National Chocolate Milkshake Day, observed annually on September 12, provides consumers with an opportunity to enjoy chocolate-flavored beverages through various promotional offers. In 2025, numerous food service establishments and brands are participating by offering buy-one-get-one deals, percentage discounts, and complimentary upgrades. These promotions are typically available for a limited time, often valid only on the specific holiday, and may be restricted to specific locations or require the use of digital applications and promo codes.
The availability of these offers ranges from national chains to local cafes. Participation is often limited to specific franchise locations rather than all outlets of a brand. Consumers are generally required to present coupons, utilize specific ordering methods such as mobile apps, or visit designated store pages to redeem these deals.
Participating Brands and Locations
Several brands have announced specific promotions for National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12, 2025. These offers vary by region and redemption method.
MilkShake Factory
MilkShake Factory is offering a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) free deal on Classic Chocolate Milkshakes. This promotion is valid all day on September 12, 2025, from opening to closing. * Eligibility: The offer applies to Classic Chocolate Milkshakes. * Location Restrictions: While the brand has multiple locations, specific deals may vary. A specific deal is confirmed for the Uptown Charlotte location at 100 W 3rd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. * Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Charlotte location.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is collaborating with DoorDash to celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day. * Offer: Free chocolate milkshakes. * Redemption: Available via the DoorDash app and website. * Time Window: The offer is valid between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 12. * Requirements: Users must use the promo code "SHACK" at checkout. * Additional Perks: DoorDash is also providing free deliveries for orders over $12 using the same promo code throughout the week.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is participating with a location-specific offer in Davidson, North Carolina. * Offer: Customers who order any chocolate milkshake flavor will receive a free upgrade to a large size. * Location: 202 S Main Street, Davidson, North Carolina. * Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Restrictions: This deal is valid only at the Davidson location.
Culver’s
Culver’s is offering a discount on chocolate shakes at a specific location in Charlotte. * Offer: $1.00 off medium and large chocolate shakes. * Location: University City location, 7031 University City Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina. * Redemption: Announced via a Facebook ad.
Burger 21
Burger 21 is offering a discounted price on chocolate milkshakes through their mobile application. * Offer: $3.00 chocolate milkshakes. * Redemption: Exclusive to the Patty Perks app. * Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 160, Charlotte, North Carolina (Ballantyne).
Craveables Cafe
Craveables Cafe is highlighting National Chocolate Milkshake Day with handmade shakes. * Focus: The cafe emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and offers variations such as the Chocolate Hazelnut, KitKat, Oreo, Biscoff, and Strawberry milkshakes. * Availability: Specific deal terms for the holiday are not detailed in the source data, but the cafe promotes its menu for the occasion.
Other National Chain Deals
In addition to the specific 2025 holiday deals, a broader list of national chains frequently offers promotions on chocolate shakes. While these may not be specific to the September 12 holiday, they are often available year-round or during specific promotional periods.
- Arby's: Frequently offers a creamy creme brulee custard shake with a caramel swirl.
- Baskin Robbins: Often provides discounts (e.g., 50% off orders with coupon code JUMPB).
- Cold Stone Creamery: Promotions often include joining the eClub for deals like two Creations for the price of one.
- Dairy Queen: Frequently offers small Blizzard upgrades for $1 with a $5 lunch purchase.
- Dippin' Dots: Offers 20% off with coupon code GIVEME20.
- McDonald's: App users can often get a free medium frappe, shake, or sundae with any purchase.
- Sonic: Frequently offers half-price slushies and shakes after 8:00 p.m.
- Steak 'N Shake: Often features half-price shakes and drinks during happy hour (2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
- Wendy's: Frequently sells Frosties for 50 cents for a limited time.
Redemption Requirements and Restrictions
Consumers looking to take advantage of National Chocolate Milkshake Day deals should be aware of common eligibility criteria and restrictions:
- Digital Integration: Many deals, such as those from Shake Shack and Burger 21, require the use of a mobile app or specific promo codes (e.g., "SHACK").
- Location Specificity: Several offers are limited to specific franchise locations. For example, the Ben & Jerry’s upgrade is only valid in Davidson, and the Culver’s discount is only valid at the University City location.
- Time Constraints: Offers often have strict time windows. The Shake Shack giveaway is limited to 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., while the MilkShake Factory deal is valid all day but specific locations may have varying hours (e.g., 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.).
- Purchase Requirements: Some deals require a purchase (e.g., McDonald's requires a purchase to get a free shake), while others are strictly buy-one-get-one or free standing offers.
- Verification: Many deals are announced via social media channels, such as Facebook, requiring consumers to monitor brand pages for the latest updates.
Conclusion
National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12, 2025, serves as a focal point for promotional activity within the food service industry. Brands such as MilkShake Factory, Shake Shack, Ben & Jerry’s, and Burger 21 are utilizing the occasion to drive traffic through digital apps and location-specific offers. While the specific mechanics of redemption vary—ranging from BOGO deals at physical locations to app-exclusive discounts—the common thread is the requirement for consumers to verify local participation and adhere to specific time and location constraints.