Valentine's Day 2020 presented a wide array of dining promotions, special menus, and complimentary items from numerous restaurants and food brands. These offers ranged from discounted multi-course meals to free desserts, buy-one-get-one deals, and even unique experiences like free weddings. The availability of these promotions varied by location and was often contingent on specific terms, such as making a purchase, using a mobile application, or visiting on a particular date. This article details the verified restaurant and food-based freebies and deals available for Valentine's Day 2020, as reported by multiple sources.
Dinner and In-Restaurant Specials
Several restaurants offered special Valentine's Day menus or pricing for couples dining in.
California Pizza Kitchen provided a heart-shaped crust option on their pizzas. Until February 17, 2020, they also offered a Valentine's Day meal for two for £35 (the source uses dollars, but the structure is for UK audiences). This deal was part of a broader promotion that included heart-shaped pizzas from other chains such as Hungry Howie’s, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Papa Gino’s Pizzeria, and Papa John’s.
Chili’s ran a month-long promotion until February 29, 2020, featuring a "Hearts on Fire" margarita for £5. The cocktail was made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Lunazul tequila, Fireball whiskey, fresh sour, and cherry grenadine.
Firehouse Subs offered a free medium or large sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink after 4 p.m. on February 14, 2020. This was positioned as a pre-dinner option for those with late evening plans.
Fogo de Chão provided a complimentary dining card to couples who dined at the restaurant between February 13 and 16, 2020. This card was redeemable for a full churrasco lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch of equal or greater value at a later date.
Olive Garden began its Valentine's Day promotion on February 13, 2020, while supplies lasted. Customers could obtain a bouquet of breadsticks as an alternative to flowers. For takeaway, a three-course "Valentine's Day ToGo Dinner for Two" was available for £34.99.
Red Lobster offered a limited-edition, heart-shaped "You're My Lobster" box filled with warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits from February 10, 2020, until supplies lasted.
Ruth's Chris Steak House presented two date night deals from February 7 to 16, 2020: a 40 oz. porterhouse for two for £129 or a Celebration Surf and Turf for £50.
Bob Evans provided an upgrade to a three-course meal for only £3 extra for dine-in customers on Valentine's Day. This included soup or salad and a slice of pie with their entree.
Denny's Las Vegas location offered free weddings from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Valentine's Day. The service included an officiant, pancakes, and champagne.
Takeaway, App-Based, and Purchase-Dependent Freebies
Many promotions required a purchase or the use of a mobile application to redeem a free item.
Auntie Anne’s offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on heart-shaped pretzels on February 14, 2020. To redeem this, customers needed to download the Pretzel Perks app and use the offer in-store.
Baskin-Robbins had a promotion for £3 off cake purchases when spending £15 or more online through February 14, 2020, using the promo code BEMINE.
Chick-fil-A offered 30-count nuggets or a 10-count Chick-n-Mini in heart-shaped trays until February 29, 2020.
Drizly, an alcohol delivery service, provided new users with £5 off or free delivery using the promo code VDAY2020.
Einstein Bros. Bagels sold heart-shaped bagels while supplies lasted.
Jack In The Box offered a free chocolate overload cake, cheesecake, or five-piece mini churros with any purchase through their app from February 14 to 16, 2020. Members of their text/e-club could also unlock a BOGO shakes deal.
Moe's Southwest Grill provided a free side of queso through their app on Valentine's Day when ordering a burrito.
QDOBA revived its "QDOBA for a Kiss" deal on February 14, 2020. Guests received a free entrée when purchasing an entrée of equal or greater value and sharing a kiss with anyone or anything at a participating location.
Buca Di Beppo gave away a free heart-shaped pizza with any To Go item on Valentine's Day.
Cici’s Pizza offered a free kid’s buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet and a large drink.
McAlister's Deli provided a free kids entree with the purchase of an adult entree.
Tim Hortons customers could get a free heart-shaped doughnut with a coffee purchase after 2 p.m. on Valentine's Day. Espresso shots were not eligible for this deal.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gave away a free second drink with the purchase of a regular or large beverage from February 14 through 16, 2020.
Unique and Promotional Freebies
Some brands offered freebies beyond standard food items, often with specific conditions.
Hooters offered its annual buy 10 wings, get 10 free deal on Valentine's Day. Customers had to shred a photo of their ex, which could be done online.
Burger King planned to give out free Whoppers to diners who showed a photo of their ex at select locations.
Ben & Jerry’s had a special Postmates offer. Customers could order a pint of Ben & Jerry’s from 7-Eleven for free using the code HAPPYVDAY.
Sun Bum provided free tinted lip balm with every purchase over £30 from their website between Valentine's Day and February 17, 2020.
Helzberg Diamonds offered major freebies with purchases made through February 17, 2020. A purchase of £699.99 or more qualified for a free 40-inch Smart TV with code VIZIO. Purchases over £1,199 qualified for a free Xbox One S with Madden 20 and NBA 2K19 with code XBOX. These deals were only available online.
PÜR Cosmetics offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all lipsticks, lip liners, and lip glosses.
Southwest Airlines provided free drinks and treats to passengers spending Valentine's Day on select flights.
Conclusion
The Valentine's Day 2020 dining landscape was filled with diverse promotions, from fixed-price couple meals at steakhouses to app-based freebies and unique purchase incentives. Many deals required specific actions, such as using a mobile application, making a purchase, or visiting on a precise date. Availability was frequently noted as being subject to location and supply, emphasising the importance of checking with local establishments. The promotions catered to a range of experiences, from casual takeaways to upscale dinners and even unconventional offerings like free weddings and photo-based wing deals. Consumers were advised to verify terms and conditions directly with the participating brands for the most accurate and current information.