Restaurants Kick Off National Cheeseburger Day Celebrations with Deals and Freebies

Lead Major chains across the United States rolled out promotions today, September 17, to mark National Cheeseburger Day, offering discounted and free cheeseburgers through this weekend at outlets from McDonald’s to Burger King and Dairy Queen.

Nut Graf The annual food holiday honors America’s favorite sandwich-a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese-by prompting participating restaurants to lure customers with app-exclusive offers, loyalty perks and BOGO deals. This early start gives diners multiple days to stack up savings and celebrate cheese-topped burgers.

McDonald’s App Exclusive

  • 50-cent Double Cheeseburger with the McDonald’s app, limited to one per customer on Sept. 18.

Burger King Royal Rewards Week

  • Starting today, Royal Rewards members can claim a free menu item with any $1 purchase: a free Croissan’wich on Sept. 17 and a free Bacon Cheeseburger on Sept. 18, followed by bonus offers through Sept. 21.

Dairy Queen Stackburger Offer

  • DQ Rewards members earn a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ app or online purchase from Sept. 15-19.

Buffalo Wild Wings BOGO

  • Blazin’ Rewards members get a second burger of equal or lesser value free on Sept. 18 for dine-in, takeout or delivery.

Regional and Upscale Deals

  • Native Grill & Wings: Bacon Cheeseburger for $10 with code Cheese2025 on Sept. 18.
  • The Capital Grille: Wagyu cheeseburgers paired with curated wines, available now through Nov. 16.

History and Significance The cheeseburger, credited to Lionel Sternberger in 1924 and named by Charles Kaelin in 1934, has become a culinary icon in American cuisine. National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18 celebrates this staple, with Americans consuming an estimated 50 billion burgers annually.

Weekend Extension Many promotions extend beyond the holiday, allowing burger enthusiasts to savor discounted cheeseburgers through Sunday and into next week. Diners are advised to check participating locations and app requirements before visiting.