The provided source material offers a focused look at two primary avenues for U.S. consumers to access no-cost or discounted items: Monday-specific food deals at national restaurant chains and in-store freebie programs available at major retailers. The information is drawn from a promotional blog post detailing weekly restaurant specials and a roundup of ongoing in-store freebie opportunities. While the restaurant deals are primarily discounted meals rather than entirely free items, they represent a significant savings opportunity. The in-store freebies, conversely, include genuine no-cost samples and product giveaways. This article synthesizes the available data to outline these opportunities, noting the specific details, eligibility requirements, and locations as described in the source material.
Monday Food Deals at National Restaurant Chains
The source material provides an extensive list of Monday-focused food and drink deals from various national and regional restaurant chains. These offers are designed to attract customers at the start of the week, often featuring discounted entrees, happy hour specials, and multi-person meal deals. It is important to note that while these are referred to as "deals," most involve a purchase requirement, though some include free components or significant discounts.
Key Deal Categories and Participating Brands
The Monday deals are categorized by the type of offer, such as happy hours, multi-person specials, and discounted menu items.
Happy Hour Deals Several chains offer extended happy hours on Mondays, featuring discounted drinks and appetizers. * 99 Restaurants: Offers a daily Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 pm and again from 8 pm to closing. Deals include $6.99 full-size appetizers and drink specials. * Applebee’s: Features a 2 for $24 offer, which includes an appetizer and two entrees (burgers, ribs, salads, and shrimp). The price may vary by location, and some options may incur an extra charge. * Bahama Breeze: Happy Hour on Mondays is typically from 4 to 6 pm, though hours may vary by location. Deals usually include half-priced appetizers and drink specials such as $4 beers. * Bar Louie: Offers Happy Hour from 4 to 7 pm Monday through Friday, with special offers on select drinks and menu items. This offer is for adults ages 21 and older. * Big Whiskey’s: Provides discounted beers, wines, and other alcoholic beverages during Happy Hour, along with select appetizers for only $5. Participation may vary by location. * BJ’s Restaurants: Offers Happy Hour on weekdays from 3 to 7 pm. * Bonefish Grill: Features a Happy Hour every day, including Mondays, with $6 martinis and cocktails, $1 off select beers, and $5 wines. * Texas de Brazil: Happy Hour is available at most locations, Mondays through Fridays from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, with alcoholic drinks starting at only $3.
Multi-Person and All-You-Can-Eat Deals These offers focus on group dining or unlimited servings for a fixed price. * On the Border: Offers Endless Enchiladas served with rice and beans for $10.99 on Mondays at participating locations. This deal is for dine-in only. * Red Lobster: Features Endless Shrimp Mondays for $21.99, allowing customers to enjoy all-you-can-eat shrimp in a variety of preparations. This offer is valid for dine-in, collection, and delivery. Customers can order up to four shrimp entrees for to-go or delivery. Signing up for Red Lobster Rewards is recommended. * Ruby Tuesday: Participating locations offer an Endless Garden Bar Combo with a soup or baked potato for $9.99 between 11 am and 4 pm. A steak sandwich for $9.99 is also available on Mondays. * Bertucci’s: Provides $10 Unlimited Pasta on Mondays for a comforting start to the week. * Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Offers Burger Mondays, where customers can get a Build Your Own Burger with fries for $7.99 at most locations.
Discounted Menu Items and Specials Many chains feature specific discounted items on Mondays. * McDonald’s: The source material notes that McDonald’s has coupons, BOGO offers, and freebies available, with Monday food deals accessible via the McDonald’s app. * Olive Garden: Offers daily lunch specials before 3 pm starting at $7.99. Signing up for Olive Garden Rewards is suggested for additional benefits. * Quiznos: Features an 8-inch Spicy Monterey sub for $6.50 on Mondays, with varying sub specials typically available daily. * Sonic Drive-In: Happy Hour runs from 2 pm to 4 pm, offering half-priced drinks including sodas, iced teas, lemonades, Slushes, and Ocean Water. The Sonic app is required to access these specials. * Subway: Has daily offers, with the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki available for $3.50 on Mondays. * Smokey Bones: Offers BOGO Wings on Mondays (buy 8, get 8 free or buy 16, get 16 free) from 8 pm until closing for dine-in only at participating locations. * TGI Fridays: Features Wing Mondays from 5 pm to closing, with $0.50 wings and discounted Miller Lite draft beers.
