National Onion Ring Day is observed annually on June 22, offering consumers a specific opportunity to access discounted and free food items at participating restaurant chains. The holiday focuses on the popular side dish, often paired with burgers and other menu items. In 2025, several major chains and regional establishments offered promotions ranging from completely free orders of onion rings to significant percentage discounts and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) bargains.
To access many of these offers, consumers were required to be members of specific loyalty programs or download restaurant applications. The deals were generally limited to a single day, June 22, though some extended through the surrounding weekend or into the following week.
Participating Chains and Specific Offers
The following restaurants were identified in source data as offering promotions for National Onion Ring Day 2025. It is important to note that while the sources listed these deals, availability may vary by location and participation is not guaranteed for every franchise.
Burger King
Burger King provided a prominent offer for its loyalty members. According to multiple sources, Royal Perks members could redeem a free order of onion rings in any size. * Eligibility: Royal Perks members only. * Platform: Offer was redeemable through the Burger King app or website. * Requirements: Sources indicated a minimum purchase requirement of $1 was necessary to access the free onion rings. * Verification: A spokesperson for Burger King confirmed to a news outlet that this offer was valid on June 22.
Whataburger
Whataburger extended a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free offer to its rewards members. * Eligibility: Whataburger Rewards members. * Platform: The offer was valid through the Whataburger app and online ordering systems. * Terms: Members could snag buy one, get one free onion rings on June 22.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offered a free item with a small purchase threshold. * Offer: Free onion rings. * Requirements: A minimum order of $5 was required to qualify for the free onion rings.
Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones celebrated the holiday with a BOGO promotion available both in-store and digitally. * Offer: Buy one, get one free onion rings. * Availability: Valid on June 22 for both in-store dining and online orders.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar provided a discount during a specific evening window. * Offer: 50% off Steakhouse Onion Rings. * Timing: This offer was valid only from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 22.
Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys offered a value deal for a limited time, extending beyond the single holiday date. * Offer: Colossal Onion Rings for $1. * Requirements: The $1 price was available with any purchase of $10 or more. * Eligibility: This deal was specifically for VIF (Very Important Fan) members. * Duration: The promotion ran from June 22 through June 25. * Restrictions: There was a limit of one per person, and delivery orders were not eligible.
Fat Patty’s
Fat Patty’s offered a side dish upgrade at no extra cost. * Offer: Customers could choose onion rings as a side for no additional charge. * Restrictions: This offer was valid for dine-in customers only on June 22.
White Castle
White Castle offered a promotion that included onion rings as part of a broader slider deal. * Offer: Buy 2, get 2 free sliders. * Timing: The offer was valid from June 27 to June 29, slightly after the official holiday date. * Restrictions: There was a limit of two free sliders per customer.
Wings and Rings
Wings and Rings provided a starter discount for loyalty members. * Offer: A free starter (up to $8.99 value) with a purchase of $15 or more. * Eligibility: Buffalo Sauciety members. * Requirements: Members had to sign up by National Onion Ring Day to qualify. * Restrictions: Limit of one per member.
Loyalty Programs and Digital Requirements
A recurring theme across the 2025 National Onion Ring Day deals was the necessity of digital engagement. Consumers looking to maximize these freebies needed to prepare in advance.
App Downloads and Sign-Ups
Most free offers were gated behind loyalty programs. For example, Burger King required users to be Royal Perks members, which typically involves creating an account and downloading the mobile application. Similarly, Whataburger and Wings and Rings required membership in their respective rewards programs. Sources suggest that signing up for these programs is generally free, but it must be done prior to the holiday to redeem the specific offers.
Minimum Purchase Thresholds
While "free" is the headline, several offers came with strings attached in the form of minimum purchase requirements. * Burger King: Required a $1 purchase. * Jack in the Box: Required a $5 minimum order. * Farmer Boys: Required a $10 minimum purchase. * Wings and Rings: Required a $15 minimum purchase.
This structure encourages customers to buy additional food items to unlock the free or discounted onion rings.
Geographic and Location Variability
The provided source material does not specify whether these deals were available at all franchise locations or only corporate-owned stores. As is standard with restaurant holidays, participation often varies by franchisee. One source explicitly recommended calling ahead to ensure a specific location is participating in the promotion.
Other Related Promotions
Beyond the immediate holiday, the source data mentions a few related food promotions that occurred around the same time or offered similar value structures.
White Castle Slider Deal
Although technically a "Slider" deal rather than an onion ring specific offer, White Castle’s promotion (June 27–29) allows customers to buy two sliders and receive two free. This is a distinct offer from the onion ring deals but falls within the same promotional timeframe.
Burger King Birthday Promotions
Source data indicates that Burger King frequently utilizes culinary holidays to promote their loyalty program. In addition to the onion ring offer, the chain was noted for celebrating National Burger Day with a free Whopper and running a "Frequent Fry’er" promotion offering free fries weekly through the end of the year.
Conclusion
National Onion Ring Day 2025 provided a variety of ways for consumers to enjoy the popular side dish at a reduced cost or for free. The most valuable offers generally required membership in a restaurant’s loyalty program and the use of a mobile app or online ordering system. While the holiday falls on June 22, some promotions, such as those at Farmer Boys and White Castle, extended into the days immediately following the event. Consumers interested in participating in future National Onion Ring Day celebrations should prepare by downloading relevant apps and signing up for rewards programs in advance.