Fast-Food Franchises Earn Top Marks with Freebies and Specials
Updated August 28, 2025
Back-to-school time is here, and students of all ages are gearing up for new routines. From Gen Alpha kids heading into elementary school to Gen Z teens and college students settling into high school and dorm life, families everywhere are adjusting as summer winds down. To make the transition easier, fast-food restaurants are rolling out special deals, discounts and freebies. These offers not only help families save but also drive traffic in time to give restaurants a welcome boost during the late-summer dip in traffic — a seasonal slump many businesses face as vacations wind down and daily rhythms change.
Below is a compilation of the best restaurant deals and discounts for the 2025 back-to-school season.
Back-to-School 2025: Best Restaurants Deals and Discounts
7-Eleven
This back-to-school season, 7-Eleven customers can grab any breakfast sandwich and any size coffee for just $5 at participating locations. The offer is good through Aug. 26.
Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon
Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon are celebrating the back-to-school season with sweet savings. Through Sept. 1, guests who purchase $30 in gift cards online will receive an Original Pretzel from Auntie Anne’s and a MiniBon from Cinnabon. Rewards accounts from each brand are required to redeem the freebies through Sept. 30 at participating locations. Plus, every Sunday, guests receive a free 5-count of CinnaSweeties (above) for kids age 12 and under with the purchase of a baked good.
Denny’s
Denny’s is helping customers beat back-to-school cravings without breaking the bank with its new 5 Slams for $5 menu. Highlights include the bacon, lettuce, tomato and egg (BLT&E) sandwich, Grand Slam Burrito and chocolate cinnamon milkshake.
Einstein Bros Bagels
Einstein Bros Bagels is helping rewards members start the year right this back-to-school season. Through Sept. 2, they can score $10 Baker’s Dozen Bagels & Schmear (13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese) when ordering online or through the app.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is helping students, teachers and families ease back into school with a limited-time offer: buy one, get one free burritos and bowls. This offer is available in-store and online from Aug. 25 through Sept. 30 at all locations.
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is rolling out a back-to-school deal: Order $25 or more in gift cards through Aug. 31, and get a free dessert reward, redeemable from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 at participating locations. Plus, through Sept. 30, customers can take $30 off catering orders of $200 or more with code B2S30.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s rewards members can enjoy a free kids meal for every adult entrée purchased. The promotion, which drops every Sunday through Aug. 31, can be redeemed at any point during the week in-store and online. The Mexican restaurant franchise is also offering 15% off catering orders of $350 or more with code B2SCHOOL25 through Sept. 7.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee is helping loyalty members make the grade with a great deal. They can get a medium latte, warm food and a snack for $11 through Sept. 10.
Potbelly
On Aug. 26, Potbelly is offering a free Original-sized sandwich with the purchase of an Original or Big Sandwich using the promo code ‘BOGO’ through the brand’s website or mobile app.
The Greene Turtle
From Aug. 25–31, kids can enjoy a free meal at The Greene Turtle with the purchase of a regular adult entrée. This offer is valid dine-in only and excludes appetizers, sides and desserts.
