Graduation season is here! To celebrate this year’s grads, restaurants across the country are treating these diners to various specials, deals and freebies, which range from customizable ice cream cakes to free appetizers or desserts. Some eateries are even giving out free gift cards with a purchase.
Since food deals for grads aren’t heavily advertised by restaurants, they may be hard for patrons to find. That’s why we put together this list of the best food freebies, deals, and specials for our 2025 grads. We guarantee that grubbing down on or more of these limited-time deals and specials will make the accomplishment of graduating taste even sweeter.
Note: The deals below often require you to make a purchase to snag the freebie or bonus gift card. In some cases, you might need to become a rewards member. Also, know that some deals, specials, and freebies may vary by franchise and are subject to change at any time.
Applebee’s
When you buy a $50 Applebee’s gift card, you’ll get an extra $10 bonus gift card for free. You have until June 29 to take advantage this deal, which also makes it a great option for a Father’s Day gift. Know that this card will expire on August 3, 2025.
Baskin Robbins
A classic treat, Baskin Robbins has graduation-themed ice cream cakes. The legacy ice cream eatery offers options like a Cap & Gown cake, which can be customized by the grad’s school colors.
Bertucci’s
Bertucci’s offers unique graduation meal packages for pickup, curbside and delivery. You can find packages that include pasta and pizza with extras like salads and desserts, so the guests at your graduation party are sure to be satisfied. Use code “GRAD2025” at checkout to get a free tray of mini chocolate chip cannolis with the purchase of a $100+ Graduation Package.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is offering diners a $10 gift card when they purchase a $50 gift card (redeemable from June 23 to Aug. 24). This deal is valid for e-gift cards and physical gift cards. Get all the details here.
Buca di Beppo
If you make Buca di Beppo your graduation celebration location, know that grads can score a FREE cannoli when dining in.
California Tortilla
Make gift giving this graduation season extra tasty by dining at California Tortilla. From May 12 to June 30, for every $25 spent on a CalTort gift card, you’ll get either a free burrito or bowl coupon.
Chili’s
Graduates eat free at Chili’s! Get a complimentary entrée from a select menu with proof of graduation (5th, 8th, 12th and college). And when you order a $50 Chili’s gift card, you’ll receive a free $10 e-gift card as a thank you.
City BBQ
Just in time for graduation, City BBQ is offering a gift card deal. Buy a $25 gift card from now until June 15 and you’ll receive a $5 bonus card.
Edible Arrangements
Showing up with a bouquet of fruit may be more memorable than a traditional bouquet of flowers. Edible Arrangements has an expansive list of graduation-themed gifts you can choose from. They also have dessert gifts as well if your grad isn’t big on fruit.
Jason’s Deli
Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get $10 worth of gifts for free at Jason’s Deli. This includes a $5 promo card that you can use between June 16 and July 30 as well as $5 worth of rewards points.
Outback Steakhouse
For a limited time, you can get two free $10 bonus gift cards when you buy $50 in gift cards at Outback Steakhouse.
Smashburger
Smashburger is running an enticing gift card promotion. When you buy $25 in gift cards, you’ll get $5 in Smash Cash to use at participating locations through June 18. The coupon is good for both in-store and online purchases.
TGI Fridays
In May and June, grads who show their student ID can get a free appetizer or dessert with entree purchase.
The post 13 Food Freebies, Deals and Specials for 2025 Graduates appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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