During a government shutdown, federal employees face financial uncertainty due to furloughs or working without pay. In response, various businesses and organizations often provide promotional offers, free meals, and other assistance to support affected workers. The following information details specific deals, eligibility requirements, and availability based on recent reports and official announcements regarding shutdown assistance. These offers span restaurants, financial institutions, service providers, and cultural attractions, primarily concentrated in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, though some extend to other regions.
Restaurant and Food Offers
Restaurants have historically been among the most active providers of support during government shutdowns, offering free meals, discounted items, or special menus to federal workers. These gestures are often intended to provide immediate relief and demonstrate community solidarity.
Homegrown Restaurant Group (Virginia)
In Alexandria, Virginia, the Homegrown Restaurant Group (HRG), which operates Pork Barrel BBQ and Sweet Fire Donna's, has offered "shutdown sandwiches" since 2013. The group provides free pulled pork or chicken sandwiches to federal employees. Bill Blackburn, a partner at HRG, noted that while these items do not cover significant expenses, they serve as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and community support. Federal workers are required to present a government ID to redeem these offers. The sandwiches are available Monday through Friday during the shutdown period.
Taco Bamba
Taco Bamba locations offer one free taco with the purchase of any taco for federal employees. This offer is valid for in-store orders only and requires a valid federal ID at the time of purchase. The promotion is limited to one free taco per person per visit.
Paisano’s
Paisano’s offers a 30% discount on all pizzas for federal workers. To redeem this discount, customers must use the promo code "TOGETHER" at the time of purchase and present a valid government ID. This offer is available at their location on S. Van Dorn in Alexandria.
Honeygrow
Honeygrow offers a 20% discount to federal employees at their register. Eligibility requires the presentation of a valid government-issued ID at the time of payment. Participating locations include those on Richmond Highway and Lincolnia Road in Virginia.
Chalkboard Wings & BBQ
Chalkboard Wings & BBQ offers free meals to furloughed workers and their families. This offer extends to anyone who has been laid off, fears being laid off, or has lost government assistance. The meals are provided in collaboration with The Kingstowne Communion and are available on Tuesdays until the shutdown ends. The menu changes weekly.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays announced a specific offer for Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers. These employees can receive a free meal daily through October 23. This initiative acknowledges the critical role these workers play in transportation safety.
China Chilcano
China Chilcano offers a free donburi bowl to federal employees. This offer is available for dine-in only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the shutdown.
Airlie
Airlie, a hotel, provides a free buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks for federal workers. This offer is specifically available on Wednesdays.
Nue Vietnamese
Nue Vietnamese offers an extended happy hour for the duration of the shutdown. Specials include $5 off cocktails, $3 off wine by the glass (and 50% off bottles), $2 off beers, and $12 small plates.
Trouvaille Brewing Company
Trouvaille Brewing Company offers the first beer for $1 to federal workers.
The Fish Market
The Fish Market offers an all-day happy hour for federal employees.
Nina May
Nina May offers a free slice of carrot cake with any food or drink order.
Cucina MORINI
Cucina MORINI offers $10 primi pastas to federal workers.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe locations, including the one at 999 E Street NW in D.C., offer a $12 entrée special. Additionally, the chain offers an all-day happy hour and $12 lunch deals in some locations.
Compass Coffee
Compass Coffee offers a free pastry with any drink order.
Carmine’s D.C.
Carmine’s D.C. is listed among the restaurants offering deals, though specific details of the offer are not elaborated in the source data beyond inclusion in a list of participating businesses.
El Tamarindo
El Tamarindo offers a free coffee with breakfast and a $15 lunch combo.
Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy
Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy offers a free beer with the purchase of a burger or sandwich.
Opaline
Opaline offers a 15% discount on menu items with the presentation of a government ID.
District Winery
District Winery offers BOGO (Buy One, Get One) glasses of wine.
YUME Sushi, KYOJIN Sushi, and RIMTANG
These sushi restaurants offer a 20% discount to federal workers.
Jaleo
Jaleo offers a free sandwich.
Oyamel
Oyamel offers a free torta.
Zaytinya
Zaytinya offers a free durum wrap or pita sandwich.
Thompson Restaurants
Thompson Restaurants offer a 20% discount at all locations.
Financial and Service Assistance
Beyond food and beverage offers, some financial institutions and service providers have implemented programs to assist federal workers with bill payments and financial obligations during the shutdown.
Phone Companies
Several major phone carriers have announced measures to help customers facing financial hardship due to missed paychecks.
- Verizon: Verizon has committed to waiving late fees for affected customers. Additionally, they offer a "Promise to Pay" program that allows federal workers to set future payment dates for their bills.
- Sprint: Sprint’s Customer Care is available to work with employees needing short-term payment solutions.
- AT&T: AT&T will adjust late fees and provide payment extensions for workers who are not receiving a paycheck.
- T-Mobile: T-Mobile allows workers to call to discuss deferring payments.
Banks and Credit Unions
Financial institutions are also offering specific relief programs.
- One Detroit Credit Union: This credit union offers payment extensions for members with existing loans. They are also offering new loans with a 60-day payment deferment. These offers are available to both existing members and non-members. Eligibility requires proof of the notice or letter received from the government indicating the shutdown impact. To apply for a new loan, applicants must select "Personal Loan/Consolidation" and comment "Government Shutdown" regarding the loan purpose. For payment extensions on existing loans, members should contact the Contact Center or visit a branch.
Attractions and Entertainment
Cultural institutions and entertainment venues in the D.C. area have also provided discounted or complimentary access to federal workers.
Museums and Estates
- Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens: Federal workers can receive complimentary admission by showing a government ID. This applies to the estate located at 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
- The Phillips Collection: Offers $10 general admission and a 10% discount in the museum shop for federal workers.
- The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum: Provides free admission to the "LGBTJews in the Federal City" special exhibition.
- International Spy Museum: Offers 50% off tickets.
Theaters and Performance Venues
- Washington Improv Theatre: Offers $5 tickets to "Laugh Riot."
- Pinstripes: Offers one free hour of bowling.
Recreational Activities
- Kraken Kourts and Skates: Federal workers can use the code "FEDSKATE" to get pizza and beer for $9.99 plus one hour of skate admission and rental for free. Alternatively, the code "SHUTDOWN" allows customers to buy one hour and get one hour of pickleball.
- Blooms Collective: Offers a 20% discount on workshops.
- Bennett’s Curse and CreepyWoods Haunted Forest: Located in Baltimore and White Marsh, Maryland, these haunted attractions offer a "Furlough Fear Deal" to federal employees affected by the shutdown.
Conclusion
During government shutdowns, a variety of businesses, primarily in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, mobilize to support federal workers through freebies and deals. These offerings range from complimentary meals and discounted food items to financial assistance from phone companies and credit unions, as well as discounted access to cultural and recreational activities. While these gestures are often described as symbolic and insufficient to cover major financial obligations, they provide tangible benefits and community support to those affected. Eligibility for these offers typically requires proof of federal employment, such as a government ID or documentation of furlough status. Consumers are advised to verify specific offer details, availability, and eligibility requirements directly with the participating businesses, as terms may change.