April 17, 2018, marked the official Tax Day for the 2017 fiscal year, a date that many U.S. consumers associate with financial obligations but also with a variety of promotional offers, freebies, and discounts. Businesses across multiple sectors, including food and beverage, hospitality, and office services, utilized this day to attract customers with special deals designed to alleviate the stress of tax filing. The following comprehensive overview details the verified promotional offers available on and around Tax Day 2018, based exclusively on information provided in the source documents.
Food and Beverage Freebies and Deals
The food and beverage sector saw the highest volume of promotional activity on Tax Day 2018, with national chains and local establishments offering a mix of free items and discounted meals.
Cookie and Dessert Offers
Great American Cookie Company continued its annual Tax Day tradition by offering a free Cookies & Cream cookie to customers visiting participating stores on April 17. According to David Kaiser, the company's Executive Vice President, the promotion was intended to help customers "take a delicious bite out of Tax Day stress." The offer was limited to one cookie per customer while supplies lasted.
Submarine Sandwich Promotions
Firehouse Subs ran a promotion valid from April 17 through April 19, 2018. Guests could receive a free medium sub with the purchase of a full-price medium or large sub, chips, and a drink. This offer did not require a coupon but did require the purchase of the specified combo items.
Barbecue and Grill Deals
Sonny's BBQ offered half-price St. Louis Rib dinners on April 17. The deal included a choice of Sweet and Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed Ribs, two sidekicks, and bread. Boston Market provided a $10.40 Tax Day Special, which included a half chicken meal with two sides, cornbread, and a regular fountain drink, available at participating locations nationwide.
Casual Dining and Drink Specials
Grill on the Alley, a steakhouse with locations in California, Illinois, Texas, and Florida, offered $10.40 martinis to celebrate Tax Day. Tavern62 by David Burke in New York City served all alcoholic beverages at half price on April 17. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria allowed customers to purchase a Traditional Cheese pizza for $10.40 on April 17 only.
Quick Service and Delivery
Sonic Drive-In featured half-price cheeseburgers every Tuesday for Family Night from 5 p.m. to close, which coincided with Tax Day in 2018. Bite Squad, an online and mobile food delivery service, offered a 7.5% discount on delivery orders on April 17 using the promotional code "TAXDAY18." Kona Ice provided free Kona Ice from local Kona trucks on April 17.
Brewery and Beverage Specials
Blue Point Brewing Co. introduced a new Tax Day IPA (8.0% ABV) to mark the occasion, though specific details on availability or pricing were not provided in the source material.
Hospitality and Travel Discounts
Hotels and resorts offered various incentives to travelers looking to book stays around Tax Day, ranging from percentage discounts to package deals.
Hotel Booking Discounts
Moxy Times Square offered a promotion for bookings made on April 15-17, 2018, providing up to 30% off queen bedrooms using the code PRO. Bookings were to be made via email to [email protected]. The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, offered a "Book one night, second night $25" deal, bookable by April 20 for stays between April 17 and December 22, 2018.
Refund and Package Deals
SoCal Kimpton hotels (Hotel Palomar San Diego, Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, Hotel Solamar in San Diego, and The Goodland in Santa Barbara) offered "random refunds" to hotel guests throughout April. One guest per day was chosen at random to receive refunds on charges such as resort fees, parking, or in-room movies. Additionally, the Shorebreak Hotel’s Pacific Hideaway restaurant offered a burger and beer special for $8.34 ($4.17 each) during happy hour on Tax Day.
The Hotel Saugatuck in Saugatuck, Michigan, provided a 20% discount on stays for guests showing a current 1099 tax form or proof of membership in the United Auto Workers or Freelancers union. This deal was valid from April 17-20, 2018, and included an optional box of local chocolate fudge for $10.99.
Luxury and Celebration Packages
Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills offered a "Taxation Staycation Package" featuring tax-free suite accommodations, a luxury private poolside cabana with champagne, complimentary valet parking, and high-speed WiFi. Waldorf Astoria Chicago offered a $1,040 deal for a night in the Gold Coast Corner Suite, an in-room massage, and a bottle of sparkling wine, bookable on April 17 for stays through May 30 using the code TAXDAY.
Family, Home, and Office Services
Promotions extended beyond dining and lodging to include practical services for families and households.
Shredding and Document Services
Office Depot and OfficeMax offered 5 free pounds of document shredding at all retail stores from March 18 through April 28, 2018. Customers could redeem the offer by printing a coupon from the company website or showing an online coupon on a mobile device to a store associate.
Wellness and Relaxation
Zeel, a massage delivery app, offered $20 off a first in-home massage with the code TAXDAY2018. This promotion was positioned as a way to relax after filing taxes.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While the offers detailed above were reported as available, consumers were advised to verify details before visiting participating locations. Many promotions were subject to franchise participation, limited availability, or specific terms and conditions. For example, the Firehouse Subs offer required the purchase of a combo meal, and Great American Cookie Company’s free cookie was available only while supplies lasted. Additionally, some deals required coupons or social media engagement, such as "liking" a company on Facebook.
Consumers were encouraged to check company websites directly for the most up-to-date information and to contact businesses with questions about specific offers.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2018 provided U.S. consumers with a variety of freebies and discounted offers across the food, hospitality, and service sectors. From free cookies and discounted rib dinners to hotel stays and document shredding services, businesses aimed to ease the burden of tax season with promotional incentives. As with any limited-time offer, verifying participation and terms with the specific brand or location is essential to ensure a smooth experience.