April Fools' Day, observed on April 1, has evolved from a day of playful pranks into a significant promotional event for the restaurant and food industry. While some brands still engage in humorous marketing, many have shifted toward offering genuine discounts and freebies to attract customers. This article provides a detailed overview of verified deals for April 1, 2025, and predicted offers for April 1, 2026, based exclusively on information from provided source materials. The focus is on actionable opportunities for U.S. consumers, such as rewards program members and deal seekers, to access free food, discounted items, and exclusive promotions on this holiday.
The transition from pranks to tangible value is evident in the current marketing landscape. In the early 2000s, brands like Google and Taco Bell gained viral attention with fictional announcements, such as a "teleportation" feature or the purchase of the Liberty Bell. However, as consumer trust in such pranks waned, companies began to blend humor with real consumer rewards. Today, April 1 is a strategic day for restaurants to surprise customers with limited-time offers, making the holiday as much about savings as it is about silliness. For U.S. consumers, this means an opportunity to enjoy free coffee, discounted desserts, and other perks, often tied to loyalty programs or in-app purchases.
The following sections detail specific deals for 2025 and predictions for 2026, organized by brand. All information is sourced directly from the provided documents, which include reports from major news and couponing websites. It is important to note that some offers are predictions for 2026, based on historical trends and reported patterns, while others are confirmed for 2025. Consumers are advised to verify details directly with brands, as terms and availability may change.
Verified April Fools' Day Deals for 2025
For April 1, 2025, several restaurant chains have announced specific promotions. These deals are confirmed through official brand announcements or reliable news sources. Participation typically requires enrollment in a rewards program and often involves using a mobile app or online ordering system. The offers are time-sensitive, with some valid only on April 1 and others redeemable through a subsequent date.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar On April 1, 2025, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar offered a value deal on draft beer. Customers could purchase a 20-ounce tall draft for the price of a 16-ounce small draft. This promotion provided a discount on a larger serving size, appealing to patrons looking for more beverage for their money. No specific eligibility requirements were mentioned beyond being a customer on that day, suggesting it was available to all in-store diners.
Baskin-Robbins Baskin-Robbins rewards members could take advantage of a buy-one, get-one-half-off deal on sundaes on April 1, 2025. This promotion was exclusive to members of the Baskin-Robbins rewards program. To redeem, members likely needed to be logged into their account when placing an order, either in-store or through the brand’s app or website. The deal provided a significant discount for families or groups, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable dessert options.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse celebrated April Fools’ Day by selling its Fryckle Pizookie for $5 on April 1, 2025. The Fryckle Pizookie is described as a chocolate chunk Pizookie with vanilla ice cream and fried pickles—a unique twist on the brand’s signature dessert. This limited-time offer was available for a single day, providing a discounted price on a specialty item. The promotion did not specify any membership requirements, indicating it was likely open to all customers dining in or ordering takeout.
Dunkin’ Dunkin’ ran a major giveaway on April 1, 2025, offering one million free Hot or Iced Coffees or Cold Brews of any size to Rewards members. To claim the offer, participants had to enter the promo code "ThisIsNotAJoke" in the Dunkin’ app. The promotion was valid while supplies lasted and could be redeemed through April 8, 2025. This extended redemption window gave customers flexibility to use the free coffee beyond April 1. Dunkin’ emphasized that the deal was genuine, stating, “Trust issues are real, especially on April 1. But this deal is no joke.”
Burger King Burger King provided a straightforward offer for Royal Perks members on April 1, 2025. Members could receive a free order of any size onion rings with a purchase of $1 or more via the BK app or online. The brand explicitly stated there were “no silly pranks attached, just pure deliciousness.” This promotion required a minimum purchase, making it accessible to customers making even a small transaction. It was available through the app or online ordering system, reinforcing the trend of digital-first promotions.
The Cheesecake Factory The Cheesecake Factory offered surprise rewards to Cheesecake Rewards members on April 1, 2025. Members were instructed to check their accounts for a “No Joke” gift. Potential rewards included: - Free slice of cheesecake with any purchase (dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - One free slice per month for a year (for dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - $25 dining credit (dine-in only) - $10 off $40 or $5 off $25 (for dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - BOGO free slice (dine-in or takeout)
Additionally, new members who joined on April Fools’ Day received a free slice with the purchase of one, thanks to the “Slice, Slice Baby” reward. This promotion was exclusive to members and required checking the account on April 1 to claim the specific reward.
