It’s time to celebrate those who make the greatest impact on our children.
National Teacher Appreciation Week runs through Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8 and several fast-food chains are saying ‘thank you’ by offering freebies and deals.
From a chance to win thousands of free meals to breakfast at no charge, here are some of the deals you can find on National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Chipotle free meal deal
Teachers and educators have a chance to win one of 100,000 free meals as part of Chipotle Mexican Grill’s Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway. Through May 12, teachers can go to Chipotle’s Teacher Thanks website and enter their name and email for the chance to win an e-gift card.
Starting May 13, randomly selected winners will be notified and asked to confirm their employment as an educator via ID.me within 48 hours. Those who don’t verify their employment will be removed from the list of winners, and another name will be drawn.
Whataburger offering free breakfast
Whataburger is offering free breakfast nationwide to teachers and school staff on Thursday, May 7, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time. Check with your local Whataburger for exact timing, as promotion hours may vary by location.
The offer is good for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders, limited to one per person. The eligible recipient must be present to redeem.
Chick-fil-A giving out free food
While items vary by location, many Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering free Chick-n-Minis or Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches to educators on Tuesday, May 5 when you present your school ID.
Check with your specific location to verify if they are participating.
Buffalo Wild Wings offering discount to teachers
Teachers and school staff get 20% off their dine-in order May 4-10 with a valid school ID.
Einstein Bros. Bagels offering free treat
Teachers can get a free Bagel & Shmear of their choice with the purchase of any item on Wednesday, May 6, when they show a valid work ID. Offer is good for in-bakery orders only at participating locations.
Jason’s Deli offering breakfast bundles
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with warm breakfast sandwich bundles (priced at $40 and serving 12) and catering packages starting at $6.59 per person
McAlister’s Deli giving out free tea
Teachers get one free Sweet or Unsweet Tea May 4-8, no purchase necessary.
Noodles & Company offering catering deal
Through Tuesday, May 5, teachers get a limited-time catering deal for 10% off orders of $150 or more. To get the deal, use code APPRECIATION2026.
Nothing Bundt Cakes offering bonus points
During the week, members of the Bundtastic Rewards loyalty program can earn 100, 200 or 300 bonus points when purchasing a Single, Double or Triple Bundtlet Tower – maybe as a teacher appreciation gift. Limited to one transaction during the offer period. Must be logged in to your valid Bundtastic Rewards account before making your purchase. Bonus points will be loaded on or about May 29, 2026.
USA Today contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Teacher Appreciation Week 2026: Freebies at Chick-fil-A, Chipotle
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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