In addition to it being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday marks another event, National Bagel Day.
Courtesy of the foodie holiday, which always falls on January 15, consumers have various options to score a free bagel, no matter if they prefer a sweet cream cheese flavor or a savory breakfast sandwich.
Newsweek compiled the full list of freebies you can get at your local bakery or bagel store.
McDonald's is getting in on the bagel action by letting customers order a bagel for just $2 during breakfast hours. Keep in mind, however, that the deal is only available at participating restaurants on the McDonald's app.
Einstein Bros. Bagels is also offering customers a free Bagel & Cream Cheese with any purchase on National Bagel Day all month long if you join its rewards program.
"As far as we're concerned, fresh-baked bagels are always worthy of a celebration," chef Chad Thompson, head of culinary innovation at Einstein Bros. Bagels, said in a statement. "There's no better excuse than National Bagel Day to brighten everyone's day with a fresh-baked bagel and cream cheese."
The Shmear Society rewards program offers free food and unlimited free coffee benefits to customers when they order in the app or online. Guests will also receive a free egg sandwich birthday reward if they sign up.
To get your free bagel, sign up for the program at www.einsteinbros.com.
But there are more deals in store besides just the ones on National Bagel Day.
Einstein Bros. Bagels will also give customers $2 off any signature or classic egg sandwich or burrito via online ordering for the rest of the month, from January 15 to January 31.
And if you're a fan of Panera Bread, you might want to join their rewards program as well because all members get a free pastry, which just so happens to include a bagel option.
How to Score the Best Food Deals
While National Bagel Day is only one day a year, you should keep your eyes out for the rest of the food holidays. Many restaurants offer special deals, including full freebies to celebrate.
But if you want to generally score better deals at restaurants, there are various other strategies you can take.
For one, a restaurant's app or loyalty/rewards program is likely to become your best friend. Most fast food chains offer these apps to increase their sales, but they also offer shoppers plenty of benefits, including birthday freebies and additional special day deals and discounts on a routine basis.
By earning points on these apps, you'll be able to gain free food over time, and both your stomach and wallet will be happy.
You should also look at your receipt before throwing it in the trash the next time you make a stop at your favorite fast food restaurant. Many receipts hold secret deals and coupons if you fill out a survey.
Sites like Restaurant.com also offer some of the best deals for fast food chains and local eateries. Some previously listed deals include buy one, get one (BOGO) free milkshakes at Sonic and BOGO free pizzas at Papa Murphy's.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Suzanne Blake is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting on consumer and social trends, spanning ... Read more
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