Who can resist a free ice-cream cone on their birthday? A birthday freebie, whether it be an entrée, appetizer or dessert, is always a welcome gift! When it comes to celebrating your special day, there are many restaurants that want to share in the fun and excitement by giving you free food!

What types of restaurants offer birthday freebies and/or specials?

• Chain restaurants
• Local and regional restaurants; the “Mom & Pop” establishments
• Bakeries, coffee shops, small and medium-sized eateries

Are there any restrictions or limitations?

Every company or dining establishment will vary in terms of the restrictions, terms and conditions with regard to “birthday promotions and offers.” The restrictions can include but are not limited to the choice of food item (e.g., appetizer or dessert), quantity or serving size and price or value of the item in question.

Finding Birthday Freebies

1. Begin your search with chain restaurants (including fast food, casual dining, specialty food shops, etc.) and peruse their websites. In most cases, you will be asked to join the “Birthday Club” or “E-Club.” Before signing up, thoroughly review the company’s FAQs, terms and conditions in order to avoid any misunderstanding and possible disappointment. Watch out for phrases such as “void where prohibited”, “offer subject to change” “certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions may apply”, “offer only valid at participating franchises” and “not valid for all locations.” Not all franchise owners will necessarily participate in the company’s E-Club and special promotions. Therefore, it is prudent to inquire if you are uncertain about the specific franchise. Many local individually-owned restaurants and food establishments offer free birthday meals or “gifts.” However, these promotions may not be advertised in typical media outlets. Be alert to unadvertised specials.

2. Browse print and online local newspapers and magazines for advertised promotions and offers. One can also review local radio and TV station websites for business promotions.

3. Go through the dining and entertainment coupons that you receive in the mail.

4. Online resources that may be of interest are freebirthdaytreats.com and entertainment.com. Do an internet search for free birthday coffee, birthday freebies, free birthday food, free birthday meals, birthday specials restaurants, free birthday ice cream, free birthday lunches and dinners, etc.

The following is a list of companies that offer the opportunity to join their “Birthday Club”, “E-Club” or “E-Mail Club” (links are current at time of writing). Promotions may be subject to change, however.

Auntie Anne’s®, Join Pretzel Perks, (auntieannes.com).
Baskin-Robbins®, Birthday Club, (baskinrobbins.com).
Boston Market®, VIP Club, (bostonmarket.com).
Cold Stone Creamery®, Birthday Club, (coldstonecreamery.com).
Country Kitchen®, (countrykitchenrestaurants.com).
Maggie Moo’s®, Maggie-mail E-Club, (maggiemoos.com).
Friendly’s®, Best Friend of Friendly’s®, (friendlys.com).
Houlihans®, E-Mail Club, (houlihans.com).
Marie Callender’s®, E-Club, (mariecallenders.com).
Orange Julius®, Join OJ Quench Club, (orangejulius.com).
Ponderosa®, E-Club, check with the specific restaurant as not every restaurant participates. (ponderosasteakhouse.com).
Red Lobster®, Fresh Catch Club, (redlobster.com).
TCBY®, MyTCBY E-Club, (tcby.com).


For informational purposes only and not intended as advice. The writer of the above article is not affiliated with any companies aforementioned. All registered trademarks are the properties of their owners.