Tacodeli Tacodeli introduced a limited-time April Fools’ burrito available only on April 1, 2025. Priced at $12, the burrito contained refried beans, Mexican red rice, Monterey Jack cheese, sirloin, guacamole, pico de gallo, crema, and Arbol salsa. This was a one-day special item, not a discount on existing menu items, offering a unique flavor experience for customers.
Predicted April Fools' Day Deals for 2026
Based on historical trends and reported patterns, several brands are predicted to offer deals on April 1, 2026. These predictions are derived from source materials that analyze past promotions and forecast future offers. It is critical to note that these are not confirmed; consumers should monitor official brand communications for verification as the date approaches.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar It is anticipated that Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar will celebrate April Fools’ Day 2026 with a discount on their 20-ounce draft beers, similar to the 2025 promotion. This would likely involve offering the larger size at the price of a smaller draft, providing value to beer enthusiasts.
Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can expect a BOGO 50% off deal on sundaes at Baskin-Robbins on April 1, 2026. This prediction is based on the brand’s consistent offering of sundae promotions on April Fools’ Day, as seen in 2025.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Watch for BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse to offer a pizookie for $5 on April 1, 2026. This aligns with the 2025 promotion and suggests a recurring annual deal for this dessert item.
Burger King In 2026, Burger King will likely offer Royal Perks members a free order of onion rings (any size) with the purchase of $1 or more on April Fools’ Day. This prediction follows the 2025 offer and the brand’s focus on app-based promotions.
Dunkin’ Dunkin’ is predicted to give rewards members a free any-size hot or iced coffee when ordering in-app and using a promo code at checkout on April 1, 2026. This mirrors the 2025 giveaway, which required an app promo code and was limited to a specific number of redemptions.
Eddie Merlot’s Eddie Merlot’s is expected to offer an April Fools’ Day discount on select drinks and wines between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 1, 2026. This prediction is based on historical happy-hour-style promotions on the holiday.
Insomnia Cookies Insomnia Cookies rewards members (Insomniacs) may receive an exclusive April Fools’ Day deal in 2026, such as a $1 Deluxe Cookie with any delivery order or in-store purchase. This prediction aligns with the brand’s frequent member-only promotions.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme is predicted to offer a free Original Glazed doughnut during Hot Light Hours (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) on April 1, 2026. This would be consistent with the brand’s traditional Hot Light promotions.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse On April Fools’ Day 2026, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is predicted to offer a discount on select cocktails, martinis, and wines by the glass between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., similar to Eddie Merlot’s anticipated promotion.
The Cheesecake Factory The Cheesecake Factory is likely to celebrate April Fools’ Day 2026 by giving rewards members a surprise reward in their account on April 1. Predicted rewards include: - Free slice of cheesecake with any purchase (dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - $25 dining credit (dine-in only) - Free slice of cheesecake for a year (one slice per month for dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - $10 off $40 or $5 off $25 (for dine-in, takeout, or delivery) - BOGO free slice (dine-in or takeout)
These predictions are based on the 2025 offer pattern and suggest a continued focus on rewarding loyalty program members with substantial perks.
Key Considerations for Consumers
When participating in April Fools’ Day deals, consumers should be aware of several important factors. First, many promotions are exclusive to rewards program members. Signing up for these programs is typically free and can be done via the brand’s website or mobile app. For example, Dunkin’, Burger King, and The Cheesecake Factory all require membership to access their respective deals.
Second, digital platforms play a central role. Most offers must be redeemed through a mobile app or online ordering system, with specific promo codes or account checks required. This highlights the importance of having the relevant app installed and logged in before April 1.
Third, time sensitivity is crucial. Some offers, like Dunkin’s free coffee, are limited to a specific number of redemptions or a set timeframe. Others, like the predicted Krispy Kreme doughnut, are only available during specific hours. Consumers should plan accordingly to avoid missing out.
Finally, while the predicted 2026 deals are based on historical data, they are not guaranteed. Brands may alter their promotions based on market conditions or creative strategies. It is advisable to follow official brand channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information as April 1 approaches.
In summary, April Fools’ Day has become a reliable day for food-related freebies and discounts in the United States. By leveraging rewards programs and digital tools, consumers can access genuine value from major restaurant chains. Whether enjoying a free coffee from Dunkin’ or a discounted pizookie from BJ’s, these promotions offer a practical way to celebrate the holiday without falling for pranks.