Free Fries! Where to Get National French Fry Day Deals
French fries are the number one side to go with burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and really any dinner you can think of. They're the ultimate comfort food that's so easy to keep munching on—and today's the day to celebrate these terrific taters.
On National French Fry Day you've gotta eat fries (twist our arm), and so many restaurant chains make that easier (and cheaper) by offering fry-related deals. Read on for everything you need to know about this holiday, plus where you can score deals at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and more.
Related: ‘I Tried the Viral Animal-Style Fries Hack at McDonald's and I’ll Never Order Regular Fries Again’
History of National French Fry Day
We're not sure who created National French Fry Day and when the day was first celebrated, but we are glad it's a thing.
The actual origin of the term French fries is also unknown, but there's a theory that they originated in Belgium. It's said that villagers in Belgium used to eat fried fish from the River Meuse. In the winter when they couldn't fish, they sliced up potatoes for frying instead. When American soldiers came to Belgium during World War I and tried these snacks, the term "French fries" was coined because French was the language of the Belgian Army.
The first time that "French Fried Potatoes" appeared in print was in 1856 in the book Cookery for Maids of All Work by E. Warren.
When Is National French Fry Day Each Year?
For the past several years, National French Fry Day has been observed on July 13 regardless of what day of the week that falls on. However, last year the folks behind the popular chains Checker's and Rally's created a petition to move National French Fry Day to the second Friday of July (because Fryday). The keepers of the National Day Calendar agreed with that logic and the date was officially changed.
But this doesn't mean that every French fry maker is in agreement or even knows about the change. In fact, many chains are observing and offering deals on Thursday, July 13 as they did in past years. More fries for us!
Related: 'I Tried Arby's New Loaded Fries and Now I Can't Look at Regular Fries the Same'
12 National French Fry Day Deals and Discounts
McDonald's
McDonald's is giving away free fries on Thursday, July 13 through the McDonald's app. They are also offering free fries to new MyMcDonald’s Rewards members. Just download the McDonald’s app and join MyMcDonald’s Rewards to get an order of free large fries with a $1 minimum purchase.
Hardees/Carl Jr.
Hardees and Carl Jr. are both celebrating National French Fry Day in a big way! You don't get free fries on just one day—you can actually get free fries every day for the rest of the year. All you have to do is join the My Rewards loyalty program and order fries through the app on July 13. Then you are in! You will get a daily in-app offer for free fries with a minimum $1 purchase each day.
Checker's/Rally's
Whether Checker's or Rally's is the chain near you, both of them are offering a great deal running Friday, July 14 - 16. Their Famous Seasoned Fries are noted for being the most crave-able fries in America and they will offer a free order of these XL fries to all rewards app members.
Burger King
If you're a member of Burger King's Royal Perks loyalty program, you can get a free order of fries with any purchase to honor National French Fry Day. But that's not all! French fry lovers who are Royal Perks members can satisfy their cravings all year with a free order of fries every week.
Wendy's
Wendy's Reward members can get a free order of fries with an in-app purchase between Thursday, July 13 and Sunday, July 16 at participating locations. If you prefer, you can use the offer in the morning to get free seasoned potatoes instead of French fries.
Red Robin
If one order of fries isn't enough to satisfy your endless cravings, then you'll want to celebrate National French Fry Day at Red Robin. The chain always offer bottomless sides when you dine in, which include French fries and sweet potato fries.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
You'll get a free order of fries when you purchase any sub from Penn Station East Coast Subs on July 13. This offer is valid at participating locations.
Fatburger
To celebrate National French Fry Day, Fatburger is offering customers a free order of fat or skinny fries with any purchase made in the restaurant or online from July 13 - 16. All you have to do is mention the offer when you dine in or use the promo code FrenchFryDay23 online.
Smashburger
Smashburger's signature fries are called Smashfries, which are crispy fries tossed in rosemary, garlic and olive oil. On July 13, you can get an order of Smashfries, French fries or sweet potato fries for free with any purchase. No minimum order is required. Use promo code FRIES for online orders.
Heinz and Uber Eats
Heinz and Uber Eats are teaming up to celebrate National French Fry Day. They're offering up to $5.70 off your total order when French fries are included at participating restaurants on July 13.
White Castle
On July 13, use this coupon from White Castle to receive buy one get one small fries.
Jack In The Box
When you order anything online from Jack In The Box, you'll receive free medium fries by signing up for text promotions. Just click on GETFREEFRIES from the popup and enter your email address.
Ideas for French Fry Dipping Sauces
It sounds like you might be eating quite a few fries over the next few days, so you might want some ketchup alternatives. Here are a few of our other favorite French fry partners.
vinegar
cheese sauce
Ranch dressing
honey mustard
mayonnaise
a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup and a little pickle juice
Thousand Island dressing
gravy
barbecue sauce
a Wendy's Frosty or any milkshake
