National Hamburger Day is observed annually on 28 May, offering consumers an opportunity to access special promotions and freebies from participating restaurant chains. While the event is rooted in American food culture, many of the brands involved operate in the UK, providing British consumers with access to related deals. This article outlines the confirmed and predicted offers for 2025, based on information from official brand announcements and verified deal aggregators. All details are sourced from the provided documentation, which primarily references US-based promotions. UK consumers should verify local availability and terms directly with participating outlets.
The day is part of a broader promotional period, with some brands extending their offers throughout May, designated as National Burger Month. Deals vary by brand and may require specific actions, such as signing up for a loyalty programme, using a promo code, or making a minimum purchase. As with any promotion, eligibility can be subject to geographic restrictions, participating location availability, and specific terms and conditions.
Confirmed Deals for 2025
Several major restaurant chains have announced specific deals for National Hamburger Day 2025, which falls on Wednesday, 28 May. The following offers are documented in the source material as confirmed for the 2025 period.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is celebrating National Burger Month with a free burger offer. From 26 May to 1 June 2025, customers can receive a free ShackBurger with a qualifying purchase of $10. The offer is valid for orders placed at a kiosk in-restaurant, or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or website. The promo code BURGERMONTH must be entered in all capitals at checkout. This promotion is specifically for the ShackBurger during the week of 28 May.
Burger King
Burger King offers a free hamburger to Royal Perks members. On 28 May 2025, members can claim a free hamburger with any online or in-app purchase of $1 or more. The offer is valid through 31 May, and once signed up, members have 30 days to redeem the reward. This deal requires membership in the Royal Perks loyalty programme.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a special deal. The specific details of Wendy’s offer for 2025 are not fully elaborated in the provided chunks, though it is confirmed as a participating chain.
Smashburger
On 28 May 2025, Smashburger is offering any Single burger (not a Double) for $5.28 at participating locations. The deal can be claimed in-store, or through Smashburger’s website or app by using the promo code JUST528.
Checkers & Rally
On 28 May 2025, customers can get The Cheese Double at Checkers & Rally for just $3. The Cheese Double is described as two 100% beef patties, a slice of American cheese, crisp dill pickles, diced onions, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun.
Buffalo Wild Wings
On 28 May 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering half off any burger when ordering online for takeout or delivery. The promo code GOBURGER must be used at checkout. The deal includes favourites like the All-American Cheeseburger and Triple Bacon Cheeseburger.
Krystal
On 28 May 2025, Krystal is offering $1 sliders when using the promo code KRYSTALDAY. This offer is available both online and in the Krystal app.
Red Robin
Red Robin is running a promotion throughout May 2025 for its Royalty rewards members. Members who purchase a burger and beverage while logged into their account are automatically entered into the Burgers for a Year Sweepstakes. This applies whether dining in, ordering online, or using the mobile app. Additionally, signing up to become a Red Robin Royalty member allows entry to win free hamburgers for an entire year.
Bar Louie
Bar Louie is offering a $25 Burger Pass for rewards members. This pass provides a free burger on the next visit and subsequent burgers for $9.95 (regularly $14.95+) through 31 December 2025. The pass must be purchased by 31 May. Membership in the rewards programme is free.
Perkins
During National Hamburger Month in May, Perkins is offering The Great American Burger Trio—a cheeseburger, fries, and a slice of pie—for $9.99.
Logan’s
On 28 May 2025, Logan’s is offering its Real Deal Meal: the Original Roadies (a trio of mini burgers) for $11.99 or the All-American Cheeseburger for $12.99.
Greene Turtle
On 28 May 2025, The Greene Turtle is offering a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal.
Kroger
From 28 to 31 May 2025, Kroger is offering Private Selection Beef Chuck Patties (six-pack) for $6.99. A coupon for this deal is available only on 27 and 28 May and can be used at Kroger stores (including Kroger, Ralph’s, Fred Meyer) for in-store, online, or app-based pickup orders. There is a limit of five packs.
Wayback Burgers
On 28 May 2025, Wayback Burgers is offering a $5 Classic Burger to celebrate National Hamburger Month. The limit is two per account or person, and the offer is available at participating locations in-restaurant and through all ordering channels except third-party delivery services.
Checkers & Rally (Additional Detail)
A separate entry confirms the Checkers & Rally deal for The Cheese Double at $3 on 28 May 2025.
Predicted and Past Deals
Some sources reference deals from previous years and predict similar promotions for 2025. These are not confirmed for 2025 and should be treated as speculative.
BurgerFi
In 2024, BurgerFi offered a dine-in deal where purchasing a Freestyle drink allowed customers to get a BurgerFi Burger for $3. A similar promotion is predicted for 2025, but this is not confirmed.
Del Taco
Based on 2024 activity, Del Taco may offer a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on their Double Del Cheeseburger for National Hamburger Day 2025. This is a prediction, not a confirmed offer.
General Context and Eligibility
National Hamburger Day is observed on 28 May, coinciding with the outdoor grilling season and proximity to Memorial Day in the United States. It is an unofficial holiday celebrating a popular food item. According to Circana research (ending March 2025), the average U.S. consumer eats 26 burgers per year from restaurants and food service operations. Burgers and cheeseburgers are among America's favourite entrées, ranking just below French fries and mashed potatoes in popularity surveys.
Eligibility for these deals often requires specific actions: * Loyalty Programme Membership: Brands like Burger King (Royal Perks), Red Robin (Royalty), and Bar Louie (rewards members) require membership, which is typically free to join. * Promo Codes: Many offers require the use of a specific promo code (e.g., BURGERMONTH, JUST528, GOBURGER, KRYSTALDAY) during online or app-based ordering. * Minimum Spend: Some deals, like Shake Shack’s, require a minimum purchase (e.g., $10) to qualify for the free item. * Ordering Channels: Deals may be restricted to specific channels, such as in-restaurant kiosks, official brand apps, or websites, and may exclude third-party delivery services. * Participating Locations: Not all locations of a chain may participate. The offers are typically valid at participating locations only.
For UK consumers, it is essential to check whether these brands have a presence in the UK and if the specific promotions are available at local outlets. The terms and conditions, including expiration dates and geographic availability, must be verified directly with the brands or their official UK websites.
Conclusion
National Hamburger Day 2025 presents a range of promotional opportunities from major restaurant chains, with deals centred on free burgers, discounted purchases, and special meal bundles. The offers are predominantly confirmed for the United States market, with key dates around 28 May 2025. Consumers interested in these deals should focus on brands that have a confirmed UK presence and verify all terms directly. The most reliable offers are those explicitly stated in official brand communications or verified deal sources, while predicted deals from previous years remain speculative. As with any promotion, availability is subject to change, and consumers are advised to review the latest information from the participating brands.