National Kolache Day is observed annually on March 1, celebrating the traditional Central European pastry that has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in Texas and the Midwest. In 2019, various businesses participated in the observance by offering complimentary food items and promotional discounts. The following analysis details the specific offers available during that period, alongside other time-sensitive food freebies and loyalty program incentives.
National Kolache Day 2019 Offers
Kolache Factory was the primary participant in National Kolache Day celebrations in 2019, offering specific promotions at their locations.
Kolache Factory Promotions Kolache Factory celebrated the holiday by offering free fruit or cream cheese kolaches to customers. The promotion was valid on March 1, 2019, during regular business hours, which were listed as 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the specific location mentioned in the source data (2604 South Brentwood). The offer was subject to supply limits, operating on a "while supplies last" basis. Customers were limited to one free kolache per person, and substitutions were not permitted. While the primary giveaway featured fruit and cream cheese varieties, the bakery also offered over 20 other varieties for purchase, including egg, meat, and cheese options.
Koala Kolache Initiatives In addition to standard retail offers, Koala Kolache in Cypress, Texas, announced plans to give away free mini kolaches on March 1, 2019. This event was associated with a fundraising effort for MD Anderson, intended to honor the late Jody Powers of Zamykal Kolaches in Dallas.
National Coffee Day 2019 Freebies
While National Coffee Day typically falls on September 29, the promotional window often extends to surrounding days. In 2019, numerous national chains offered free coffee and related items.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme offered a dual incentive on National Coffee Day. Customers could receive a free small coffee and a glazed donut. The offer was available in stores, via drive-thru, and for pickup or delivery through the Krispy Kreme website or mobile app using specific promo codes.
Pilot Flying J Pilot Flying J provided free any-size hot, iced, or cold-brewed coffee all day on National Coffee Day. Redemption required the use of the myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers. The chain highlighted new fall flavors during this period, including Bourbon Pecan hot coffee, Cinnamon Roll cold brew, and Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice cappuccino.
Scooter's Coffee Scooter's Coffee offered free any-size hot or iced coffee to customers who ordered ahead or paid with the app on September 29 and 30. Additionally, the first 25 customers at each participating location received a free limited-edition mug.
Circle K Circle K provided a free medium iced or hot coffee redeemable via the Circle K app from September 26 through October 2.
Whataburger Whataburger offered free coffee on September 29 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Guests could choose a free 16-ounce iced coffee or a 12-ounce hot coffee. No purchase was necessary to redeem this offer.
La Madeleine La Madeleine offered a free drip coffee with any purchase in-store or online from September 29 through October 1.
Shipley Do-Nuts Shipley Do-Nuts provided a free glazed donut to rewards members who ordered coffee through the chain's app on National Coffee Day.
Kolache Factory (Coffee Offer) Separate from their National Kolache Day pastry promotion, Kolache Factory offered a coupon via social media on September 29, 2019, valid for a free 12-ounce coffee.
Other Coffee Promotions * Peet’s Coffee: Offered 25% off one pound of beans and a free drip coffee or tea with a one-pound bean purchase at participating coffee bars. * PJ’s Coffee: Offered a free 12oz Viennese Blend Coffee. * Sheetz: Offered free cold brew, any size and flavor, to customers ordering through the Sheetz app. * White Castle: Offered a free small coffee with any purchase, requiring a specific coupon to be used in-store.
Veterans Day 2019 Offers
Several food and retail establishments offered free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2019.
Little Caesars Pizza Little Caesars offered a free lunch combo to veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid ID on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse Logan’s Roadhouse provided a complimentary meal to eligible veterans and active-duty military. The menu included favorites such as cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and pork chops.
The Melting Pot The Melting Pot offered veterans with a valid ID a complimentary four-course meal on November 11. This offer was valid with the purchase of another four-course meal.
On the Border On the Border offered a free pick-2 combo meal for dine-in orders to veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid ID.
Olive Garden Olive Garden offered a free meal to veterans and active-duty military on November 11. The meal included an entrée from a special menu, paired with breadsticks and a choice of salad or soup.
Krispy Kreme (Veterans Day) Krispy Kreme offered free coffee and a doughnut to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Other March 2019 Freebies and Promotions
Beyond specific holiday observances, the beginning of March 2019 featured other promotional opportunities.
National Hotel Slipper Day Hotels.com declared March 1 as "National Hotel Slipper Day." To promote the date, the travel website offered $25 off reservations of $250 or more booked on March 1, using the promo code SLIPPERS.
Read Across America Day Read Across America Day is officially observed on March 2. In 2019, many schools and libraries celebrated on Friday, March 1. Hooked on Phonics offered a free one-year subscription to its Learn To Read digital app (a $40 value) using promo code READ2019. Additionally, Target held free story time events on March 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., featuring readings of "What Pet Should I GET," Dr. Seuss giveaways, and activities.
Bank of America "Museums on Us" Bank of America cardholders could access free museum admission during the first full weekend of each month in 2019 through the "Museums on Us" program. This benefit extended to Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Trust cardholders.
Retail and Department Store Discounts
Macy’s Macy’s offered Veterans Day deals on select items both in-store and on their website during the November 2019 period.
Office Depot Office Depot offered a 25% discount on qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases in stores from November 11 through 13, 2019. This offer was available to veterans, active-duty military, reservists with a valid ID, and their dependents.
Conclusion
The 2019 promotional calendar included specific observances such as National Kolache Day and National Coffee Day, which drove targeted freebie offers from brands like Kolache Factory, Krispy Kreme, and Pilot Flying J. Additionally, Veterans Day prompted widespread participation from restaurant chains offering complimentary meals to military personnel. Consumers seeking similar opportunities should monitor brand social media channels and official websites for coupon downloads and app-based redemption requirements, as these were the primary methods for accessing many of the offers detailed above.