Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, scheduled from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, presents a significant opportunity for educators to access a variety of free food items and discounts from national restaurant chains and local establishments. This period, which includes National Teachers Day on May 6, is widely recognized by businesses as a time to offer promotions to K-12 teachers and other educators. The following guide details the specific food-related freebies and discounts available during this week, based on verified information from promotional announcements and deal listings. Eligibility for these offers typically requires proof of educator status, such as a valid school ID or badge, and many are limited to specific dates or locations.
Overview of Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Food Promotions
Numerous restaurant brands have structured their promotions to align with Teacher Appreciation Week, offering items ranging from complimentary appetizers and entrées to percentage-based discounts on meals. These offers are designed to provide tangible appreciation to educators who often spend their own funds on classroom supplies. While some deals are automatically available upon ID verification, others require enrollment in a rewards program or the use of a specific promo code. It is important for educators to note that participation can vary by location, and calling ahead to confirm is recommended.
National Chain Restaurant Offers
Several large national chains have announced specific free food items and discounts for teachers during the 2025 appreciation week. These offers are generally straightforward, requiring in-person verification.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering a free appetizer with the purchase of any entrée for teachers who present a valid teacher ID during Teacher Appreciation Week. The free appetizer can be valued up to $12, allowing educators to choose from options like mozzarella sticks.
Burger King
Burger King provides a free order of fries with any purchase for teachers who flash their teacher badge. This offer is available throughout the appreciation week.
Whataburger
Whataburger will provide a complimentary breakfast entrée to teachers who show their school ID badge. The offer is valid from May 6 through May 10, during breakfast hours.
Chipotle
Chipotle has a separate giveaway for teachers and healthcare workers, running through May 13, 2025. Educators can sign up online for a chance to win one of 100,000 free burrito e-cards. Winners are verified through ID.me. This promotion is part of Chipotle’s ongoing support for educators, which has included $16 million in donated food since 2016.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s Teachers’ Circle rewards program offers exclusive deals for educators from May 5 through May 9. To access these perks, teachers must join the Teachers’ Circle through the Sonic app before May 5. The rewards include: - A free snack or side with purchase - Buy-one-get-one Sonic Blasts - A $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
Starbucks
Starbucks has historically offered teachers a 10% discount on drinks or a free tall brewed coffee during Teacher Appreciation Week upon showing a school ID. However, for 2025, it is advised to check the company’s social media or contact a local store to confirm if this deal is active, as it is not guaranteed annually.
Tijuana Flats
On Wednesday, May 7, Tijuana Flats offers 20% off the entire dine-in or carryout purchase for teachers (and nurses). To redeem, individuals must show a valid employee ID and mention the promo code NURTEA25 at checkout.
Texas Roadhouse
Teachers with a valid school ID can receive a 10% discount off their total bill at Texas Roadhouse.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20% discount on the entire order for teachers who present a valid school ID.
Peter Piper Pizza
At locations in Arizona and New Mexico, Peter Piper Pizza provides a free 7-inch, one-topping personal pizza from May 5 to May 9, available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A valid school ID is required.
Local and Regional Restaurant Offers
In addition to national chains, many local and regional restaurants participate with their own promotions. The following are examples identified in deal listings.
BurgerFi
While not officially announced for 2025, BurgerFi is expected to offer a 20% discount on meals for teachers with a school ID, based on its previous year’s promotion. Educators are encouraged to call their nearest location to confirm.
Old Chicago
Old Chicago provides a free starter for new OC Rewards members. Additionally, with every $50 spent on gift cards, teachers receive a $10 bonus card. Through May 5, purchasing $50 worth of gift cards online yields two bonus cards.
Original ChopShop
Teachers receive 10% off dine-in and carryout orders from May 5 to May 9 by showing a valid badge or ID.
Picazzo’s
Teachers who dine in from May 5 to May 9 will receive a $10 gift card for a return visit, while supplies last.
Salata Salad Kitchen
Educators get 20% off their meal when they show a valid ID in-restaurant through May 9. They also earn double catering points during this period.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
A free dessert is offered with any entrée for teachers from May 5 to May 9.
Taziki’s
Teachers can spend $50 on gift cards to receive a $10 dine-in voucher.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons offers a buy-one-get-one deal on donuts through May 11. This deal must be activated in the app.
Vitality Bowls
Educators receive 20% off their orders with a valid ID from May 5 to May 9.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts provides a free half-dozen donuts from May 4 to May 6.
Whataburger (Additional Offer)
Beyond the breakfast entrée, Whataburger is also awarding $1,000 to 75 teachers during the appreciation week.
Non-Food Discounts with Food-Related Partners
Some promotions extend beyond food but are tied to dining or lifestyle experiences. For example, The Parking Spot offers a 25% discount on parking reservations for teachers in May for travel through the end of 2025. This can be useful for educators planning dining trips or vacations.
Important Considerations for Redeeming Offers
- Verification: Most offers require a valid school ID, teacher badge, or proof of employment. Some, like Chipotle’s giveaway, use third-party verification (ID.me).
- Location Variability: Participation may vary by restaurant location. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm that a specific outlet is honoring the promotion.
- Enrollment Requirements: Offers from Sonic and Chipotle require prior enrollment in a rewards program or sign-up through a website.
- Limited Time and Supplies: Many freebies, such as gift cards or bonus items, are available only while supplies last or during specific hours (e.g., Peter Piper Pizza’s offer is from 3-7 p.m.).
- Combining Discounts: Most restaurant policies do not allow combining multiple discounts or promotions in a single transaction.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a diverse array of food-related freebies and discounts from national and local restaurants. Educators can enjoy complimentary appetizers, entrées, and sides, as well as percentage-based discounts, by presenting valid identification. To maximize these offers, teachers should verify participation at their local establishments, enroll in any necessary rewards programs ahead of time, and be mindful of specific offer windows and conditions. While the deals provide a welcome gesture of appreciation, their availability and terms are subject to the policies of individual businesses.