The conclusion of an academic year marks a significant milestone for high school, college, and graduate school students. To celebrate these scholarly accomplishments, a variety of national restaurant chains and retailers offer promotional deals and complimentary items for graduates. These offers typically span the graduation season, often through the month of June, and may require specific actions such as presenting proof of graduation, making a gift card purchase, or booking a catering package. The following information details the verified food and beverage freebies and deals available to the class of 2025, based on current promotional materials and deal aggregators.
Restaurant and Food Service Promotions
Several national restaurant chains have structured their graduation promotions around two primary models: direct complimentary items for the graduate upon presentation of proof, and bonus gift card offers for purchasers.
Direct Complimentary Offers for Graduates
These offers provide a free food or beverage item directly to the individual who has graduated, typically requiring in-person verification.
- Buca di Beppo: This Italian-American chain offers a complimentary cannoli to every graduate dining in at their restaurant. This promotion is available to all graduates in the party. Additionally, for those planning a larger celebration, Buca di Beppo has been reported to offer a free tray of mini-chocolate chip cannoli with the purchase of a catering package of at least $100, using a specific promo code. It is important to note that the direct in-restaurant cannoli offer does not require a catering purchase, while the catering-specific freebie is a separate promotion that may have a different validity period.
- Insomnia Cookies: A popular cookie chain, Insomnia Cookies offers graduates a free cookie. To claim this offer, graduates must visit a local Insomnia Cookies location wearing their cap and gown. Some sources indicate this promotion is structured as "Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) on classic cookies. The offer is valid through June 30, 2025.
- Magnolia Bakery: Known for its cupcakes and baked goods, Magnolia Bakery provides a free classic cupcake to graduates. This requires the graduate to visit a store location wearing their cap and gown or presenting their diploma or degree. This offer is also valid through June 30, 2025.
- P.F. Chang's: This chain offers a free entree to graduates. To redeem, a reservation for four or more people must be made, and the graduate must wear their cap and gown or bring in their diploma.
- TGI Fridays: Graduates can receive a free appetizer or dessert when they purchase an entree at TGI Fridays. This offer requires the graduate to show a student ID. The promotion is valid through June 30, 2025. A separate online promotion code, GRAD24, provides a 25% discount on party platters, which is a discount rather than a direct freebie.
Gift Card Purchase Bonus Promotions
Many restaurants offer bonus gift cards or reward vouchers to individuals who purchase gift cards for graduates. These are often structured as "spend $X, get $Y in bonus cards" and are valid for future use.
- Applebee’s: Through June 29, 2025, customers who purchase $50 in Applebee’s gift cards online or in-store will receive a $10 bonus card. The bonus card is valid the day after purchase through August 3, 2025.
- Auntie Anne’s: For every $25 spent on Auntie Anne’s gift cards through June 15, 2025, customers receive a $5 bonus card. A free rewards account is required for bonus card redemption, and the bonus cards are valid through July 15, 2025. This promotion has a limit of one per customer, per transaction.
- Benihana: Two gift card promotions are available through June 15, 2025. A purchase of $50 in gift cards yields a $10 promotional card, while a $200 gift card purchase yields a $60 promotional card. These promotional cards are valid from June 16, 2025, to July 2, 2025.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Through June 16, 2025, a purchase of $50 in eGift Cards results in a $10 Bonus Card, valid from June 16 to July 7, 2025.
- Bob Evans: Customers who buy $25 in Bob Evans gift cards through June 15, 2025, will receive a $5 bonus card. The bonus card is valid from June 16, 2025, to July 31, 2025.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Through June 9, 2025, a purchase of $50 in gift cards yields two $10 bonus gift cards. These bonus cards are valid until July 31, 2025.
- McAlister’s Deli: For every $25 gift card purchased through June 15, 2025, customers receive a $5 reward voucher. The voucher must be unlocked in a registered McAlister’s Rewards account before it can be redeemed.
- Miller’s Ale House: Purchasing a $50 gift card for a graduate results in a $10 bonus gift card. This offer is valid through June 29, 2025, and the bonus card can be used from June 30 through August 31, 2025.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: With a $25 gift card purchase, customers receive $5 in Moe’s Rewards. This promotion is valid through June 16, 2025, and requires a rewards account for redemption.
- Outback Steakhouse: A purchase of $50 in gift cards yields a $10 bonus gift card with no additional strings attached.
- Peter Piper Pizza: A $50 gift card purchase provides a $10 bonus card.
- Red Lobster: For every $50 spent on gift cards, Red Lobster provides a $10 bonus coupon. This coupon is eligible for use on purchases of $40 or more.
Catering and Large-Order Promotions
For those hosting larger graduation celebrations, some restaurants offer specific incentives for catering orders.
- Potbelly: Offers free delivery on catering orders of $150 or more. To receive this benefit, the promo code FREEDELIVERY must be used during checkout at Potbelly.com.
- Schlotzsky’s Deli: To encourage catering for graduation parties, Schlotzsky’s Deli provides a $25 reward for spending $300 on catering.
Retail and Service Offers
Beyond direct food items, some companies offer services or products beneficial to new graduates.
- Amazon: Amazon offers a free 6-month trial of Amazon Prime Student. This trial includes benefits like Prime-exclusive deals and free delivery. After the trial period, the subscription costs $7.49 per month.
- Canva: Graduates can use Canva to customize and print graduation announcement templates. This is available by signing up for a free Canva account.
- Microsoft: Students can use Office 365 for free, which includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive.
Professional Memberships
Some professional organizations offer free student memberships, providing networking opportunities and educational resources.
- National Society of Professional Engineers: Full-time students are eligible for a free student membership.
Important Considerations for Claiming Offers
When seeking these graduation freebies and deals, consumers should be aware of several key factors:
- Verification Requirements: Direct free items (e.g., cannoli, cupcake, cookie) typically require proof of graduation. This is most commonly the presentation of a cap and gown, a diploma, or a student ID. It is advisable for graduates to carry this proof when visiting participating locations.
- Promotional Dates: Many offers are time-sensitive. For example, the 2025 graduation promotions from Insomnia Cookies, Magnolia Bakery, and TGI Fridays are valid through June 30, 2025. Other gift card promotions have specific end dates for purchase (e.g., June 15 or June 29, 2025) and subsequent validity periods for bonus cards. Consumers should verify the current status of any promotion before making a purchase or visit.
- Participation and Variation: Not all locations of a national chain may participate in a given promotion. Offers, prices, and local participation can vary by location. It is recommended to call the specific restaurant or store in advance to confirm participation and any specific requirements.
- Online vs. In-Store: Some offers, like the TGI Fridays discount code, are for online orders only, while others, like the free cannoli at Buca di Beppo, are for dine-in only. Reading the offer terms carefully is essential.
- Account Requirements: Several gift card bonus promotions require the purchaser or recipient to have a free rewards account with the company to redeem the bonus card (e.g., Auntie Anne’s, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill). Signing up for these accounts in advance can streamline the process.
Conclusion
The class of 2025 has access to a variety of promotional food freebies and deals from national restaurant chains and retailers. These offers range from direct complimentary items like cookies, cupcakes, and cannolis for graduates in person, to bonus gift cards for those purchasing gifts for graduates. Promotions are largely concentrated during the graduation season, typically through June 2025. To successfully claim these offers, graduates and gift-givers should be prepared to meet specific verification requirements, adhere to promotional deadlines, and confirm participation with local establishments. By planning ahead and verifying offer details, consumers can effectively take advantage of these celebratory freebies and deals.