Graduations are always worth celebrating, whether it be a treat to yourself, with friends, or a whole party dedicated to you. Now that you’re about to finish this chapter of your life, it’s good to get some freebies while you still can before you lose that student email account. Here are places for upcoming grads to pay attention to after they walk the stage with these graduation food deals to watch for.
Krispy Kreme
Last year, the popular donut shop gave away free three-donut packs for one day only for graduates donning their cap and gown or other senior gear. Krispy Kreme is known for their deals for almost any occasion like Easter, album releases, and rocket launches, so it’s likely they will bring this deal back this year. It’s uncertain exactly how many items will be free, as they lessened the amount available; before 2025, graduates could get a whole dozen for free.
Insomnia Cookies
Like Krispy Kreme, Insomnia offers a sweet treat to celebrate graduates. In 2025, they had BOGO deal with their classic cookies for graduates in their cap and gowns. They also had a giveaway for those who sent in their graduation announcements, five winners were randomly picked and received a $25 gift card and a “u ate 25” tassel. There was also a second, lower-effort giveaway by following the Instagram account and tagging alma maters. It’s likely there will be another giveaway and a deal this year, but possibly with different rules and content. In 2024, graduates did not have to buy a cookie to get a free one.
Chick-fil-A
While there has not been a nationwide graduation promotion, it is common for locations to have deals that vary by individual owners. They usually do limited giveaways or free items such as sandwiches or biscuits. Keep up to date with our local Chick-fil-A as well as any other chain restaurants in your area for deals.
TGI Fridays
For those looking to celebrate graduation with friends, TGI Fridays has the perfect deal for a group of graduates; bring your student ID’s to dine in and get a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entree. Last year, it lasted throughout the month of June.To get the most out of this deal, I suggest going with at least three other people to get two free appetizers and two free desserts for the best of both worlds.
Black Angus Steakhouse
Known for their premium steak choices and quality burgers, last year Black Angus Steakhouse offered graduates free entrees worth up to $35 when they dined in their cap and gown or showed their diploma as proof. This can include the prime rib, filet mignon, and full-rack ribs entrees. The offer was available throughout the month of June.
Potbelly
Sandwich lovers can get 10% off catering orders over $150.
PF Changs
In 2024, hosting graduates that had a $200 catering order received a free pan of the chicken lettuce wraps (they’re very good). It’s worth checking for updates from the popular asian-inspired restaurant.