National Donut Day, observed annually on the first Friday in June, has deep roots in Chicago. The holiday was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the "Donut Lassies," a group of female volunteers who supported American troops on the front lines during World War I. These women fried doughnuts in soldiers' helmets to boost morale, a tradition that originated in Chicago and continues to be celebrated today. In recognition of this history, numerous donut shops and chains across the Chicago area offer free donuts and special promotions on this day. This guide details the specific offers, eligibility requirements, and participating locations based on available reports.
Major National Chains and Local Offers
Several prominent donut chains and local Chicago establishments participate in National Donut Day with distinct promotions. The availability of these offers often depends on location, purchase requirements, and supply.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is noted for offering significant deals on National Donut Day. * Offer Details: According to reports, Krispy Kreme provides customers with a free donut of their choice at participating locations. * Limitations: In some years, the free donut offer included limited-time "Fan Favs" and specialty items, while other reports indicate that specialty and limited-time donuts are excluded from the promotion. * Purchase Requirement: Generally, no purchase is required to receive the free donut. * Additional Deal: Some sources mention a promotion allowing customers to purchase an Original Glazed dozen for $2 with the purchase of any dozen. * Availability: The offer is typically valid in-store only and while supplies last.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts) participates with a "buy a beverage, get a free donut" model. * Offer Details: Customers can receive a free "classic" donut with the purchase of any beverage. * Limitations: The offer applies specifically to classic donuts, excluding specialty varieties. * Availability: This deal is generally available at participating locations while supplies last.
Shipley Do-Nuts
- Offer Details: Shipley Do-Nuts offers a free glazed Do-Nut with any purchase on National Donut Day.
- Additional Promotions: The chain may also run other promotions offering free donuts on subsequent Fridays in June.
Duck Donuts
- Offer Details: Duck Donuts offers a free Cinnamon Sugar Donut to all customers on National Donut Day.
- Availability: The offer is valid in-shop only.
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
- Offer Details: Stan's Donuts offers a free glazed cake donut with any purchase.
- Geographic Specifics: One report specifically calls out Chicago-area residents to receive a free Chocolate Dipped Donut with a purchase of at least $2.30.
- Contest: A fun element mentioned in reports is a contest where guests receiving a pink donut win free donuts for a year. This specific contest offer is detailed for a June 6 date, which may vary from the standard first Friday in June.
Tim Hortons
- Offer Details: Tim Hortons offers a free donut with the purchase of any beverage.
- Redemption: The offer requires activation through the Tim Hortons mobile app.
- Usage Limits: The in-app offer can typically be used once per account every 30 minutes.
- Duration: The offer is valid through June 8 in reported years.
Voodoo Doughnut
- Offer Details: Voodoo Doughnut offers a free donut of choice to customers who purchase a $10 Pink Raised Glazed dozen.
- Variety: The free donut can be selected from creative options such as Banana Cream Pie, Mango Tango, Cherry Cola, and Churro Cheesecake.
Sheetz
- Offer Details: Sheetz offers a free donut on National Donut Day.
- Validity: If customers cannot visit on the holiday itself, the offer is reportedly valid through June 10.
Local Chicago Establishments
In addition to national chains, several Chicago-specific shops offer unique deals.
Beavers Coffee + Donuts
- Offer Details: Beavers Coffee + Donuts offers free mini sugar-dusted donuts and a mini donut milkshake.
- Locations: The offer is available at the French Market location (131 N Clinton St) and at all three food trucks.
- Hours: The deal runs all day on Friday, typically from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Special Promotion: In conjunction with the movie "Dope," Beavers has previously offered the first 100 customers at its truck free "Dope"-themed doughnuts (vanilla buttermilk mini-doughnuts with strawberry sauce and candied sprinkles). DoorDash deliveries were also discounted by 25 percent.
Dat Donut
- Offer Details: Dat Donut offers $1 off a dozen glazed donuts.
- Location: 8251 S Cottage Grove Ave.
- Availability: The shop is open 24 hours.
DMK and Firecakes
- Offer Details: DMK Burger Bar features decadent milkshakes topped with Firecakes donuts throughout the weekend.
- Flavor Schedule: New combos are offered each day. Examples include a raspberry-blood orange donut with a peanut butter shake on Friday, an apple fritter with apple cider glaze on a salted caramel shake on Saturday, and a strawberry rhubarb glazed donut with creme fraiche shake on Sunday.
- Location: 2954 Sheffield Ave.
Doughnut Vault
- Offer Details: Doughnut Vault features a special "Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned" with an updated recipe for the holiday.
- Location: 401 N Franklin St.
Kanela
- Offer Details: Kanela offers special coffee and donut-inspired pancakes exclusively on National Donut Day.
Huck Finn
- Offer Details: Huck Finn offers a free doughnut with every to-go drink order.
- Location: 3414 S. Archer Ave.
- Limitations: The free doughnut is not their famed giant doughnut.
West Town Bakery
- Offer Details: West Town Bakery offers a free chocolate glazed doughnut with any large hot drink.
- Location: 1916 W. Chicago Ave.
Glazed and Infused
- Offer Details: Glazed and Infused has a unique promotion offering free "sprinkle shots" (small cups of sprinkles) to customers. They also bring back the "legendary" Crème Brûlée doughnut for Friday only, priced at $3.
- Availability: Multiple locations throughout the city.
Redemption Processes and Eligibility Rules
Understanding the terms of these offers is essential for consumers to successfully redeem them.
Purchase Requirements
A distinct split exists among the offers regarding purchase requirements: * No Purchase Necessary: Krispy Kreme (one free donut), Duck Donuts (free Cinnamon Sugar Donut), and Beavers Coffee + Donuts (free mini donuts and milkshake) generally do not require a purchase. * Purchase Required: Dunkin' requires the purchase of a beverage. Shipley Do-Nuts requires any purchase. Stan’s Donuts requires a purchase (specifically at least $2.30 for the Chicago-specific Chocolate Dipped Donut offer). Tim Hortons requires a beverage purchase. Voodoo Doughnut requires the purchase of a specific dozen. Huck Finn requires a to-go drink order. West Town Bakery requires a large hot drink.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Most offers are valid only at participating locations within the Chicago area. * Specific Addresses: Several local shops provide specific addresses (e.g., Dat Donut at 8251 S Cottage Grove Ave, Doughnut Vault at 401 N Franklin St). * Chain Locations: National chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' operate across the Chicago area, but consumers should verify participation at their specific local store.
Supply and Time Limits
- While Supplies Last: Many offers, particularly those from major chains, are subject to availability. "While supplies last" is a common restriction.
- Specific Hours: Local shops often list specific operating hours for the promotion (e.g., Beavers Coffee + Donuts from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM).
- App Activation: Tim Hortons requires the offer to be activated in the mobile app, adding a digital step to the redemption process.
Item Exclusions
- Classic vs. Specialty: Dunkin' limits the free donut to "classic" varieties. Krispy Kreme reports vary, with some indicating exclusions for specialty and limited-time donuts.
- Specific Items: Huck Finn excludes their "famed giant doughnut" from the free offer.
Conclusion
National Donut Day in Chicago offers a wide array of freebies and deals, ranging from national chain promotions to unique local shop offers. The historical significance of the holiday, rooted in Chicago's own history with The Salvation Army's Donut Lassies, drives this annual celebration. Consumers looking to participate should note the varying eligibility rules, such as purchase requirements, location restrictions, and supply limitations. While the standard date is the first Friday in June (June 2 in 2023, June 6 in some specific reports), specific dates and offers may vary annually. Checking with specific locations for current participation and terms is recommended.