Statue of Liberty on the background of flag usa, sunrise and fireworks

Happy 4th of July — America Turns 250 Today and Restaurants Are Celebrating With You

Healthy Fact of the Day

Fourth of July celebrations are built around food, and that's one of the best things about them. A few easy ways to keep things balanced at any cookout or restaurant outing today: start with water before reaching for a sugary drink or cocktail, load your plate with grilled proteins and vegetable sides before hitting the chips and desserts, and if you're taking advantage of multiple restaurant deals this weekend, space them out rather than stacking them in one day. The Whole Foods 50% off frozen treats deal through July 7 is worth bookmarking for a lighter, fruit-based dessert option — grab a pint of something like Van Leeuwen or So Delicious for the freezer and enjoy it throughout the week.

America is 250 years old today — and the food deals are matching the moment.

Dozens of restaurants and brands are marking Independence Day with free food, $2.50 specials (a nod to the 250th anniversary), and weekend-long promotions that run well past tonight’s fireworks. Here’s everything still available today and through the weekend.

Free Food — Still Available Today

Krispy Kreme — Wear red, white, and blue to any participating location today and get a free Original Glazed doughnut, no purchase necessary. Also: use code USA online or in-app through July 5 to get an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with any dozen or 16-count Minis purchase. Four festive limited-edition doughnuts are also available — USA Doughnut, Firework Doughnut, Freedom Ring Doughnut, and Patriotic Sprinkle Doughnut — for a limited time while supplies last.

Pluckers — Dine-in guests get a free select appetizer (fried pickles, holy mac, or fried cheese) with any $10 minimum purchase today only.

The $2.50 Deals — Good Through the Weekend and Beyond

Sonic America $2.50 Menu (through July 12) — Four items at $2.50 each: Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, Medium Onion Rings, and the Red, White & Blue Slush Float (blue raspberry slush, cut strawberries, vanilla soft serve). The float alone is worth the trip.

Dairy Queen Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float (through July 5) — A small float layered with cherry slush, blue raspberry slush, and vanilla soft serve for $2.50. DQ Rewards members also earn 250 bonus points on each purchase through July 5.

Krispy Kreme $2.50 Dozen (through July 5) — Code USA in-app or online, any dozen purchase, add an Original Glazed dozen for $2.50.

The Human Bean (through July 6) — Shaken espressos, lemonades, and flavored iced teas for $2.50 each.

PJ’s Coffee Firecracker Lemonade (through July 5) — A 16-oz Firecracker Lemonade for $2.50 at participating locations.

Del Taco (through July 5) — Funnel Cake Fries for $2.50, plus the limited-time Independence Poppers beverage collection with strawberry, blue raspberry, and festive popping boba.

Original ChopShop (through July 5) — Kids’ meals for $2.50 with any adult entrée purchase after 4 p.m.

Weekend Deals Worth Planning Around

Logan’s Roadhouse (through July 5) — $25 digital gift cards for just $17.76. A genuinely great deal — essentially free money toward a future meal. Also available: a limited-time Red, White & Blue Cake and signature rolls with festive Red, White & Blue Butter while supplies last.

Kona Grill (through July 5) — $17.76 All-American Meal (Kona Cheeseburger, fries, mac & cheese, and apple pie) plus $2.50 American brews all weekend.

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay (through July 4) — The Palace Classic Burger (6-oz Certified Angus Beef) for $7.04 at all 12 locations — the $7.04 is a nod to the year of America’s founding.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse — Limited-time Stars & Stripes Pizookie (vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and patriotic sprinkles) plus the new Firework Fizz non-alcoholic beverage (blue raspberry, strawberry popping boba, whipped cream), available all summer.

Biggby Coffee (through July 5) — BOGO select Fourth of July beverages plus a limited-time Star-Spangled Cake Pop.

Laredo Taco Company (through July 5) — BOGO burritos all weekend, plus half-gallon frozen margaritas to-go for $10.

Eddie Merlot’s (through July 5) — 25% off online takeout orders with code JULY.

Applebee’s (all month) — $1 Dollaritas (tequila margaritas) for dine-in guests 21+, all month long.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (through July 5) — $5 off $25+ with code FIREWORKS, or $15 off $75+ with code JULY1776, online or in-app.

The Sweet Treats Worth Knowing About

Whole Foods (through July 7) — 50% off all ice cream and frozen desserts. Amazon Prime members also get 50% off at Whole Foods on frozen treats through July 7. Van Leeuwen, Jeni’s, So Delicious, and more.

Jason’s Deli (through July 5) — Deli Dollars Rewards members get a free slice of the limited-time Red, White & Blueberry Cake with any purchase.

Jack’s Family Restaurants — Red, White & Blueberry Sundae for $3.49 while supplies last, plus a new Blueberry Biscuit for $1.29 through August 11.

Nothing Bundt Cakes — Red Velvet Bundt Cakes, returning S’mores Made with HERSHEY’S, and limited-edition Fireworks & Freedom Bundtini Toppers throughout July.

Rita’s Italian Ice (through July 5) — App users who purchase the 5-Layer Gelati earn double loyalty punches.

The Bottom Line

America turns 250 today — and there are deals worth taking advantage of even if you’re reading this after the fireworks. The Krispy Kreme code USA and Sonic’s $2.50 menu both run through this week, Whole Foods has half-price frozen treats through July 7, and Logan’s Roadhouse gift cards at $17.76 for a $25 value are available through tomorrow. Happy Independence Day.

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Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

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