National Guacamole Day is observed annually on September 16, providing consumers with opportunities to enjoy complimentary guacamole and related menu items at participating restaurants. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Tuesday, with several fast-casual chains and restaurants announcing promotions spanning multiple days. These offers typically require the purchase of an entrée and are subject to specific terms, such as location participation and availability while supplies last.
The celebrations often coincide with a week-long promotion known as "Guac O'Clock," driven by a partnership between certain brands and Avocados From Mexico. While the primary focus is on immediate consumption, some brands utilize these events to encourage long-term customer engagement through loyalty programs and mobile app downloads. Consumers are advised to verify offer details with specific locations prior to visiting, as terms and participation may vary.
Key Restaurant Chains Offering National Guacamole Day Deals
Based on current promotional announcements, several major restaurant chains have confirmed freebies and discounts for National Guacamole Day 2025. The following sections detail the specific offers, eligibility requirements, and restrictions for each participating brand.
California Tortilla
California Tortilla is offering an extended promotion for National Guacamole Day, running from September 15 through September 21, 2025. This "Guac O'Clock" event is the result of a partnership with Avocados From Mexico.
- Offer: Free side of Guacamole and Chips.
- Requirement: Purchase of any entrée.
- Duration: Monday, September 15 – Friday, September 19 (and through the weekend, per some sources), or Sunday, September 21.
- Restrictions:
- In-store only.
- One free chips and guacamole serving per person per day.
- Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.
- Valid only while supplies last.
- Loyalty Program: Consumers can join the "Burrito Elito" loyalty program by downloading the California Tortilla app (available on the App Store and Google Play) or signing up in-store and registering online. Members earn points for every dollar spent and receive exclusive freebies and updates on offers.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is participating in National Guacamole Day on September 16, 2025.
- Offer: Free side of guacamole.
- Requirement: Purchase of any entrée.
- Eligible Entrées: Burritos, Bowls, Stacks, Nachos, Quesadillas, and Three Tacos Entrée.
- Exclusions: One Taco, Kids Meals, and Meal Kits are excluded.
- Restrictions:
- Valid at participating locations only.
- Single use.
- One side of guacamole per transaction; no substitutions.
- Not valid for third-party delivery orders.
- Service fees apply to online and in-app orders; other fees and taxes may apply.
- Void where prohibited.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA is offering a deal on September 16, 2025.
- Offer: Free Guacamole and Chips.
- Requirement: Purchase of any entrée.
Cocina 214
Cocina 214 is offering a discounted price on guacamole rather than a free item.
- Offer: $7 Guacamole.
- Duration: All day on September 16, 2025.
Future Projections and Historical Trends for 2026
While the primary focus is on the 2025 holiday, industry analysis suggests that National Guacamole Day on September 16, 2026, will likely feature similar promotions. Based on historical data from previous years, consumers can anticipate the following potential offers, though these are projections and not confirmed guarantees:
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Likely to offer free guacamole with the purchase of an entrée (burritos, Three Tacos entrée, bowls, stacks, nachos, quesadillas).
- Qdoba Mexican Eats: Likely to offer free chips and guacamole with any entrée purchase.
- Rubio’s: Potential for a free Fish Taco Especial with any purchase when using a promo code online or in-app.
- Tijuana Flats: Potential for a discount on guacamole or queso with an online or in-app entrée purchase using a promo code.
- Tocaya Modern Mexican: Likely to offer free half-size chips and guacamole with a purchase for Tocaya Rewards members.
Other chains such as Chipotle, On the Border, and Del Taco have historically participated. Del Taco, for instance, may offer 20% off an order for users who download the app and create a rewards account. Chipotle app users may occasionally receive emails for free guacamole with a $5 purchase.
Understanding Offer Terms and Eligibility
To maximize the value of National Guacamole Day promotions, consumers should understand common terms and eligibility criteria associated with these offers.
Participation and Availability
Promotions are valid only at participating locations. It is recommended to call local stores to confirm they honor the deal before visiting. Offers are typically available while supplies last.
Purchase Requirements
Most free guacamole offers require the purchase of a qualifying entrée. Exclusions often apply to smaller items such as kids' meals, individual tacos, or meal kits. The specific entrée categories eligible for the promotion are determined by the brand (e.g., Moe’s excludes One Taco and Kids Meals).
Usage Restrictions
- Per Person/Per Day Limits: Some offers, such as California Tortilla’s, are limited to one serving per person per day.
- Single Use: Offers are generally single-use and cannot be combined with other promotions.
- Substitutions: No substitutions are typically allowed for the free item.
- Delivery: Many offers are not valid for third-party delivery orders (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats). Service fees and taxes may still apply to online and in-app orders.
Loyalty Programs and Digital Engagement
Several brands use National Guacamole Day to drive digital engagement. Downloading brand-specific apps (e.g., California Tortilla, Chipotle, Del Taco) often grants access to rewards points, exclusive freebies, and future promotional emails. Registration for loyalty programs may be required to redeem certain offers.
Conclusion
National Guacamole Day on September 16, 2025, offers U.S. consumers a variety of opportunities to enjoy free or discounted guacamole at participating restaurants. Key participants include California Tortilla, Moe’s Southwest Grill, QDOBA, and Cocina 214, with offers ranging from free chips and guac with an entrée purchase to discounted menu items. Consumers should review specific terms regarding purchase requirements, location participation, and usage limits to ensure eligibility. Additionally, joining loyalty programs and downloading mobile apps can provide access to extended offers and future promotions.