March presents a concentrated period for food-focused freebies and promotional deals across the United States, driven by seasonal celebrations, national food holidays, and major sporting events. According to the provided documentation, consumers can access complimentary items and discounts from national chains, often requiring specific actions such as visiting locations on designated dates, using mobile applications, or meeting minimum purchase thresholds. These offers primarily center around the arrival of spring and the NCAA March Madness tournament, with additional opportunities available through birthday reward programs.
Seasonal Spring Freebies
The start of spring on March 20 is a significant driver for food promotions. Several retailers offer treats to mark the transition out of winter.
Dairy Queen hosts an annual "Free Cone Day" on March 20. Consumers can receive a complimentary small soft-serve vanilla cone at most non-mall locations, as well as some participating mall venues. The offer is valid all day. Additionally, from March 24 through April 6, Dairy Queen offers small Blizzards for 85 cents with any purchase of $1 or more. This specific promotion requires the use of the Dairy Queen mobile application.
Rita’s Italian Ice maintains a tradition of giving away free Italian ice on March 20 to welcome spring. This offer is available at more than 575 locations. The company also debuts new flavors during this event, such as Skittles Italian Ice, and runs a sweepstakes for a year’s supply of free Italian ice.
Ben & Jerry’s conducts a "Free Cone Day" event, which historically occurs in the spring. Documentation indicates that on April 10, participating locations scoop free ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. The company reports scooping over one million free cones during previous events.
National Food Holiday Promotions
March contains numerous national food holidays that often coincide with promotional deals. While specific deals vary by year and location, consumers can anticipate certain types of offers.
On March 4, National Pound Cake Day, bakeries and cafes may offer complimentary slices of pound cake with the purchase of a beverage or another item.
March 6 is both National Oreo Cookie Day and National Frozen Food Day. For Oreo Cookie Day, brands like Dairy Queen have previously introduced special treats, such as the Mint Oreo Blizzard. For National Frozen Food Day, grocery stores and brands may offer discounts on frozen meals, veggies, and treats.
March 9 is National Meatball Day, and March 11 is National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day. Potential deals on these days are not specified in the documentation.
March 12 is National Baked Scallops Day, and March 14 is Pi Day (3.14). For Pi Day, some pizza chains may offer deals on pizza.
March 15 is National Pears Hélène Day, and March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. For St. Patrick’s Day, fast-food chains like McDonald’s often bring back seasonal favorites such as the Shamrock Shake.
March 22 is National Corndog Day. Some fast-food chains and amusement parks may offer free or discounted corndogs, with potential deals at places like Sonic or local fairs.
March 23 is National Chips and Dip Day. Restaurants and grocery stores may run promotions on chips and dip combos. Some Mexican restaurants may offer free chips and salsa with a purchase.
March 25 is both International Waffle Day and National Pecan Day. For International Waffle Day, breakfast spots and diners may offer free or discounted waffles. For National Pecan Day, bakeries, candy shops, and restaurants may offer discounts or freebies on pecan treats like pies, pralines, and roasted pecans.
March Madness and NCAA Tournament Promotions
The NCAA basketball tournaments in March generate numerous food deals, extending through the Final Four in early April. These promotions range from free menu items to buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals.
Applebee’s offered 50-cent boneless wings on to-go orders placed through the chain’s app or website between March 18 and March 21. There was a limit of five wings per order and a maximum of 10 orders. This offer was not valid on third-party delivery websites.
Buffalo Wild Wings provided BOGO deals on chicken wings during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds (March 28-31) for orders of $25 or more through Grubhub. Most of these deals did not require a Grubhub+ subscription or a specific code, provided the minimum order value was met.
Grubhub also offered several promotions tied to March Madness, requiring a minimum order value and available through the Grubhub app or website. Participating brands and their offers included: - Wawa: 30% off orders of $25 (maximum discount $11) through March 22. - Little Caesars: Free Italian Cheese Bread with orders of $25 or more through March 24. - Chili’s: $8 off orders of $40 or more through March 24. - 7-Eleven: 25% off orders of $25 from March 22-25. - Starbucks: $4 off orders of $20 or more from March 26-31. - Yard House: An "IPA Madness" promotion running through April 7.
Birthday Reward Programs
Many restaurants and retailers offer freebies to customers who sign up for their free rewards programs and provide their birthdate. These offers are typically valid on the customer’s actual birthday.
California Pizza Kitchen offers a free dessert on your birthday when you join the free CPK Rewards program.
Chili’s provides a free dessert on your birthday for members of My Chili’s Rewards, which is free to join.
Chipotle offers freebies, such as free guacamole on your birthday, for members of its rewards program.
Cinnabon gives a free 16-ounce Cold Brew on your birthday for members of its free rewards program.
Cold Stone Creamery offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on ice cream creations on your birthday.
Crumbl provides a free cookie on your birthday for members of its free rewards program.
Dunkin’ rewards members receive three times the amount of points on all purchases on the day before, the day of, and the day after their birthdays.
Retail Membership and Other Offers
Sam’s Club offers a promotion for new members: a 1-year membership for $25 (50% off) and a free 16-inch pizza (normally $8.98). This offer is valid through March 31, either in-store or online.
General Tips for Maximizing Freebies
Documentation suggests several strategies for finding and utilizing free food offers: - Join Loyalty Programs: Many eateries reward their members with exclusive deals on special food days. - Follow on Social Media: Stay updated with your favorite brands for announcements about upcoming promotions. - Check Local Listings: Promotions can vary by location, so it is wise to verify deals with local establishments.
It is important to remember that while these promotions for March are common, they can vary yearly and by location. Always confirm with the specific establishment to ensure you don’t miss out on any tasty offers.
Conclusion
March offers a concentrated period of food freebies and discounts, anchored by the first day of spring and the NCAA basketball tournaments. Consumers can access complimentary cones at ice cream chains like Dairy Queen and Rita’s Italian Ice on March 20, take advantage of deals tied to numerous national food holidays, and benefit from special promotions during March Madness. Additionally, signing up for free rewards programs at restaurants can yield birthday freebies. Success in securing these offers depends on verifying details with specific locations, using required applications, and meeting any purchase or sign-up conditions.