Graduation ceremonies for the high school and college Class of 2020 were significantly altered due to the global pandemic, shifting from in-person events to virtual celebrations. While this changed the traditional experience, many brands and restaurants offered special deals and freebies to honor graduates' achievements. These promotions ranged from free food items and gift card bonuses to trial subscriptions and contest entries, providing a way for the Class of 2020 to celebrate their milestones. The availability of these offers was often tied to specific dates, required certain actions like wearing a cap and gown, or involved purchasing gift cards to receive bonus rewards.
Several national food chains and retailers created targeted promotions for graduates. Krispy Kreme offered a straightforward freebie: on May 19, high school and college seniors could pick up a dozen free donuts at their local Krispy Kreme location. To claim this offer, students were required to show up in their cap and gown or any other "Class of 2020-themed" attire, such as a T-shirt and hat. No purchase was necessary to receive the free donuts. Similarly, Jack in the Box provided a mobile app-based promotion. From May 20 through May 26, customers could receive two free tacos with any purchase made through the Jack in the Box mobile app, a deal offered in honor of the Class of 2020.
Chipotle’s promotion involved a two-part offer. From May 21 to June 30, the first 5,000 customers to purchase a graduation-themed gift card would receive a coupon code for a free entree with the purchase of any entree. Additionally, Chipotle held a contest on its Instagram page where students could enter for a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship. Another restaurant, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, offered a complimentary 11-ounce filet mignon with the purchase of any two entrées. This promotion was valid through June 28, and customers might be asked to show proof of graduation to receive the free filet mignon.
Edible Arrangements ran a social media-based giveaway. The company planned to give away 2,020 free Celebration Dipped Fruit Delights to graduates. To be considered, interested graduates had to post a video on social media using the hashtag #EdibleMoments, include their name, and explain how they planned to celebrate graduating. For those not graduating, Edible Arrangements offered a 20% discount on all graduation-themed gifts purchased between May 14 and June 5.
Beyond food, some companies offered subscriptions or services. Amazon Prime provided a free trial of Amazon Prime for 6 months to high school seniors. After the trial period ended, students could sign up for a student account at a rate of $6.49 per month. This offer was presented as a way for graduates to manage their transition into college life, potentially involving online shopping for dorm essentials or streaming entertainment.
In addition to direct freebies, many brands structured their promotions around gift card purchases, offering bonus cards or rewards. These deals were often available for a limited time and could be used by either the purchaser or the graduate. For example, Applebee’s offered a $10 bonus card with the online or in-store purchase of $50 in Applebee’s gift cards through June 29. The bonus card was valid the day after purchase through August 3, 2025.
Auntie Annie’s provided a $5 bonus reward for every $25 spent on Auntie Annie’s gift cards through June 15. To redeem the bonus card, a free rewards account was required, and the bonus card itself could be used through July 15. Benihana had two gift card promotions running through June 15, offering up to $60 in bonuses, though specific details on the structure of these bonuses were not provided in the source material.
Logan’s Roadhouse offered two $10 bonus cards when customers spent $50 on gift cards through June 9. The bonus cards were valid for use anytime until July 31. At McAlister’s Deli, for every $25 gift card purchased through June 15, customers received a $5 reward voucher. This voucher needed to be unlocked in a registered McAlister’s Rewards account before it could be redeemed.
Miller’s Ale House promoted a bonus card with gift card purchases: buying a $50 gift card for a graduate would yield a $10 bonus gift card, valid from June 30 through August 31, 2025. This offer was valid through June 29. Moe’s Southwest Grill offered $5 in Moe’s Rewards for every $25 gift card purchased through June 16. First Watch provided $10 in Bonus Bucks when customers spent $50 on First Watch gift cards for a limited time.
IHOP’s promotion involved a $5 bonus card with the purchase of a $25 gift card through June 30, with the bonus card valid through August 25. Insomnia Cookies offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Classic cookies for all 2025 graduates through June 30, with the requirement to wear a cap and gown to claim the free cookie.
Golden Corral presented a unique offer where graduates could receive a free buffet and beverage at participating locations by wearing their cap and gown. However, this offer varied by location, and the source material advised calling the local restaurant ahead of time to confirm participation.
The promotions highlighted in the source data were primarily focused on the food and beverage sector, with a few exceptions like the Amazon Prime trial. They were largely targeted at the Class of 2020, with specific dates and requirements such as wearing graduation attire or making a gift card purchase. The information was sourced from deal-focused websites and news articles from May 2020, which aggregated these promotions. The reliability of each specific offer's terms would depend on the official brand websites or promotional pages, which were not directly cited in the provided chunks. Consumers interested in such offers should verify details directly with the respective brands, as promotions can change or expire.
Conclusion
The Class of 2020 had access to a variety of promotional offers and freebies from brands seeking to celebrate their graduation amidst a unique year. These opportunities ranged from free food items like donuts and tacos to bonus gift cards and subscription trials. The offers often required specific actions, such as wearing graduation attire, making a purchase through a mobile app, or buying gift cards to receive bonus rewards. While these promotions were specific to the 2020 graduation season, they illustrate a common marketing strategy where brands create time-limited offers tied to cultural events. For consumers, such promotions can provide added value, but it is essential to verify current availability and terms directly with the offering company, as the information provided is based on aggregated reports from May 2020.