An American Classic Celebrated with Sizzling Deals
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 18, 2025, as restaurants across the nation celebrate National Cheeseburger Day with an array of mouth-watering deals and freebies. The cheeseburger, a cornerstone of American cuisine, holds an 83% popularity rating among U.S. diners, just behind french fries and grilled cheese. With an estimated 50 billion burgers consumed annually by Americans, it’s clear the love for a patty and cheese runs deep.
While its exact origin is debated—with claims from a 16-year-old cook in Pasadena, California, in 1926 to Kaelin’s restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934—there is no debating the excitement surrounding this unofficial holiday. Major food chains are known for celebrating special occasions with promotions, a trend seen when Whataburger offered 75-cent burgers for its anniversary, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. This year, dozens of establishments are joining the festivities for National Cheeseburger Day.
Top Fast-Food Deals for Burger Lovers
Many of the country’s largest fast-food chains are offering significant discounts, primarily through their mobile apps and loyalty programs.
- McDonald’s: The Golden Arches is offering its iconic Double Cheeseburger for just 50 cents. This deal is available exclusively through the McDonald’s app on September 18.
- Burger King: Members of the Royal Perks loyalty program can receive a free cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more.
- Wendy’s: In a multi-day celebration, Wendy’s is offering a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for only one cent with any in-app purchase. This promotion runs from September 18 through September 22.
- Dairy Queen: DQ Rewards members can get a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with a purchase of $1 or more. This offer is valid for app and online orders from September 15 to September 19.
- Jack in the Box: Customers can get a free Jr. Cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more.
Buy-One-Get-One and More
If you’re dining with a friend or just have a big appetite, several restaurants are featuring buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers and other special promotions.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Rewards members can buy one burger and get a second one of equal or lesser value for free. The deal is valid all day on September 18 for dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders placed via the app or website.
- Sonic Drive-In: Using an in-app offer, customers can buy one Double Sonic Smasher and get a second one for free.
- White Castle: Get a BOGO deal on the classic Cheese Slider. Use the promo code “SAYCHEESE” in the app or online to redeem. The offer is valid from September 18-21, with a limit of one per customer.
- BurgerFi: Patrons can buy one cheeseburger and get a second one for just $1.
Deals at Casual Dining and Burger-Centric Chains
From sit-down restaurants to specialized burger joints, the savings continue with a wide range of delicious offers.
- Applebee’s: Enjoy any of the chain’s Classic Burgers—including the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Classic Cheeseburger—with a side of fries for $8.99. This deal is available for dine-in and online orders.
- Smashburger: Get any single burger for $4.99 all day on September 18. This includes varieties like the Classic, BBQ Bacon, and Truffle Mushroom. Use the code “BURGERDAY25” for online orders.
- Wayback Burgers: Customers can purchase a Classic Burger for $5. The deal is available in-restaurant, online, or through the Wayback Rewards app with the code “$5CLASS.”
- Red Robin: The Big Yummm Burger Deal offers a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, a bottomless side, and a bottomless drink for $9.99 at participating locations.
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar: The Austin-based chain continues its tradition of giving away golden scratch-off tickets with the purchase of a Wagyu Smash Burger. The promotion runs from September 18-21, with prizes including free burgers for a year.
With so many options available, burger enthusiasts have every reason to celebrate. Be sure to check with your local restaurant for participation, as offers may vary by location.
