National Cheeseburger Day Deals and Discounts: A Guide to September 18 Promotions

National Cheeseburger Day is observed annually on September 18, marking a significant date for burger enthusiasts and consumers seeking dining value. The day is characterized by a wide array of promotional offers from national fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants. Based on the provided source material, these promotions range from free food items to substantial discounts on burgers and sides. The availability of these deals is often tied to specific redemption methods, primarily through restaurant mobile applications and loyalty programs.

Historical Context and Consumption Statistics

While National Cheeseburger Day is celebrated on September 18, sources also reference National Hamburger Day, which occurs on May 28. Both days acknowledge the burger's status as a staple of American dining. According to data referenced in the source material, Americans consume an estimated 50 billion burgers annually. The average U.S. consumer eats approximately 26 burgers per year from restaurants, drive-throughs, and other food service operations. This consumption volume underscores the popularity of the item and the competitive nature of the promotional landscape surrounding these national food holidays.

National Cheeseburger Day Deal Highlights by Brand

The following offers are explicitly detailed in the source material for National Cheeseburger Day on September 18. It is noted that many deals require the use of a specific brand's mobile application or enrollment in a rewards program.

Major Fast-Food Chains

McDonald’s: Customers can purchase a Double Cheeseburger for $0.50. This offer is exclusive to the McDonald’s app and is limited to one burger per customer.
Burger King: A free cheeseburger is available with a purchase of $1 or more. This deal requires the use of the BK mobile app.
Wendy’s: From September 18 through September 22, customers can add a one-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger to their order with any purchase made on the Wendy’s app.
Sonic: The chain offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Double Smasher burgers. This offer is valid when ordering through the Sonic app.
Dairy Queen: Rewards members can receive a free Double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with a purchase of at least $1 from any app or online order. This offer is valid between September 15 and 19.
White Castle: Customers can get one free slider by using the promo code “SAYCHEESE” at checkout online or in the app. This offer is valid from September 18 to 21.
Jack in the Box: As part of Burger Week, customers can get a free Jr. Cheeseburger with an order of $1 or more on September 18.
Checkers / Rally’s: The signature Big Buford is available for $3 at participating locations, while supplies last.
Whataburger: Customers who order the No. 5 Bacon & Cheese Whataburger will receive free fries or onion rings of any size. This offer can be claimed by ordering through the Whataburger app or online.

Casual Dining and Other Restaurants

Applebee’s: On September 18 only, customers can order any of the three Classic Handcrafted Burgers (Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger) plus fries for $8.99. The offer is available for dine-in, to-go, online at Applebees.com, or through the Applebee's app. Third-party delivery services are excluded.
Smashburger: Any single Smashburger is available for $4.99 at participating locations. This promotion is valid for dine-in, pickup, and delivery orders placed directly through Smashburger's website and mobile app. The promo code BURGERDAY25 is required for online delivery or pickup orders.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Customers with the Freddy's rewards app can get a free Freddy's Original Double Steakburger with any purchase of $10 or more. This deal is valid from September 18 through September 21.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Blazin’ Rewards members can utilize a buy-one, get-one-free offer on burgers all day on September 18.
Wahlburgers: The chain is offering 50% off all burgers on September 18. The offer is limited to one per customer, cannot be combined with other offers, and is valid in-store and online.
DoorDash / Shake Shack: Customers ordering through DoorDash on September 18 can receive $9 off a purchase of $25 or more at Shake Shack.
BurgerFi: On September 18, customers can buy one BurgerFi cheeseburger and get a second one for just $1 at participating locations.

Redemption Requirements and Restrictions

The source material highlights specific eligibility rules and redemption methods that consumers must follow to access these deals.

App Exclusivity: A significant number of offers are exclusively available through brand-specific mobile applications. Examples include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Sonic, Freddy’s, and White Castle. Consumers are advised to download these apps and potentially sign up for rewards programs in advance of September 18.
Purchase Requirements: Many deals require a minimum purchase. For instance, Burger King requires a $1 purchase, Freddy’s requires a $10 purchase, and Dairy Queen requires a $1 purchase. Conversely, some offers like the McDonald's $0.50 Double Cheeseburger or the Smashburger $4.99 deal appear to be standalone purchases, though Smashburger requires a specific code for online orders.
Geographic and Location Variations: Several offers, such as those from Checkers/Rally’s and Smashburger, specify that they are available at "participating locations nationwide." This implies that not every location may honor the promotion. Consumers should verify availability at their local restaurant.
Time Sensitivity: Most deals are valid only on September 18. However, exceptions exist, such as Wendy’s (September 18-22), White Castle (September 18-21), Freddy’s (September 18-21), and Dairy Queen (September 15-19).
Supply Limitations: Some offers, like the Checkers/Rally’s Big Buford deal, are available "while supplies last," suggesting that quantities may be limited at participating locations.

Conclusion

National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 offers U.S. consumers a variety of cost-saving opportunities at major burger chains. The promotions are heavily focused on app-based redemption, requiring consumers to engage with brand loyalty platforms. Offers range from free items with purchase to discounted burgers and sides. To successfully redeem these deals, consumers should verify participation at specific locations, note the validity dates, and ensure they meet any minimum purchase requirements or app download mandates.