National First Responders Day Deals 2026: Free Meals & Discounts on Oct. 28

Free food and thank-you discounts for police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and dispatchers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026

National First Responders Day lands on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and restaurants are lining up to say thank you with free sandwiches, free burgers and half-price entrées. Below you’ll find every deal we’ve confirmed straight from the brands, plus the everyday first responder discounts that work on the 28th too, and a few chains we’re watching that haven’t announced yet.

Bring your work ID or show up in uniform. Most of these are in-person only and limited to participating locations, so a quick call to your local restaurant before you head out is never a bad idea.

Table of Contents

• Confirmed National First Responders Day Restaurant Deals
• Regional & Local Deals
• Everyday First Responder Discounts (Valid on Oct. 28)
• Retail & Entertainment Discounts
• Expected Deals to Watch For
• Tips for Claiming Your Freebies
• FAQ

Confirmed National First Responders Day Restaurant Deals

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Free 32-oz. Big Pink Cup with Any Purchase

From open to close on October 28, active first responders in uniform get a free 32-ounce collectible Big Pink Cup with any purchase at participating Dickey’s locations nationwide. This year’s cup is a special 85th anniversary edition.

The Big Pink Cup is also available to everyone all October for $3.99, and a portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer screenings and early detection services for first responders. Dickey’s charitable arm, The Dickey Foundation, has donated more than $1 million to first responder safety and wellness.

• When: October 28, open to close
• Who: Active first responders in uniform
• Fine print: Any purchase required; participating locations

Find a Dickey’s Near You

Ford’s Garage: Free American Standard Burger or Up to $16 Off an Entrée

Eligible first responders can choose a free American Standard Burger entrée or up to $16 off any other entrée on October 28 at participating Ford’s Garage locations nationwide.

• Who: Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency rescue personnel, dispatchers, and emergency room doctors and nurses
• How: Show valid service ID
• Fine print: Dine-in only; one per eligible first responder

Find a Ford’s Garage

Sonny’s BBQ: FREE Pork Big Deal, No Purchase Necessary

This is the best freebie of the day. All day on Wednesday, October 28, first responders get a free Pork Big Deal: a pulled or sliced pork sandwich on garlic bread or a bun, plus your choice of a Sidekick and a drink. No purchase required!

• Who: Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics (dispatchers and emergency nurses should call their local Sonny’s)
• How: Show your first responder ID or come in uniform. Off duty is fine with ID.
• Where: All Sonny’s locations; valid for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru
• Fine print: One per first responder; not valid online or on third-party delivery; can’t be combined with Sonny’s Rewards

Rolling in with your whole shift? Each first responder on the crew can get their own as long as everyone shows ID or is in uniform.

See Sonny’s Offer Details

TGI Fridays: 50% Off Any Entrée with a $10 Purchase

On October 28, first responders can get 50% off any entrée with a $10 purchase at participating TGI Fridays restaurants nationwide. The deal runs all day.

• How: Show proof of profession when ordering
• Fine print: Dine-in only; participating locations

Find a TGI Fridays

Regional & Local Deals

These are run by local franchise groups, so they’re only valid in the areas listed.

• Applebee’s (upstate NY, CT & Sayre, PA): 15% off dine-in purchases October 26–November 1, plus a free Mozzarella Sticks appetizer or Brownie Bite dessert on October 28. Show proof of service.
• Applebee’s (Doherty-owned locations in NJ & NY): 50% off an entrée on October 28 for firefighters, police, EMS and nurses. Dine-in only; ID required (active, reserve, retired, career or volunteer). Long Island, Westchester and the five boroughs.
• McDonald’s (Wilmington, NC area): Free small breakfast combo on October 28 at participating restaurants. Come in uniform or show ID; no purchase necessary.

Everyday First Responder Discounts (Valid on Oct. 28)

These restaurants offer first responder discounts year-round, so they work on National First Responders Day too.

• Dave & Buster’s: 15% off food and non-alcoholic drinks for first responders and up to four guests.
• Outback Steakhouse: 10% off every day for first responders.
• RaceTrac: Free coffee, fountain drink or frozen drink every day for verified first responder Rewards members.

Retail & Entertainment Discounts

Most online discounts require a quick verification through ID.me, SheerID or VerifyPass. Terms can change, so double-check at checkout.

• Academy Sports + Outdoors: 10% off online and in-store.
• Crayola Experience: Free annual pass for firefighters, law enforcement and EMTs at the Easton, PA and Orlando, FL locations, plus 20% off family and friend tickets.
• Dockers: 20% off.
• Evenflo: 15% off car seats, strollers and baby gear.
• Eyemart Express: 20% off eligible eyewear in store with work ID.
• J.Crew Factory: 15% off.
• LEGOLAND New York: Free one-day ticket for first responders, plus up to 50% off tickets for up to six guests. Valid through November 30, 2026.
• Levi’s: 10% off.
• NFL Shop: 15% off.
• Tractor Supply: 10% off on National First Responders Day for Neighbor’s Club members verified as Hometown Heroes through ID.me.
• Tuft & Needle: 15% off mattresses.
• Under Armour: 20% off.

Expected Deals to Watch For

These chains have honored first responders on or around October 28 in past years but haven’t confirmed a 2026 offer yet. We’ll move them up as soon as they’re official.

• Firehouse Subs: Has offered a BOGO medium sub for first responders in past years. Check with your local restaurant.
• Hooters: Participating locations have offered 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of 10 wings.
• Krispy Kreme: Has given first responders a free Original Glazed doughnut and brewed coffee on October 28 in past years.
• Ruby Tuesday: Has offered a free Garden Bar entrée or add-on for dine-in.
• Smashburger: Reported to offer first responders 25% off with ID or uniform; confirm at your location.

Spot a deal we missed? Head to our Contact Us page and choose Submit a Deal so we can add it.

Tips for Claiming Your Freebies

• Bring your ID even if you’re in uniform. Some deals (like Dickey’s) require the uniform, while others accept either. Having both covers you everywhere.
• Plan for dine-in. Ford’s Garage, TGI Fridays and most regional deals are dine-in only. Sonny’s is the exception with drive-thru and takeout.
• Skip the app. These offers generally can’t be redeemed through online ordering or delivery apps.
• Call ahead. “Participating locations” means franchise owners can opt out.
• Stack your day. Grab a free Sonny’s lunch, then a free Dickey’s cup with a snack later on.

Want to know more about why October 28 matters? Here’s the history of National First Responders Day from EMS1, including how Congress came to designate the day in 2017.

National First Responders Day FAQ

When is National First Responders Day 2026?

National First Responders Day is Wednesday, October 28, 2026. It falls on October 28 every year.

Who counts as a first responder for these deals?

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics qualify almost everywhere. Some restaurants also include dispatchers, ER doctors and nurses (Ford’s Garage does), so check each deal’s eligibility or ask your local restaurant.

Where can first responders eat free on October 28?

Sonny’s BBQ is giving away a free Pork Big Deal with no purchase necessary, and Ford’s Garage is offering a free American Standard Burger (dine-in). Regional freebies include McDonald’s in the Wilmington, NC area and free appetizers or desserts at participating Applebee’s in the Northeast.

Do I need to be in uniform?

It depends on the restaurant. Dickey’s requires a uniform for the free Big Pink Cup. Sonny’s accepts a uniform or ID, and Ford’s Garage and TGI Fridays ask for valid ID or proof of profession.

Can I use these deals for online or delivery orders?

Generally no. Nearly all National First Responders Day offers are in-person only, and Sonny’s specifically excludes online ordering and third-party delivery.

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