National Coffee Day on September 29, 2019, served as a major promotional event for numerous coffee chains, convenience stores, and retailers across the United States. Brands utilized this date to offer a variety of incentives ranging from completely free beverages to buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals and discounted items. These promotions were often tied to specific conditions, such as joining rewards programs, using mobile applications, or making a purchase.
The following guide details the specific offers available on National Coffee Day 2019, based on information provided by multiple news sources covering the event. It outlines the participating brands, the mechanics of each deal, and the eligibility requirements necessary to redeem them.
Free Coffee Offers
Several retailers offered free coffee with minimal or no strings attached on September 29, 2019. These offers ranged from standard hot or iced coffee to specialty beverages.
Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms provided a straightforward free coffee promotion valid on National Coffee Day. To redeem the offer, customers were required to text the word "FREECOFFEE" to the number 64827. Upon doing so, they received a mobile coupon valid for a free iced or hot coffee in any size. The promotion also highlighted the availability of a new Pumpkin Spice flavor pump. This offer required the use of a mobile device and standard messaging rates may have applied, though the specific terms regarding costs were not detailed in the source material.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offered a combination deal on September 29, 2019. Customers could receive a free brewed coffee (hot or iced) in addition to a free Original Glazed doughnut. This offer was valid at participating locations and did not require a purchase. However, sources noted that the deal was available "while supplies last," suggesting that inventory might be limited at specific locations. In addition to the free items, Krispy Kreme promoted a limited-time offer on their Original Filled Coffee Kreme Doughnuts.
Le Pain Quotidien
Le Pain Quotidien extended a free coffee offer to customers who brought their own mugs. On National Coffee Day, patrons who presented a reusable mug received a free cup of coffee. This promotion encouraged sustainable practices and was valid at participating locations.
Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J offered free coffee to customers utilizing their mobile app. Travelers at Pilot Flying J travel centers could redeem a free cup of any hot or cold coffee of any size through the Pilot Flying J app. This offer was part of a broader trend of retailers driving engagement through their proprietary mobile platforms.
Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops provided a free beverage window on September 29, 2019. Customers could get free coffee, iced coffee, hot chocolate, or tea in any size. The offer was valid from noon until closing time, providing a specific timeframe for redemption.
QuickChek
QuickChek targeted new app users with a specific free beverage offer. First-time users of the QuickChek mobile app could download the app and redeem a free hot coffee or iced coffee in any size. This strategy served to expand the retailer's digital user base while rewarding customers with a free product.
Sheetz
Sheetz offered a free cold brew to customers who utilized the Sheetz app to place their orders. This promotion was exclusive to app-based ordering, incentivizing customers to adopt the digital platform.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market partnered with High Brew Coffee to distribute free cans of coffee. Customers could redeem a free can of High Brew Coffee by presenting a coupon available on the High Brew Coffee website. The coupon was valid on Sunday, September 29.
Wawa
Wawa extended a free coffee offer to members of the Wawa Rewards program. Rewards members were eligible to receive a free cup of coffee on National Coffee Day.
Circle K
Circle K offered a free medium Simply Great Coffee via the Circle K app at participating locations. Similar to other retailers, this deal required the use of a specific mobile application to redeem the free beverage.
Buy One, Get One (BOGO) and Purchase-Required Deals
Many chains structured their National Coffee Day promotions around a "buy one, get one" model or required the purchase of a food item to receive a free coffee.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin' Donuts) offered a BOGO deal on hot coffee. On September 29, customers could buy one hot coffee and receive a second hot coffee for free. In 2019, Dunkin’ also introduced a tiered rewards program. While the BOGO deal was available to all, the brand also offered a specific incentive for rewards members: a free medium hot or iced coffee with a purchase, redeemable through the app.
Barnes & Noble
At Barnes & Noble Cafés, customers could receive a free tall hot or iced coffee with the purchase of any bake case item. This offer tied the free beverage to the purchase of a bakery item, a common strategy for coffee shops.
