While aging is inevitable, spending money on your birthday is not. Thanks to a combination of the digital revolution and late-stage capitalism, every chain restaurant is vying for your business by offering perks via their app’s loyalty programs, with a frequent incentive being a free reward on your birthday. With the right planning (and a bit of geographic luck), you can eat for free from dawn till dusk on your birthday—though your inbox may be a mess for a while. (Assume that all these deals require giving up your email address to join a loyalty program.)
Where to get free breakfast on your birthday
Denny’s offers a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast (two eggs, two pancakes, two strips of bacon, and two sausage links) by signing up for their loyalty program, Denny’s Rewards. IHOP offers a free stack of Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity pancakes as a member of the IHOP loyalty program. Dunkin’ offers a free drinks with its loyalty program, DD Perks, and Krispy Kreme’s rewards program offers free donuts.
Where to get free lunch on your birthday
Buffalo Wild Wings offers an order of six wings when you sign up for their loyalty program, Blazin’ Rewards. Sbarro offers a free extra large NY slice by becoming a member of their elegantly-named loyalty program, the Sbarro Slice Society. Baskin Robbins offers a free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream to loyalty members, and Chick-Fil-A offers a free chocolate chip cookie or brownie.
Where to get free dinner on your birthday
Moe’s Southwest Grill offers a free birthday burrito, and Red Robin will give you a free birthday burger. Starbucks will give you a free drink, and Chili’s will email you a coupon for a free birthday dessert if you sign up for their loyalty program, My Chili’s Rewards.