March brings a variety of food freebies and promotional deals across the United States, driven by seasonal celebrations and major sporting events. According to the provided documentation, consumers can access complimentary items and discounts from national chains, often requiring specific actions such as visiting locations on designated dates, using mobile applications, or meeting minimum purchase thresholds. These offers primarily center around the arrival of spring and the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Seasonal Spring Freebies
The start of spring on March 20 is a significant driver for food promotions. Several retailers offer treats to mark the transition out of winter.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hosts an annual "Free Cone Day" on March 20. Consumers can receive a complimentary small soft-serve vanilla cone at most non-mall locations, as well as some participating mall venues. The offer is valid all day. Additionally, from March 24 through April 6, Dairy Queen offers small Blizzards for 85 cents with any purchase of $1 or more. This specific promotion requires the use of the Dairy Queen mobile application.
Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s Italian Ice maintains a tradition of giving away free Italian ice on March 20 to welcome spring. This offer is available at more than 575 locations. The company also debuts new flavors during this event, such as Skittles Italian Ice, and runs a sweepstakes for a year’s supply of free Italian ice.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s conducts a "Free Cone Day" event, which historically occurs in the spring. Documentation indicates that on April 10, participating locations scoop free ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. The company reports scooping over one million free cones during previous events.
March Madness and NCAA Tournament Promotions
The NCAA basketball tournaments in March generate numerous food deals, extending through the Final Four in early April. These promotions range from free menu items to buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals.
Applebee’s
Between March 18 and March 21, Applebee’s offered 50-cent boneless wings on to-go orders placed through the chain’s app or website. There was a limit of five wings per order and a maximum of 10 orders. This offer was not valid on third-party delivery websites.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings provided BOGO deals on chicken wings during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds (March 28-31) for orders of $25 or more through Grubhub. The documentation notes that the chain also offers BOGO boneless wings on Thursdays generally.
Popeyes
Popeyes offered a free Chicken Sandwich on orders of $15 or more during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight (March 27-31) through Grubhub.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies was noted as a participating chain offering slam-dunk food and drink deals for March Madness, though specific item details were not provided in the source text.
Other March Madness Offers
- Wendy’s: App users can get free 6-piece nuggets with any purchase every Wednesday.
- Taco Bell: Offers exclusive app-only deals every Tuesday, including discounted boxes or bonus items. During the tournament, Taco Bell also offered $5 off orders of $15 via Grubhub, which included a Cantina Caliente Chicken Soft Taco.
- Jimmy John’s: Offered BOGO Regular Favorite sandwiches on orders of $20 or more via Grubhub from April 4-17.
Weekly Deals and App-Exclusive Offers
Several chains offer recurring weekly deals or require the use of mobile applications to access savings.
Chipotle
Through March 30, Chipotle offered a free large chips & guac or queso when purchasing any three entrées. This offer required ordering through the Chipotle app or website.
Arby’s
Through March 30, Arby’s offered BOGO free on any size sides, including curly fries or mozzarella sticks. This was available at participating locations with no code required.
CAVA
On March 29, which is National Pita Chip Day, CAVA Rewards Members could score a free order of pita chips at any CAVA location.
KFC
Every Tuesday, KFC offers an 8-piece fried chicken bucket for $10 when ordered on KFC.com or the app. Consumers can choose from Original, Extra Crispy, or Grilled styles. There is a limit of one per transaction at select locations.
Subway
For a limited time, Subway offered a second footlong for $6.99 when buying one. The code 699FL was required at checkout, and the offer was valid at participating locations.
Jamba
On March 20, Jamba offered a small (16 oz) iced beverage—specifically Mangomorphosis or Dragonberry Blitz flavors—for $1 from 2:00 p.m.
Food Delivery Service Deals
Grubhub and Seamless (which merged with Grubhub) offered various deals throughout the NCAA tournaments. Most of these deals did not require a Grubhub+ subscription or a specific code, provided the minimum order value was met.
- Wawa: 30% off orders of $25 (maximum discount $11) through March 22.
- Little Caesars: Free Italian Cheese Bread with orders of $25 or more through March 24.
- Chili’s: $8 off orders of $40 or more through March 24.
- 7-Eleven: 25% off orders of $25 from March 22-25.
- Starbucks: $4 off orders of $20 or more from March 26-31.
- Yard House: An "IPA Madness" promotion running through April 7.
Retail Membership and Other Offers
Sam’s Club
New members can purchase a 1-year Sam’s Club membership for $25 (50% off) and receive a free 16-inch pizza (normally $8.98). This offer is valid through March 31, either in-store or online.
General Food Holidays
Documentation highlights that food holidays occur year-round, offering opportunities for free or cheap eats. While the provided text lists specific holidays for January (National Bagel Day on Jan. 15, National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19), it indicates that March and subsequent months also have dedicated food holidays, though specific March dates beyond the spring start and tournament events were not detailed in the provided text.
Conclusion
March offers a concentrated period of food freebies and discounts, anchored by the first day of spring and the NCAA basketball tournaments. Consumers can maximize savings by utilizing mobile apps, joining rewards programs, and timing visits to participating locations during specific promotional windows. Offers vary by location and are subject to availability.