Leap Day, February 29, 2024, brought a unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to access a variety of free food items and promotional deals across numerous national and regional restaurant chains. These offers were designed to celebrate the extra day in the calendar year, with many available to the general public and others specifically targeted at "leaplings"—individuals born on February 29. The promotions ranged from complimentary food items with no purchase necessary to significant discounts and exclusive rewards member benefits. This article details the specific offers available on that date, eligibility requirements, and methods for redemption based on verified reports.
Major National Chain Offers
Several large restaurant chains participated in Leap Day celebrations with offers accessible through digital platforms and mobile applications.
Burger King
Burger King offered a promotion valid through March 1, 2024, allowing customers to obtain a free Whopper or Impossible Whopper. This offer was specifically tied to the chain's digital ecosystem; customers were required to place an order of $3 or more via the BK app or the bk.com website to redeem the deal. The promotion was reportedly timed to coincide with announcements regarding dynamic pricing strategies by competitors.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle provided a free side or topping of guacamole with the purchase of an entrée for Chipotle Rewards members. To access this offer, customers needed to use the code EXTRA24 during checkout on the Chipotle app or website. Additionally, Chipotle ran an "Extra Day, Extra Codes" challenge on Instagram from February 26 through February 29, awarding free guacamole for a year to 29 fans who discovered hidden keywords in the brand's Instagram account.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ Rewards members were eligible to purchase a medium Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee for $2 on February 29, 2024, exclusively through the Dunkin' app or by scanning a Rewards ID at the point of payment. Furthermore, members earned 4x rewards points on all orders placed during the promotion period.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme extended two distinct offers. First, individuals born on February 29 (leaplings) could claim a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with no purchase necessary, provided they showed proof of their birthday. Second, for all other customers, Krispy Kreme sold a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $2.29 with the purchase of any regularly priced dozen.
Wendy's
On February 29, Wendy's offered customers a free sample of its new Cinnabon Pull-Apart during breakfast hours, while supplies lasted.
Starbucks
Starbucks provided a Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) Leap Year deal to select customers. This offer was targeted and available to view within the Starbucks Rewards app.
Regional and Specialty Restaurant Deals
In addition to major chains, several regional restaurants and specialty food providers offered Leap Day incentives.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies offered a free 6-pack of classic cookies to leaplings (those with a February 29 birthday) with no purchase necessary, requiring proof of birth date. For general customers, the chain offered an extra traditional cookie with any purchase made on February 29.
Pizza and Sub Chains
- Hungry Howie's: Customers could buy one large pizza with one or more toppings at regular price and receive a second large one-topping pizza for 29 cents. This offer was valid from February 26 through February 29.
- Home Run Inn: In a future-oriented offer reported for 2028, Home Run Inn plans to give away pizzas to the first 29 leap year babies (18 years or older) who present a valid ID.
- Firehouse Subs: On February 29, 2024, anyone with a name starting with the letters L, E, A, or P could receive a Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) sub offer. A valid photo ID was required to claim the offer.
- Papa Murphy’s: The chain offered a promo code for 29% off orders of $20 or more on Leap Day.
Other Food and Beverage Providers
- Jeremiah's Italian Ice: J-List loyalty members could get a small ice or gelatis for 96 cents on February 29. The price point honored the company's founding in 1996, which was also a leap year.
- Smoothie King: Users of the Smoothie King Healthy Reward app received 29% off a 20-ounce or larger smoothie when spending $15 or more.
- Noodles & Company: Noodles Rewards Members received 29% off orders of $29 or more on February 29.
- Paris Baguette: Rewards members could get a medium hot or iced coffee with a purchase.
- Wings and Rings: The chain offered a buy 10 wings, get 5 free deal on February 29.
- Jackson's Taziki's: For leaplings, this Tennessee location offered freebies such as a pack of Taziki's cookies, a slice of baklava, or a slice of baklava cheesecake for dine-in guests.
- Milk Bar: Expected to offer leaplings a free 6-inch birthday cake and discounted cereal milk soft serve (reported at $2.29 in 2024).
- Oh My Cupcakes: Located in Sioux Falls, this bakery planned to give free cupcakes to leaplings in 2028.
Non-Food Leap Day Offers
While the majority of Leap Day promotions focused on food, one notable offer existed in the retail sector.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop offered leaplings the opportunity to build a Birthday Treat Bear for just $4 on February 29, 2024. This offer was an extension of the store's "Count Your Candles" program, which typically allows customers to pay their age for a Birthday Treat Bear.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
The Leap Day offers generally fell into two categories: general availability and leapling-specific offers.
General Availability
Most offers were available to the general public but often required specific actions: * Digital Engagement: Many offers (Burger King, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Paris Baguette, Noodles & Company) required downloading the brand's specific mobile app, signing up for a rewards program, or ordering through the brand's website. * Purchase Requirements: Some free items were contingent on the purchase of another item (e.g., Krispy Kreme's discounted dozen, Chipotle's free guac with entrée purchase, Hungry Howie's pizza deal). * Time Restrictions: Most offers were strictly valid only on February 29, 2024, with some extending to March 1 (Burger King) or spanning a few days (Hungry Howie's, Firehouse Subs).
Leapling-Specific Offers
Offers specifically for those born on February 29 generally required: * Proof of Birth Date: A valid government-issued photo ID or other proof of birthday was mandatory for offers from Krispy Kreme, Insomnia Cookies, Home Run Inn, Jackson's Taziki's, Milk Bar, and Oh My Cupcakes. * No Purchase Necessary: Most leapling offers did not require a purchase (e.g., Krispy Kreme free dozen, Insomnia Cookies 6-pack, Build-A-Bear $4 bear).
Historical Context of Leap Day
Leap Day occurs to synchronize the calendar year with the astronomical year, or solar year, which is approximately 365.25 days long. Because the calendar year is 365 days, an extra day is added nearly every four years (February 29). However, there are exceptions: century years (ending in -00) are not leap years unless they are divisible by 400. Consequently, Leap Day was skipped in 1700, 1800, and 1900, but observed in 2000. The next Leap Day will occur on Tuesday, February 29, 2028.
Conclusion
Leap Day 2024 served as a significant promotional event for the food and retail industries, offering consumers a wide array of freebies and discounts. The most accessible offers generally required enrollment in brand-specific rewards programs and the use of mobile apps for ordering. Meanwhile, individuals born on February 29 enjoyed exclusive perks ranging from free doughnuts to discounted retail items. Consumers looking to participate in future Leap Day promotions should prepare by downloading relevant apps and verifying their identification for leapling-specific deals.