National Nurses Week 2025 Restaurant Deals and Freebies: A Guide to Free Food and Discounts for Healthcare Workers

National Nurses Week is observed annually from May 6 to May 12, a period dedicated to recognizing the contributions of nurses across the United States. During this time, numerous restaurant chains and retailers offer special deals, discounts, and freebies to healthcare workers who present valid identification. The 2025 promotional landscape includes a variety of offers ranging from free meals and beverages to significant discounts on food and apparel. These deals are typically available at participating locations and often require proof of employment, such as a healthcare ID or nursing credentials.

The scope of offers for National Nurses Week 2025 covers major food and beverage chains, including McDonald’s, Chipotle, Dunkin’, and McAlister’s Deli. Additionally, retailers in the apparel and footwear sectors, such as FIGS, Cherokee, and Dickies, provide exclusive discounts for nurses. Some offers are valid only on specific dates, such as May 6, while others extend throughout the week. Verification methods vary, with some brands requiring in-store ID checks and others utilizing digital verification platforms like ID.me.

National Nurses Week 2025: Dates and Overview

National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and concludes on May 12, which is Florence Nightingale's birthday. According to the American Nurses Enterprise, these permanent dates enhance planning and position the week as an established recognition event. The week is a time for restaurants and companies to show gratitude to nurses for their critical role in society.

Food and Beverage Deals

Restaurants across the country are offering free meals, snacks, and beverages to nurses during National Nurses Week 2025. Participation varies by location, and nurses are advised to confirm offers with their local establishments before visiting.

Free Meals and Entrees

Chipotle: Chipotle is giving away 100,000 free burritos across the U.S. during Nurses Week. Winners are selected at random and must verify their healthcare status to receive a digital burrito card.
Joella’s Hot Chicken: Nurses can receive a free meal consisting of two Jumbo Tenders, a dipping sauce, a Southern side, and a drink. This offer is valid in-store only through May 9.
Applebee’s: In previous years, Applebee’s has offered free appetizers to nurses showing a valid work badge. While not explicitly confirmed for 2025 in the provided data, similar offers are anticipated.
Sonny’s BBQ: Sonny’s previously offered free BBQ sandwiches during select days of Nurses Week. Details for 2025 are available on their website.

Free Beverages and Snacks

McDonald’s: McDonald’s restaurants in Indiana, southwest Michigan, and eastern Illinois are offering one free any-size beverage per day to active nurses through May 12. This includes hot coffee and cold soft drinks. Valid healthcare IDs or nursing credentials are required at the counter or drive-through.
Dunkin’: On National Nurses Day (May 6), Dunkin’ offers a free medium hot or iced coffee to nurses at participating locations.
McAlister’s Deli: Through May 12, nurses can get a free tea by showing their badge or ID.
Scooter’s Coffee: Nurses and healthcare workers can get a free medium drink of their choice on May 6, 2025.
Potbelly: Potbelly offers a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée through May 11. This offer is available in-shop only with ID.
Insomnia Cookies: Nurses can get a free classic cookie with a valid ID in-store.
Cinnabon: Typically offers a free classic roll to nurses showing valid ID at participating locations.
Caribou Coffee: Offers a 10% discount, and on May 6, a free medium drink in-store with valid ID.

Discounts on Food

Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a 20% discount on food items for nurses dining in or ordering takeout.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Nurses can get 20% off an entrée with a valid ID through May 12.
Johnny Rockets: Offers a free milkshake with any purchase.
MOD Pizza: Offers buy-one, get-one (BOGO) pizzas for nurses from May 5-8.
Gopuff: Offers a 10% discount on all orders delivered to hospitals from May 6-12.
Zaxby’s: Previously offered BOGO deals through their app; checking the app for 2025 offers is recommended.

Retail and Apparel Discounts

Beyond food, National Nurses Week 2025 features substantial discounts on professional attire and footwear.

Scrubs and Uniforms

AllHeart: Offers up to 40% off scrubs and accessories, including brands like Cherokee, MedCouture, and Heartsoul.
Care+Wear: Runs exclusive discounts for healthcare workers during Nurses Week.
Dickies: Previously offered 20% discounts on scrubs during Nurses Week.
FIGS, Cherokee Uniforms, All Seasons Uniforms, Moxie Scrubs, Wink Scrubs: These brands offer Nurses Week discounts.
Jaanuu: Gave away 200 gift boxes in previous promotions.

Shoes and Footwear

Good Feet Store: Offers Nurses Week freebies such as free socks or slip-on shoes.
Year-Round Discounts: Nurses often receive deals from brands like Carhartt, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, North Face, and Lululemon.

Year-Round Perks and Verification

Nurses can access year-round savings through verification platforms. Thrive Market offers a free annual membership to nurses who verify eligibility through ID.me. The ID.me Nurse Marketplace provides access to hundreds of exclusive discounts on apparel, electronics, travel, and wellness products. Nurses are encouraged to sign up to unlock these instant offers.

Conclusion

National Nurses Week 2025 offers a wide array of freebies and discounts for healthcare workers. From free beverages at McDonald’s and coffee at Dunkin’ to full meals at Joella’s Hot Chicken and discounts at major retail chains like FIGS and Dickies, the week provides tangible appreciation for nurses. Offers vary by location and date, with many requiring valid ID or badge verification. Nurses should check with local participating locations for specific terms and availability.