Fast-Food Franchises Celebrate America’s Favorite Classic with Freebies and Discounts on Sept. 18
Updated September 16, 2025
Sept. 18 is one of the most indulgent and inviting days of the year: National Cheeseburger Day. The cheeseburger is a beloved American favorite with roots that go back to the 1920s when Lionel Sternberger was flipping burgers at his father’s sandwich shop in California. While the exact details aren’t entirely clear, Sternberger is said to have added a piece of American cheese to a sizzling burger either out of curiosity or to cover up a burnt spot. Another theory suggests that a customer requested adding cheese. No matter how it really happened, one thing is certain: The cheeseburger has secured its place as a true classic.
Franchise giants like McDonald’s, Burger King and Wayback Burgers have made cheeseburgers readily available and affordable for millions, cementing their place in American culture. McDonald’s alone sells so many burgers that there’s even a website tracking how many are sold every second globally!
Everyone loves a cheeseburger, which makes National Cheeseburger Day the perfect chance for franchisors to shine. By offering freebies and discounts, brands not only spark excitement but also draw hungry customers through their doors. Read on for a listing of franchise brands to check out this Sept. 18.
National Cheeseburger Day 2025: Best Restaurant Deals, Freebies and Specials
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is bringing back its Classic Burger Deal, which includes one of three Classic Handcrafted Burgers (hamburger, cheeseburger or bacon cheeseburger) with fries for only $8.99. This deal is available on Sept.18 for both online and dine-in orders.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
On Sept. 18, Bad Daddy’s will offer its Double Classic Smash Burger with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, tots or housemade chips for $10. This deal is available for dine-in and online orders.
Buffalo’s Cafe and Hurricane Grill & Wings
The folks at Buffalo’s Cafe and Hurricane Grill & Wings know that a burger tastes better with a soda! That’s why both brands are offering a free soda with every cheeseburger sold this Sept. 18.
Buona
Buona fans will receive a free order of fries with any purchase of a cheeseburger on National Cheeseburger Day. This deal is only valid Sept. 18.
Burger King
Burger King is giving Royal Rewards members another reason to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day: A free Bacon Cheeseburger with any $1 purchase on Sept. 18.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. is taking National Cheeseburger Day to the next level by offering guests a half priced Western Bacon Cheeseburger with any large fountain drink purchase. This deal is not valid for use within a combo or in combination with any other offer or discount.
Dairy Queen
In celebration of National Cheeseburger Day, Dairy Queen is offering an online-exclusive deal from Sept. 15-19: A free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1 purchase.
Dog Haus
Dog Haus is serving up an irresistible deal this Sept. 18: Buy one Haus Cheeseburger, get one free, all day long through the Haus Rewards app.
Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys makes it easy to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank. The brand, known for its farm-fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals, is offering its juicy Big Cheese Cheeseburger for just $4 on Sept. 18.
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard fans can enjoy an $8 Bucks Deluxe Deal consisting of a deluxe cheeseburger, fries and a drink on Sept. 18. This deal is available via drive-thru, walk-up and online ordering through the brand’s website or app.
Huddle House
From Sept. 18–25, Huddle House is treating its loyalty members to a free Single Smashburger Deluxe. The family-friendly brand is known for hearty comfort food, and this burger comes loaded with all the classic toppings.
Logan’s Roadhouse
For National Cheeseburger Day, Logan’s Roadhouse is offering 20% off its All-American Cheeseburger. This burger features a juicy, steak-seasoned patty, a choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on a toasted bun. This deal is only valid for rewards members at participating locations on Sept. 18.
Native Grill & Wings
On National Cheeseburger Day, guests can enjoy Native Grill & Wings’ Bacon Cheeseburger for just $10. This deal is available at participating locations for dine-in customers who mention the offer and online orders with code Cheese2025.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with a happy hour deal on its Signature Angus Burger. Served on a brioche bun with cheddar, arugula, tomato, pickle sauce, and roasted garlic French fries, this indulgent meal is only $15 from 3-6 p.m. on Sept. 18.
Wayback Burgers
Known for its old-school diner feel, Wayback Burgers makes National Cheeseburger Day a true throwback occasion with $5 Classic Cheeseburgers on Sept. 18. This deal applies to orders placed in-restaurant, online and through the Wayback Rewards program and is limited to two per customer.
