Full Breakdown
National Cheeseburger Day Sparks a Wave of Chain-Wide Promotions
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
National Cheeseburger Day falls on a September Friday each year and consistently generates a surge of promotional offers from fast-food and casual-dining chains.
Popularity and Consumption of Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers rank among the most favored American foods, with 84 % of surveyed adults expressing a positive opinion (YouGov). Over the 12-month period ending July 2026, research firm Circana CREST estimated that Americans consumed roughly 6.9 billion cheeseburgers from food-service establishments—an average of 20 per person. Men averaged 24 and women 17 per year.
Deal Highlights by Major Chains
- McDonald’s – MyMcDonald’s Rewards members can obtain a free double cheeseburger with a minimum $1 purchase through the mobile app.
- Wendy’s – Wendy’s Rewards members may add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 with any purchase.
- Burger King – Royal Perks members receive a free bacon cheeseburger on the holiday with a $3 minimum purchase; additional daily offers run from the preceding Thursday through the following Sunday.
- Hardee’s – My Rewards members can buy one Famous Star cheeseburger and receive a second free on the holiday.
- Five Guys – A three-day buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) promotion runs from the Wednesday before the holiday through the Friday itself. Orders must be placed through the Five Guys app or website using code BOGOBURGER; the offer does not work at the counter or via third-party delivery.
- Red Robin – Customers can enter a social-media contest for a free burger, while a “Big Yummm Deal” at a West Palm Beach outlet offers a burger, side, and beverage starting at $9.99.
- Applebee’s – A classic burger or cheeseburger with fries is priced at $8.99 for dine-in or takeout.
- Buffalo Wild Wings – A buy-one-get-one-free cheeseburger deal is available, excluding lunch combos and kids’ menu items.
- Sonic – A Jr. Double Cheeseburger is offered for $1.99 via in-store ordering or the Sonic app.
- Shake Shack – Customers can redeem a $5 single ShackBurger or cheeseburger with any purchase using code BURGERDAY.
Data & Statistics
- 84 % positive sentiment for cheeseburgers (YouGov).
- 6.9 billion cheeseburgers consumed nationally (Circana CREST).
- Average annual consumption: 20 per person; 24 for men, 17 for women.
Official Statements & Responses
Chains have communicated offer specifics through loyalty-program notifications and app updates, emphasizing sign-in, promotional codes, and minimum purchase thresholds. No formal press releases beyond these messages were cited.
What's Next
Chains typically rotate similar promotions for other food-related holidays, such as National Hamburger Day in late May. Diners are encouraged to monitor loyalty-program communications for future offers.