19 Food Freebies, Deals and Specials for 2025 Graduates

Graduation season is here! To celebrate this year’s grads, restaurants across the country are treating these diners to various specials, deals and freebies, which range from customizable ice cream cakes to free appetizers or desserts. Some eateries are even giving out free gift cards with a purchase.

Since food deals for grads aren’t heavily advertised by restaurants, they may be hard for patrons to find. That’s why we put together this list of the best food freebies, deals, and specials for our 2025 grads. We guarantee that grubbing down on or more of these limited-time deals and specials will make the accomplishment of graduating taste even sweeter.

Note: The deals below often require you to make a purchase to snag the freebie or bonus gift card. In some cases, you might need to become a rewards member. Also, know that some deals, specials, and freebies may vary by franchise and are subject to change at any time.

When you buy a $50 Applebee’s gift card, you’ll get an extra $10 bonus gift card for free. You have until June 29 to take advantage this deal, which also makes it a great option for a Father’s Day gift. Know that this card will expire on August 3, 2025.

A classic treat, Baskin Robbins has graduation-themed ice cream cakes. The legacy ice cream eatery offers options like a Cap & Gown cake, which can be customized by the grad’s school colors.

Bertucci’s offers unique graduation meal packages for pickup, curbside and delivery. You can find packages that include pasta and pizza with extras like salads and desserts, so the guests at your graduation party are sure to be satisfied. Use code “GRAD2025” at checkout to get a free tray of mini chocolate chip cannolis with the purchase of a $100+ Graduation Package.

Bonefish Grill is offering diners a $10 gift card when they purchase a $50 gift card (redeemable from June 23 to Aug. 24). This deal is valid for e-gift cards and physical gift cards. Get all the details here.

If you make Buca di Beppo your graduation celebration location, know that grads can score a FREE cannoli when dining in.

Make gift giving this graduation season extra tasty by dining at California Tortilla. From May 12 to June 30, for every $25 spent on a CalTort gift card, you’ll get either a free burrito or bowl coupon.

Get a free $5 reward card when you purchase $25 in e-gift cards at Carvel. You can redeem that bonus card through Aug. 3.

Graduates eat free at Chili’s! Get a complimentary entrée from a select menu with proof of graduation (5^th, 8^th, 12^th and college). And when you order a $50 Chili’s gift card, you’ll receive a free $10 e-gift card as a thank you.

Just in time for graduation, City BBQ is offering a gift card deal. Buy a $25 gift card from now until June 15 and you’ll receive a $5 bonus card.

Showing up with a bouquet of fruit may be more memorable than a traditional bouquet of flowers. Edible Arrangements has an expansive list of graduation-themed gifts you can choose from. They also have dessert gifts as well if your grad isn’t big on fruit.

Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get $10 worth of gifts for free at Jason’s Deli. This includes a $5 promo card that you can use between June 16 and July 30 as well as $5 worth of rewards points.

This graduation season, get a $5 eReward online, or a physical reward voucher for every $25 worth of gift cards you purchase at McAlister’s Deli. The $5 eReward can be used from June 16 to Aug. 16.

Miller’s Ale House is running a gift card promotion to treat grads. When you purchase a $50 Miller’s Ale House gift card, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card valid for use from June 30 to July 31.

For a limited time, you can get two free $10 bonus gift cards when you buy $50 in gift cards at Outback Steakhouse.

Grads, head into Perkins in your cap and gown and get a free Mammoth Muffin. This deal is good through June 25. Snap a picture in your cap and gown and tag @eatatperkins on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to win a $100 Perkins gift card. One entry per graduate.

Need catering for your graduation party? Order online at Potbelly.com or through the Potbelly App and use code “GRAD10” to get 10% off orders over $150. This promo is good through June 15.

Getting your grad a $25 gift card from Red Lobster will get you a $10 off bonus coupon, which you can use on a minimum purchase of $40 (some exclusions apply) in July and August.

Smashburger is running an enticing gift card promotion. When you buy $25 in gift cards, you’ll get $5 in Smash Cash to use at participating locations through June 18. The coupon is good for both in-store and online purchases.

In May and June, grads who show their student ID can get a free appetizer or dessert with entree purchase.

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