National Bagel Day in 2018 provided numerous opportunities for consumers to obtain free bagels and discounted bagel products through loyalty programs, promotional codes, and special in-store offers. The holiday, which was celebrated on Friday, February 9, 2018, by major chains such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, served as a catalyst for week-long events and specific day-only deals. While some offers were available to all customers, the majority of freebies required enrollment in brand-specific rewards programs or the use of digital coupons.
The landscape of National Bagel Day deals in 2018 was dominated by the "Shmear Society" loyalty program at Einstein Bros. Bagels, which offered a daily free bagel with shmear for five consecutive days. Other brands, including Bruegger’s Bagels and Noah’s NY Bagels, similarly required rewards program enrollment to unlock free items. Additionally, various third-party platforms and local shops offered distinct incentives, ranging from percentage-based shipping discounts to free bagels with the purchase of a beverage.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: The Shmear Society Promotion
Einstein Bros. Bagels was the primary focus of National Bagel Day 2018 celebrations, offering a substantial week-long promotion. According to a press release issued by the company, National Bagel Day was observed on Friday, February 9, 2018. To celebrate, Einstein Bros. extended the holiday into a five-day "bagel extravaganza" spanning from February 9 through February 13.
Participation in this promotion was strictly limited to members of the Shmear Society loyalty club. Both new and existing members were eligible to receive a free bagel and shmear every day during the promotional window at participating locations. Individuals who were not currently members could join the Shmear Society via the brand’s website to become eligible.
In addition to the daily free bagel with purchase, Einstein Bros. Bagels provided a downloadable coupon redeemable for a $10 Baker’s Dozen Box. This box included an assortment of 13 freshly baked bagels and two tubs of premium, whipped shmear. The offer represented a $5 savings off the standard price. The coupon was available for download at www.EinsteinBros.com/BagelHero. Customers were advised to verify participation at their local stores by calling ahead.
Requirements for Freebies: Loyalty Programs and Rewards
A recurring theme across National Bagel Day 2018 offers was the necessity of joining loyalty programs to receive free items. Brands utilized these programs to drive customer engagement and app usage.
- Shmear Society (Einstein Bros. Bagels): As detailed in the press release and other reports, membership was the sole gateway to the week-long free bagel and shmear offer.
- Bruegger’s Rewards: To receive a free bagel and cream cheese with any purchase at Bruegger’s Bagels, customers were required to join the Bruegger’s Rewards program.
- Manhattan Bagel eClub: Members of the Manhattan Bagel eClub loyalty program received a promo code via email on National Bagel Day, entitling them to a free bagel with cream cheese.
- Noah’s NY Bagels: This chain offered a free bagel and shmear to customers who joined their rewards program.
- Panera (MyPanera): While not a direct free bagel for all, Panera offered a "Bagel Bash" promotion. MyPanera members who purchased and tried the new Asiago Bagel Stack between January 15 and January 21 received a reward for a free bagel on their next visit.
Other National Chains and Specific Deals
While Einstein Bros. Bagels offered a week-long celebration, other chains and retailers provided deals specific to National Bagel Day, which fell on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, according to some reports, though the 2018 date is confirmed by the Einstein Bros. press release. The following deals were reported in the context of National Bagel Day celebrations:
- Biggby Coffee: Offered 50% off bagel sandwiches at participating locations.
- McDonald's: Provided a bagel for $2 during breakfast hours at participating restaurants, redeemable via the McDonald's app.
- Gold Belly: Offered a deal where customers ordering a dozen bagels from Zucker’s Bagels and Smoked Fish received a dozen free.
- The Bagel Nook: Offered one free regular bagel with butter or cream cheese with the purchase of any drink between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Limit one per customer.
- H&H Bagels: Provided 10% off all nationwide shipping orders using the code "BAGELDAY10." Customers signing up for the rewards program via the app between January 15 and January 22 received 100 reward points.
- New Yorker Bagels: Offered $5 off any two- or three-dozen box plus free express shipping using the code "National."
- Wolferman’s: Offered 15% off select orders using the code "BAGEL15."
Digital Coupons and Online Ordering Incentives
Digital engagement was a significant component of the 2018 National Bagel Day strategies. Brands encouraged customers to use apps and online ordering platforms to access deals.
Einstein Bros. Bagels incentivized online ordering for the remainder of January 2018 following National Bagel Day. Customers could receive $2 off any signature or classic egg sandwich or burrito via online ordering from January 15 to January 31.
Similarly, the requirement to download coupons or sign up through specific URLs (such as www.ShmearSociety.com) highlights the shift toward digital acquisition channels. The press release explicitly stated that the $10 Baker’s Dozen Box coupon was available for download at www.EinsteinBros.com/BagelHero.
Local and Unverified Offers
The source material suggests that consumers should not rely solely on national chain promotions. One report noted, "It is a good idea to check your local bagel shops for promotional offers that day in case they are not as heavily publicized as national chains." This indicates that smaller, independent shops may have offered unpublicized deals.
Additionally, some offers mentioned in the source material appear to be unverified or specific to limited regions. For instance, reports regarding the exact date of National Bagel Day varied between February 9, 2018, and January 15, 2025. However, the specific details regarding the Einstein Bros. promotion are consistent across the press release and other reports, confirming the February 2018 timeframe for that specific brand's major event.
Strategic Tips for Securing Future Freebies
Based on the strategies employed during National Bagel Day 2018, consumers can adopt specific habits to maximize future freebie opportunities:
- Download Brand Apps: The majority of deals, including the $2 discount at McDonald's and the ordering requirement for Einstein Bros., required app usage.
- Join Loyalty Programs: Enrollment in programs like Shmear Society, Bruegger’s Rewards, and MyPanera is frequently the only way to access high-value freebies like a free bagel and shmear or a free pastry.
- Monitor Receipts: Some sources suggest checking receipts for potential freebie offers or survey codes that can lead to future rewards.
- Watch for Food Holidays: Brands frequently utilize food holidays (e.g., National Bagel Day, National Donut Day) to launch promotions. Keeping track of these dates can help consumers anticipate deals.
Conclusion
National Bagel Day 2018 was characterized by extensive participation from major bagel chains, most notably Einstein Bros. Bagels. The defining feature of the 2018 celebrations was the heavy reliance on loyalty programs, specifically the Shmear Society, to distribute free bagels and shmear over a five-day period. While free items generally required a purchase or membership, significant discounts and shipping offers were available through digital codes and online ordering. Consumers seeking similar opportunities in the future are advised to prioritize joining brand loyalty programs and downloading official mobile applications.