Loyalty Programs and General Tips The source material emphasizes that rewards programs are a primary method for accessing freebies and discounts. Many brands offer free birthday meals, BOGO coupons, and regular discounts to members. It is also recommended to check social media for deals and to phone ahead to confirm offer validity at a specific location, as deals can vary.
In-Store Freebie Opportunities
Beyond Monday restaurant deals, the source material highlights several ongoing in-store freebie programs and events at major retail chains. These opportunities provide consumers with direct access to free samples, products, and experiences.
Freeosk Kiosk Program A recurring freebie source is the Freeosk kiosk, which is located in various grocery stores and home improvement stores. The process involves downloading the Freeosk app, creating a free account, and scanning a QR code at the kiosk to receive a free sample. Participating stores mentioned include: * Sam’s Club * Albertsons * Randall’s * Tom Thumb * Shoprite * Fresh Grocer
The freebies available through these kiosks rotate weekly, providing a consistent source of new samples for consumers who regularly visit these stores.
Craft and Hobby Store Events Major craft retailers offer free in-store events, though some may require a minimal materials fee. * Michaels: Hosts free Craft Sunday Make Break Events on select days, where participants can create a craft kit for "nearly free." The source material also mentions the continuation of free Michaels Kids Club events in 2026, though specific dates are not provided. * Williams-Sonoma: Offers free in-store classes and events, such as lessons on making French meals. Space is limited for these events, and reservations are required.
Family and Children's Events * JCPenney: Holds free Kids Zone events on the second Saturday of each month. For example, an event is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, from 11 am to noon. No registration is required; attendees simply need to show up.
Other In-Store Opportunities * Key Copy Kiosk: A limited-time offer mentions that the first 30,000 people can use the code KEYMILLION at a local kiosk (often found in Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowe’s) to get a key copy made for free. This is noted as a "YMMV" (your mileage may vary) offer, indicating it may not be available at all locations.
Important Considerations and Limitations
The source material presents specific details, but consumers should be aware of several factors when seeking these deals and freebies.
- Geographic Variability: Many restaurant deals, particularly happy hours and special menus, are subject to location participation. The source repeatedly advises checking with a local establishment to confirm offer validity. The Freeosk kiosk availability is also store-specific.
- Time-Sensitivity: The Monday food deals are, by definition, time-sensitive to the day of the week. Some, like the key copy offer, are limited to a specific number of participants or a short timeframe.
- Age and Membership Requirements: Some offers, such as Bar Louie’s Happy Hour, are restricted to adults 21 and older. Others, like the Freeosk program, require downloading an app and creating an account. Restaurant rewards programs also require sign-up.
- Source Reliability: The information about Monday restaurant deals is presented on a promotional blog, which compiles information from various chains. While the deals are likely accurate, consumers should verify details directly with the restaurant, especially regarding pricing and availability. The in-store freebie information appears to be from a deal blog or social media aggregator. For official event details (e.g., JCPenney Kids Zone, Williams-Sonoma classes), it is best to check the retailer’s official website or store announcements.
- Nature of "Free": It is critical to distinguish between entirely free items (like a sample from a Freeosk kiosk or a class at Williams-Sonoma) and discounted purchases (like the $10 pasta at Bertucci’s or the 2 for $24 deal at Applebee’s). The article uses the term "freebies" for the former and "deals" for the latter to maintain accuracy.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers a practical guide for U.S. consumers looking to save money on food and access free products through in-store programs. For Monday food savings, a wide array of national chains provide discounted meals, happy hour specials, and multi-person deals, though these generally require a purchase. For entirely free items, the most consistent opportunities are through in-store kiosks like Freeosk at participating grocery and home improvement stores, and through free events at craft retailers and department stores. To maximize these opportunities, consumers are advised to join loyalty programs, monitor social media for updates, verify offer details with local stores, and understand any eligibility requirements such as age or account creation. While the source material is limited to these specific categories and does not cover beauty, baby care, pet products, or health samples, it provides a solid foundation for accessing food-related deals and in-store freebies.