 2025.
- Wienerschnitzel: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active-duty military could enjoy a free original chili dog, small fries, and small soda at participating locations with a valid military ID or proof of service.
- White Castle: Veterans and active-duty service members could receive a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal at participating restaurants on November 11.
- Wings and Rings: A free dine-in lunch combo was available all day on November 11 for veterans.
Brand Initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility
- St. Louis Bar & Grill: The brand supports Autism Awareness through annual events and fundraising activities. In one year, they raised $250,000 at corporate and store levels. They also position themselves as an attractive business opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering a well-known brand, proven business model, and marketing expertise.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline a variety of food and beverage promotions tied to specific dates and events, such as Election Day, St. Patrick's Day, Tax Day, and Veterans Day. These offers typically require specific actions, such as joining a rewards program, presenting a sticker, or verifying military status. While the data confirms the existence of these deals and their basic requirements, it does not provide exhaustive details on nationwide participation or long-term availability. Consumers interested in these promotions should verify details with the specific brands or local establishments.