GODIVA
GODIVA Cafés ran a promotion from September 27 through September 29, 2019. Customers who visited during this period could get a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee with any purchase. This extended the promotional window beyond the single day.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offered a free 16-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) with the purchase of any bakery item. There was a minimum spend requirement of $2, and the offer was limited to one coffee per guest.
Corner Bakery
Corner Bakery provided free hand-roasted coffee or cold brew with any purchase. This promotion was valid from September 29 through October 1, 2019, offering a slightly longer redemption period than the single day.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels offered a free medium coffee with purchase. To be eligible, customers were required to join the chain’s Inner Circle rewards program. This offer incentivized both a purchase and program sign-up.
White Castle
White Castle offered a free small coffee with any purchase. To redeem, customers needed to present a specific coupon available in-store. The offer was valid from Sunday, September 29, through October 1, 2019.
Barnes and Noble (Reiterated)
Barnes and Noble provided a free hot or iced tall coffee with the purchase of a bakery case item, a consistent offer across various reports.
Special Promotions and App-Based Deals
In addition to standard freebies and BOGO deals, several brands ran unique promotions or offered specific discounts through digital channels.
Keurig
Keurig ran a distinct promotional contest tied to the name "Joe." Customers named Joe, Joey, Joseph, Joanne, Josephine, or any variation of the name "Joe" who had a birthday on September 29 were eligible to win a Keurig K-Duo Single Serve and Carafe Coffee Maker, along with a year's supply of K-Cup Pods. Entrants were required to fill out an entry form to verify their identity. Additionally, Keurig offered a sitewide discount of 50% off with the promo code COFFEEDAYFLASH on September 29.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven offered a deal for app users: any size coffee for $1. This was redeemable through the 7-Eleven Rewards app. This pricing strategy provided a low-cost alternative to free coffee, appealing to value-seeking consumers.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
Love’s offered a large 24-ounce coffee or hot beverage for $1. This deal was valid from Sunday, September 29, to Monday, September 30, extending the offer into the following day.
Community Coffee
Community Coffee provided a discount on online orders. Customers could get 30% off and free shipping on orders of $35 or more using the promo code "COFFEEDAY19."
Atlas Coffee Company
Atlas Coffee Company offered a promotional deal for new subscribers. Customers could receive their first 12 oz. bag of Premium Single Original Coffee for free with any subscription. Shipping costs were not covered by the offer. The promo code "AtlasCoffeeDay19" was required, and the offer was valid through September 29.
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros offered a non-beverage incentive: with the purchase of two drinks, customers received a set of car coasters. This offer was valid while supplies lasted.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette provided a free medium hot or iced coffee to rewards members with any purchase.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels offered a free coffee to rewards members to celebrate the holiday.
Starbucks
Starbucks did not offer a free coffee deal to customers. Instead, the brand highlighted the launch of its "Siren's Blend" coffee. However, Starbucks did offer 100 bonus stars in the app for customers who purchased any brewed coffee (hot or iced) on National Coffee Day.
Digital Engagement and Rewards Programs
A significant trend during National Coffee Day 2019 was the heavy reliance on mobile apps and rewards programs. Brands such as Dunkin’, Circle K, Pilot Flying J, QuickChek, Sheetz, and 7-Eleven required customers to use their respective apps to claim free or discounted coffee. This strategy served two purposes: it streamlined the redemption process and allowed brands to collect user data and foster loyalty. The requirement to join rewards programs, as seen with Bruegger’s Bagels and others, further emphasized the shift toward digital customer relationship management in the retail coffee sector.
Conclusion
National Coffee Day 2019 offered a diverse array of opportunities for consumers to enjoy free or discounted coffee. The promotions ranged from completely free beverages with no purchase necessary to BOGO deals and app-exclusive discounts. The event highlighted the marketing strategies of major coffee chains and retailers, particularly the emphasis on mobile application usage and rewards program enrollment to drive customer engagement and sales.