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During Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, multiple restaurants are offering freebies and discounts starting May 4th! Read on for a growing list of offers. Restaurants often announce their deals the day they are valid so check back for additional offers. Keep in mind that these deals are only available at participating locations.
Chick-fil-A
Select Greater Triangle area Chick-fil-A locations are offering a free 4 ct Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis or Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich on May 5, 2026 when you present your school ID. Check with your specific location to verify if they are participating. See the offer posted on the Chick-fil-A Garner Facebook page.
Chipotle
Chipotle is offering teachers (and healthcare workers) a chance to enter to win a free entrée e-gift card through May 12, 2026. According to their press release:
“Through May 12, Chipotle invites teachers and healthcare workers to enter for a chance to receive a free entrée e-gift card on their respective microsites:
Teachers: teacherthanks.chipotle.com
Healthcare workers: healthcarethanks.chipotle.com
At the conclusion of the entry period, an initial 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected and invited to verify their employment status via ID.me. If potential winners do not verify their employment status, additional potential winners will be selected and invited to verify their status.
Teachers and healthcare workers who successfully verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free entrée e-gift card. Winners will be notified starting May 13.”
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is offering teachers (and nurses) a deal May 5-12, according to their Facebook page. Once the specific offer is announced, we’ll update this post.
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is offering teachers (and nurses) a free sweet or unsweet tea at participating locations from May 4-8, 2026 by showing your valid educator or medical ID in-store. There is a limit of 1 per person and no purchase is necessary.
Potbelly
Potbelly is offering teachers (and nurses) a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink when you buy an entrée from Monday, May 4 through May 12, 2026, according to an e-mail from their PR folks. The offer is available in-shop at participating locations when you show a valid school or healthcare employee ID at checkout. In addition, through Sunday, May 10, get 10% off catering orders over $200 when you use the code SAVE10 at checkout at participating locations.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is offering teachers (and nurses) a free add-on Garden Bar with any entrée purchase May 5-6, 2026 at participating locations when you show valid I.D. and use code THANKYOU26. Valid for dine-in only. See the offer posted on their Instagram. In addition, get 20% off catering orders of $150 or more with code SCHOOLDEAL through May 9, 2026 at participating locations. See the offer shared on their Instagram.
Whataburger
According to their press release: “On Thursday, May 7, teachers and school staff are invited to start their day with a free, hot breakfast during the brand’s annual Whatateacher celebration.
From 5 to 9 a.m. local time, educators can stop by participating Whataburger restaurants and enjoy their choice of a free Breakfast on a Bun, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito with a valid school ID. Promotion hours may vary by location based on operating hours, so Guests are encouraged to check with their local Whataburger for exact timing. Offer is available for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders, limit one per person. Eligible recipient must be present to redeem.” This offer is valid at participating locations on May 7, 2026.
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See the list of Nurse Appreciation Week restaurant deals HERE!
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Gift Card Offers
Applebee’s: Buy a $50 Applebee’s gift card and get a $10 bonus gift card through 6/28/26. Bonus card expires 8/2/26.
Auntie Anne’s: Buy $25 in Auntie Anne’s gift cards and get two $5 Rewards through May 10, 2026. The $5 rewards are valid through 7/31/26.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Get 20% off e-Gift Cards when purchased online through June 23, 2026.
Cinnabon: Buy $25 in Cinnabon gift cards and get two $5 Rewards through May 10, 2026. The $5 rewards are valid through 7/31/26.
Jamba: Buy $30 in Jamba gift cards and get two $5 Rewards through May 10, 2026. The $5 rewards are valid through 7/21/26.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Get a $25 gift card for $20 through 5/10/26 on their website.
Outback Steakhouse: Buy $50 in gift cards through 6/21/2026 and receive a $10 bonus card that is valid 6/22-8/23/2026.
Panera Bread: Get a $10 Bonus Card for every $50 in Gift Cards you purchase through May 31, 2026. The Bonus Card is valid 6/1-6/30/26.
Subway: Buy $25 in gift cards and get a free 6″ sub through June 30, 2026.
Texas Road House: Get a $10 Bonus eGift Card for every $50 in gift cards purchased online through 5/15/26.
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See additional grocery, restaurant and retail deals on the WRAL Smart Shopper page HERE!
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