Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Restaurant Deals and Freebies for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, scheduled for May 5 through May 9, provides a nationwide opportunity for educators to access various complimentary offers and discounts from participating restaurants. This annual observance, which includes National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 6, is recognized by numerous food service establishments as a way to acknowledge the contributions of teachers, professors, and school staff. The available offers typically range from free food items to percentage-based discounts on meals. To redeem these deals, educators are generally required to present a valid school ID or professional badge at the point of sale. Participation and specific offer details may vary by location, as many deals are determined by individual franchise owners.

Overview of Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

Teacher Appreciation Week is a long-standing tradition in the United States, designed to honor the hard work and dedication of educators. The week-long celebration wraps around National Teacher Appreciation Day, which is always observed on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. In 2025, this period falls between May 5 and May 9.

Many restaurants and retail businesses utilize this timeframe to offer special promotions exclusively for educational professionals. These promotions are often announced just days prior to the event, and availability can be limited to specific regions or participating locations. Consequently, educators are encouraged to verify offer details with their local establishments before visiting. Additionally, most participating businesses require valid proof of employment, such as a school ID badge, to prevent misuse of the offers.

Major Restaurant Chains Offering Teacher Appreciation Deals

A variety of national and regional restaurant chains have announced or historically participate in Teacher Appreciation Week with specific deals for educators. The following sections detail the offers identified in the source data.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a prominent participant in Teacher Appreciation Week, offering free food items to educators at participating locations. For 2025, specific offers have been detailed for certain regions:

Greater Triangle Area (NC): On May 6, 2025, participating locations in the Greater Triangle area are offering teachers a free 4-count of Chick-n-Minis during breakfast hours or a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich after 10:30 a.m. Educators must present a valid professional ID or badge to redeem this offer. There is a limit of one item per person, while supplies last.
General Participation: Other sources indicate that Chick-fil-A offers discounted or free items on Teacher Appreciation Day. These offers are valid only at participating restaurants, and a valid school ID is required. Educators should follow local Chick-fil-A social media accounts for specific deal announcements.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings typically offers discounts or free items during Teacher Appreciation Week. The specific 2025 offers include:

Free Boneless Wings: On May 6, 2025, educators can receive a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries. This offer is valid for dine-in only.
Percentage Discount: Another offer indicates a 20% discount for teachers with a valid ID.
Dollar Deal: A variation of the offer suggests that Buffalo Wild Wings is offering six boneless wings for just $1 with the purchase of any Buffalo Wild Wings Burger.

Chipotle

Chipotle has structured a sweepstakes-style offer for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 rather than a direct in-store discount.

Sweepstakes Entry: From April 30 through May 12, 2025, teachers can enter to win a free entrée e-card at teacherthanks.chipotle.com.
Selection and Verification: The promotion aims to select 100,000 teachers randomly. Selected individuals will receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me. If verification is completed within 48 hours, the teacher receives a free entrée e-gift card. Winners are notified starting the week of May 13.
Participation: This offer is available to teachers and healthcare workers, as it coincides with National Nurse Appreciation Week.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is noted for offering various discounts during the appreciation period.

Appetizer or Dessert: Many locations offer a free appetizer or dessert with an entrée purchase.
Annual Discount Card: Some locations provide a VIP Teacher Appreciation Card, which grants 20% off food for a full year.
Regional Variations: Specific deals may vary; for example, some sources mention a 20% discount off the entire check on May 6.

Burger King

Burger King offers a straightforward freebie during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Free Fries: Teachers can show their valid ID to receive free fries with any purchase during the week. This offer is available to teachers and all other customers.
Promotional Giveaway: One source mentions that the restaurant is giving away $1 million in promo codes for entrées, though specific redemption details were not provided.

McDonald’s

While specific 2025 details for McDonald’s are less explicit in the provided data, the chain is consistently mentioned as a participant in Teacher Appreciation Week. Educators should check with local franchises for potential deals, which historically have included free or discounted food items with a valid school ID.

Other Participating Restaurants

Several other chains offer specific deals during the week:

Smoothie King: Offers 20% off in-store orders from May 6-8, 2025, with a valid working ID.
Sonic Drive-In: Provides three deals for members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle rewards program: a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, buy one Sonic Blast get one free, and a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger. Teachers can join the free program via the Sonic app.
Tijuana Flats: Offers 20% off the entire dine-in or carryout order on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The discount code "NURTEA25" and a valid ID are required.
McAlister’s Deli: Offers a free Big tea at participating locations from May 5-12, 2025, for dine-in and takeout orders with a valid educator ID.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: While primarily known for its "Awesome Achievement Program" for students (offering free Snickers Pizookies), BJ's is a recognized participant during the week.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Mentioned as offering deals in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Aroma Joe’s: Offers a free 24-ounce drink with a valid teacher ID on May 6.
Bravo Italian Kitchen / Brio Italian Kitchen: On May 6, teachers can earn a $20 bonus card with catering orders.
CiCi’s Pizza: Select locations have historically offered a free adult buffet meal with a coupon and teacher ID.
Eddie Merlot’s: Offers a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée and valid teacher ID from May 5-9.
Blue Apron: Offers 25% off the first order of a new meal plan subscription for teachers and community heroes.

Eligibility and Redemption Requirements

To ensure the integrity of these promotional offers, restaurants enforce specific eligibility criteria. The most common requirement is a valid school ID or professional badge that verifies the individual's status as an educator, professor, or school staff member.

Verification: Many offers, particularly digital ones like the Chipotle sweepstakes, utilize third-party verification services such as ID.me to confirm employment status.
Location Restrictions: Offers are frequently limited to participating locations only. Franchise-owned restaurants have the autonomy to decide whether to participate, leading to regional variations in available deals.
Timing: Most offers are valid only on specific days, most notably May 6 (Teacher Appreciation Day), though some extend throughout the week or have specific start and end dates (e.g., May 5-12).
Purchase Requirements: Some deals require a purchase to redeem a free item (e.g., free fries with any purchase at Burger King), while others are strictly complimentary with ID.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a diverse array of complimentary food items and discounts from major restaurant chains across the United States. From free breakfast items at Chick-fil-A to sweepstakes entries for Chipotle entrées, educators have multiple opportunities to be recognized during the week of May 5-9. The primary mechanism for accessing these deals is the presentation of a valid school ID, and redemption is subject to location participation and availability. Educators are advised to check with local establishments and review specific terms and conditions to maximize their benefits during this annual celebration.