National Sandwich Day, observed annually on November 3, is a significant promotional event for restaurant chains across the United States. In 2018, numerous brands participated by offering specific discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, and free items to customers. These promotions were often tied to loyalty program sign-ups, mobile app usage, or specific purchase requirements. The following guide details the verified offers available on and around November 3, 2018, based on information released by the participating companies.
Verified National Sandwich Day Promotions
Participating chains structured their 2018 National Sandwich Day promotions in various ways, ranging from price reductions on specific menu items to charitable giving initiatives. Many deals required customers to download brand-specific applications or sign up for email newsletters to qualify.
Key participating brands and their offers included:
- Arby's: The chain encouraged customers to sign up for their email list to receive future coupons, including birthday freebies.
- Bruegger's Bagels: Customers could sign up for the "Inner Circle" email program to receive offers.
- Erbert & Gerbert's: This shop offered all sandwiches for 50% off during a specific window on November 3 (from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM) at participating locations.
- Firehouse Subs: A BOGO deal was available on November 3, where customers received a free medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink.
- Jersey Mike's: A $2 off coupon was available for use on November 3.
- McAlister's Deli: The chain offered its signature McAlister's Club sandwich for a reduced price of $4 (saving just over $3). Additionally, customers could download the chain’s app to receive a free beverage.
- Penn Station East Coast Subs: Participating locations offered any 6-inch sub for $3.99 during specific hours (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on November 3). Customers who signed up for the rewards program could also get a free entree sandwich or salad with the purchase of a kids meal on Saturday and Sunday.
- Philly's Best Cheesesteaks: Customers could buy one cheesesteak or hoagie and get one free when purchasing two medium fountain drinks and presenting a coupon available on the company website.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Loyalty program members (Potbelly Perks) received a free entree sandwich or salad with the purchase of a kids meal on Saturday and Sunday.
- Quiznos: The chain offered any 8-inch sub for $5 at participating locations. New users who downloaded the app and joined the Toasty Points program received a free 4-inch sub with any purchase.
- Schlotzsky's Deli: This chain ran a buy-one-get-one free deal on all medium sandwiches on November 3. Customers could also opt to double the meat on their sandwich for an additional $2.
- Smashburger: While not a direct National Sandwich Day deal, the chain sold a "Smash Pass" for $100, which provided a free burger or entree daily from Monday through February 14.
- Subway: In conjunction with World Sandwich Day (which coincided with National Sandwich Day), Subway offered a charitable component. For every purchase made on the Subway app or website from November 3 through November 9, the company donated a meal to Feeding America. Additionally, customers using PayPal saved $5 on a purchase of $5 or more.
- Which Wich: Members of the Vibe Club Rewards program received a free "Wich" with the purchase of a "Wich" on Saturday.
Ongoing Sign-Up Offers and App-Based Freebies
Beyond the specific National Sandwich Day window, many chains offer ongoing incentives to join their digital ecosystems. These programs generally require registration via email or download of a smartphone app.
Perpetual sign-up offers identified in 2018 included:
- Boston Market: Joining the VIP club provided a coupon for $3 off a $10 purchase.
- Burger King: Coupons were available via the restaurant's smartphone app.
- Carl’s Jr.: Signing up for emails yielded a coupon for free small fries and a beverage with the purchase of any Six Dollar Burger.
- Checkers: Customers who signed up for emails received a coupon for a free large fry with any purchase.
- Chick-fil-A: Freebies were earned by using the Chick-fil-A One smartphone app.
- Culver's: The eClub offered "delicious perks."
- Dairy Queen: New users who downloaded the Dairy Queen app and registered received a free small Blizzard treat (not valid in Texas).
- Del Taco: Joining the Raving Fan eClub provided two free grilled chicken tacos.
Additional Fast Food and Restaurant Deals (July 2018 Context)
While National Sandwich Day is a November event, the source data also highlighted various freebies and deals from July 2018. These offers demonstrate the frequency of promotional events throughout the year.
July 2018 specific offers included:
- Wendy's: On July 27, 2018, customers could receive two free chicken tenders by uttering the phrase "Winner, winner chicken tender" at participating locations. This offer was valid only while supplies lasted.
- 7-Eleven: Free Slurpees were available on July 11, 2018.
- IHOP: The chain offered 60-cent short stacks of pancakes on July 17, 2018.
- Pilot Flying J: A free hot dog was available on July 18, 2018.
- Sam's Club: Free Icee float samples were distributed on July 15, 2018.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Customers received a free Mac & Cheese Bagel with any purchase.
- Chick-fil-A: Free food was offered to customers dressed as a cow on July 11, 2018.
- Chipotle: Free guacamole was available with an entree purchase on July 20, 2018.
Election Day 2018 Promotions
The source data also referenced deals available on Election Day (November 6, 2018), which occurred shortly after National Sandwich Day. These promotions often required proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker.
Notable Election Day offers included:
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Customers could receive a free cookie with any entree on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Rubio's Coastal Grill: An Original Fish Taco paired with any Mexican or craft beer was available for $5.
- Shake Shack: Free fries were offered with any purchase on Tuesday.
- Taco John's: A free order of Chips and Nacho Cheese was available with a coupon in the Taco John's Rewards app.
- Twin Peaks: Customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker received a free order of chips and queso with the purchase of a beverage.
- Uber: A $10 discount on a single ride to the polls was available with the code VOTE2018.
- Wolff's Biergarten (Syracuse only): Customers received a liter of beer for the price of a half liter with an "I Voted" sticker.
- YMCA: Some locations offered free childcare for parents visiting the polls.
- Zip Car: Users could save $20 on a future ride by taking a Zip Car to the polls between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Conclusion
National Sandwich Day 2018 provided U.S. consumers with a wide array of dining deals, primarily focused on BOGO offers and discounted menu items at major sandwich chains. The data indicates a strong emphasis on digital engagement, with many promotions requiring app downloads or loyalty program enrollment. While these specific offers were valid for the 2018 calendar year, the recurring nature of these promotional events suggests that similar opportunities may arise in subsequent years. Consumers interested in such deals should monitor official brand websites and app notifications for current terms and availability.