The year 2017 featured a wide range of promotional freebies and no-cost offers, particularly within the food and beverage sector. These promotions were often tied to specific national holidays, dates, or events, requiring consumers to act within limited timeframes and at participating locations. Offers ranged from complimentary coffee on National Coffee Day to discounted meals on Tax Day, with many major chains participating. Access to these deals typically required visiting a physical location, presenting a coupon, or, in some cases, participating in a brand's loyalty programme. The availability of these promotions was frequently restricted to the United States, with specific terms and conditions applying to each offer.
National Coffee Day, observed on 29 September 2017, saw numerous brands offering free or discounted coffee. Cinnabon provided a free 12 oz coffee to all customers, while Chick-fil-A in Garner offered a free small hot or iced coffee, limited to one per person. Dunkin' Donuts had a promotion where customers could get a free Medium Hot Coffee with the purchase of a Medium or Larger Hot Coffee at participating locations. These offers illustrate a common promotional strategy where a free item is contingent on another purchase.
Tax Day in 2017, which fell on 18 April, prompted a series of food and drink deals designed to offer consumers a small reprieve. Arby's offered free curly fries at select locations with no purchase necessary. Bob Evans provided a 30 percent discount on a bill with the use of a coupon. Boston Market presented a specific meal deal for $10.40, which included a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, a regular fountain soda, and a cookie. Bruegger's Bagels offered a Big Bagel Bundle, consisting of 13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese, for $10.40, requiring customers to print a coupon from their website. Other Tax Day offers included free birthday cake cookies from Great American Cookies, free tropical shaved ice from Kona Ice, and free Cinnabon bites at some Cinnabon locations. Hard Rock Cafe offered a free legendary burger to customers willing to sing on stage. These deals often played on the numbers related to the tax deadline, such as $10.40 or $4.18.
Beyond single-day promotions, several brands offered ongoing freebies through their mobile applications and loyalty programmes in 2017. Jersey Mike's had a fast food app that allowed users to earn points with every qualifying purchase to redeem for free subs. Points were awarded as follows: 3 points for every kid’s meal, 4 points for every Mini size sub or Breakfast Sandwich, 6 points for every Regular, Wrap, or Sub Bowl, and 12 points for every Giant sub. Free subs could be redeemed for 48 points (Mini), 72 points (Regular, Sub Bowl, or Wrap), or 144 points (Giant). The brand occasionally ran double point days to accelerate earning.
Qdoba Rewards offered a sign-up bonus of free chips and queso with the purchase of an entree. Members earned 1 point for every $1 spent, with a free entree available for 125 points. Members who visited at least 12 times a year could get 3-cheese queso and chips for $2. The McDonald’s app was noted for its MyMcDonald’s Rewards Program, which gave 100 points for every $1 spent. Points could be redeemed for free items like a McChicken, Hash Browns, or a Cheeseburger. The Wendy’s app allowed users to earn 10 points per $1 spent, with 200 points redeemable for free nuggets, fries, or a Frosty, and 300 points for larger freebies. The Burger King app provided a free Whopper every quarter and daily offers. These app-based programmes demonstrate a shift towards digital engagement to reward frequent customers with free food items.
Other restaurant freebies in 2017, often tied to military appreciation events, included free meals or discounts for service members. Applebee's, CiCi's Pizza, Hooters (with beverage purchase), Little Caesars Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, and Bonefish Grill offered free meals or specific items. Wife Saver offered a free dine-in only meal. Additional offers included a free donut from Dunkin' Donuts, free 6-oz. frozen yogurt from Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, and a free appetizer or dessert with dinner purchase from Red Lobster. Target offered a 10% discount for military personnel, veterans, and their families, while Outback Steakhouse offered a 20% off check discount during a specific period.
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In 2017, promotional freebies and no-cost offers were prominent in the food and beverage industry, particularly around specific dates like National Coffee Day and Tax Day. Brands such as Cinnabon, Chick-fil-A, and Dunkin' Donuts participated in National Coffee Day with free coffee offers. Tax Day deals included free items from Arby's, Great American Cookies, and Kona Ice, as well as discounted meal bundles from Boston Market and Bruegger's Bagels. Ongoing freebies were available through mobile apps for brands like Jersey Mike's, Qdoba, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King, where points earned from purchases could be redeemed for free food. Additional free meal offers were available for military personnel at various restaurants. Access to these promotions was typically limited to specific dates, locations, and eligibility criteria, often requiring physical presence or proof of service.