More than a dozen chains are handing out free and cheap chicken sandwiches, but nearly every offer has fine print attached
Thanksgiving gets the headlines this month, but fast-food chains have carved out room on the calendar for one more occasion. National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day falls on Nov. 9, less than a week after National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3, and more than a dozen restaurants are marking it with free sandwiches, buy-one-get-one offers and cut-rate prices.
The timing matters. A quick meal out costs noticeably more than it did a few years ago, and many households are already stretching budgets ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas. For anyone who knows how to work a rewards app, the day offers a rare chance to eat well for little or nothing.
There is a catch, though. Nearly every promotion requires a loyalty account, a digital order, a minimum spend or some combination of the three. Walking up to the counter and asking for a free sandwich will not get you far at most locations.
Free Sandwiches, With a Minimum Spend
The most generous offers hand over a full sandwich at no cost, as long as the order clears a set threshold.
KFC is giving a free Extra Crispy Chicken Sandwich to customers who place an order of $10 or more on its website or mobile app. Popeyes, the chain that set off the 2019 chicken sandwich wars, offers rewards members a free full-size sandwich on online or app orders of $10 or more.
Buffalo Wild Wings has a similar setup. Members of its B-Dubs Rewards program can add a free classic or spicy chicken sandwich to any food or drink purchase of $10. Wingstop rewards members can claim a free chicken sandwich prepared in any of the chain’s 12 signature dry rubs or sauces with a qualifying menu purchase, an offer that runs through Nov. 9.
Krystal sets a lower bar. An order of $5 or more automatically unlocks a free Original or Spicy Chik sandwich.
Shake Shack gives latecomers the most breathing room. Digital orders of $10 or more qualify for a free chicken sandwich when customers enter the code SCARYGOOD at checkout, and the promotion stays active through Nov. 10.
Buy One, Get One Across the Map
For anyone eating with a partner, a co-worker or a hungry teenager, the BOGO offers may deliver the better value.
Burger King’s Royal Perks members can choose between a buy-one-get-one deal on the elongated Original Chicken Sandwich or a free Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich with a qualifying digital purchase of $3 to $5. Hardee’s My Rewards members can buy one Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich and get a second for $1, available in Original, Nashville Hot or the bacon-loaded BLT version.
Jollibee, the Filipino chain that has built a devoted following in American cities, is giving its rewards members an instant BOGO deal on all of its signature chicken sandwiches. Super Chix loyalty members can claim a BOGO reward digitally or by scanning in-store at participating locations.
Urban Bird Hot Chicken is running BOGO sandwiches all day on Nov. 9 for both dine-in guests and digital carryout orders. Wonder is offering a BOGO special on its Streetbird fried chicken sandwiches across its active regional hubs, available through the Wonder app.
The $2 Sandwich Deals
Two major chains skipped the freebies and went with a straightforward price cut. McDonald’s is offering a classic or spicy McCrispy for $2 through its app. Whataburger rewards members who order through the app on Nov. 9 can get a Signature Whatachick’n or Spicy Chicken Sandwich for $2.
Tender Greens took a different route altogether, adding a free housemade drink to orders of a fried chicken sandwich, plate or bowl with Katsu.
How to Make the Most of It
Because nearly every offer is tied to an app or a rewards program, the smartest move is to download the app and sign up before heading out the door. Setting up an account ahead of time can save a frustrating few minutes at the register or in the drive-thru line.
It also pays to read the fine print. Minimum spends range from $3 to $10, some deals apply only at participating locations, and several end with Nov. 9. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, a few smart taps could leave a little more cash for the holiday table.
Source: Mashable
