Ever since the fateful day in 1926 when 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger casually invented the cheeseburger while working at his father’s restaurant in Pasadena, California, Americans have been enjoying the tasty combination of gooey melted cheese on their juicy burgers. So it makes sense for burger chains across the nation to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day this September 18 by offering free or discounted cheeseburgers to the masses. Here are just a few that you’ll find:
1. The Applebee’s Deal
With over 2,000 restaurants operating within the US and throughout the globe, Applebee’s is probably one of the most convenient places to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day. Their special on September 18 is a $6.99 Burger & Classic Fries. No coupon needed.
2. The Cheeseburger in Paradise Deal
Named after Jimmy Buffett’s iconic 1978 hit song about trying to eat less fast food, this chain would almost be committing sacrilege if it didn’t have a deal for National Cheeseburger Day. Buy a half-pound All-American Burger and a side of fries for $6. Whether you’ll also get a “big kosher pickle and a cold draught beer,” as the song says, is another story.
3. The Dog Haus’ Deal
Although you may know Dog Haus best for its specialty gourmet hot dogs and bratwursts, its cheeseburger is nothing to bark at. On National Cheeseburger Day, you’ll be able to upgrade from a single to a double cheeseburger at no extra charge.
4. The Ruby Tuesday Deal
Ruby Tuesday celebrates National Cheeseburger Day by offering their So Connected email members a free cheeseburger on September 18 and 19. You can also sign up at any time on the company’s website for a free cheeseburger (up to $10) when you buy one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage.
5. The 99 Deal
When you think about casual dining, you gotta think about 99 Restaurants, which pioneered the concept when founder Charlie Doe opened his first venue in 1952. So it only makes sense for the restaurant to offer a $5 cheeseburger special on National Cheeseburger Day with choice of American, Cheddar or Swiss cheese.
6. The BurgerFi Deal
Launched in 2011, BurgerFi has become one of the fastest-growing—not to mention eco-friendly and sustainable—fast food chains in the country. On National Cheeseburger Day, you can get a Double Natural Angus Burger at the chain for $5. Just mention the offer for National Cheeseburger Day at the register.
7. The Burger 21 Deal
You can take advantage of this offer anytime (but you’ll probably get some extra mojo from the Cheeseburger Universe if you do it this Sept. 18): Get a free Cheesy Burger when you download the B21 Loyalty app.
8. The Fuddruckers Deal
For many years now, Fuddruckers has been making rather big burgers, and for years they’ve been holding the National Cheeseburger Day 3-Pound Burger Challenge across the counrty. You can get the burger plus a one-pound order of fries and bottomless Coca Cola beverage for $24.99. If you finish it all within an hour, you’ll get a $20 gift card and t-shirt. Just make sure you make a reservation at your local Fuddruckers 24 hours in advance.
9. The Shake Shack Deal
Just as they did last year, the Shack and DoorDash are closing out #ShackWeek by celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with free Shack Burgers between 11am and 2pm local time on delivery orders of over $12 using the DoorDash app.