Restaurants and retailers nationwide celebrate educators with freebies and discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week
Category: Education
As the first full week of May approaches, educators across the nation prepare for a well-deserved celebration. Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 4 to May 8, 2026, with National Teacher Day falling on May 5. This annual event recognizes the hard work and dedication of teachers and school staff, and many restaurants and retailers are stepping up to show their gratitude with a variety of food deals, discounts, and special offers.
So, what can teachers expect during this week of appreciation? From free meals to substantial discounts, the offerings are plentiful, making it a great time for educators to treat themselves or enjoy a meal out. Here’s a roundup of some of the best deals available this year.
Many popular fast food chains and restaurants are participating in Teacher Appreciation Week by offering enticing discounts and free items. For example, Potbelly will give teachers and nurses a complimentary cookie or a regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée from May 4 through May 12, provided they show a valid school or healthcare ID at checkout.
At Krystal, educators can enjoy 50% off breakfast combos from May 4 to May 8. Meanwhile, TGI Fridays will offer a complimentary meal to teachers and nurses on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with options including a cheeseburger with fries or a half rack of ribs.
Starbird is also joining in the festivities by offering one free entrée, valued up to $15, on May 5 for educators who present a valid ID. HTeaO will provide half-off cups of tea for teachers and nurses during the entire week as a simple thank-you gesture.
Chipotle is making a big splash this year by giving away up to $2 million in free burrito e-gift cards to K-12 teachers. Eligible educators can enter online at teacherthanks.chipotle.com until May 12, with winners verified through ID.me. This initiative aims to recognize up to 200,000 teachers nationwide.
In addition, Chick-fil-A will be offering various freebie options, which may include a chicken sandwich or waffle fries, at participating locations throughout the week. Starbucks and McDonald's are also expected to provide discounts or freebies, though specific offers will vary by location.
For those looking for a sit-down meal, Brennan’s of Houston is offering a luxurious three-course prix fixe lunch for $38, featuring dishes like crab and corn bisque and strawberry shortcake. This special will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Teacher Appreciation Week.
It's not just food that educators can enjoy; several retailers are also offering discounts to show their appreciation. Target is providing verified teachers with a typical 10% discount on qualifying purchases through the Target Circle app during Teacher Appreciation Week. Staples is offering 10% back through its Classroom Rewards program, and Michaels is providing a 15% discount with verification.
Office Depot/OfficeMax and Scholastic are continuing to offer educator discounts throughout the year, making it easier for teachers to stock up on classroom supplies. These deals extend beyond Teacher Appreciation Week, ensuring that educators can save on necessary materials all year long.
Buffalo Wild Wings is another chain stepping up to support educators, offering a 20% discount for teachers and school staff from May 4 through May 10 with valid ID. This promotion can be enjoyed with dine-in, walk-in, or call-in orders.
Local businesses are also getting in on the action. For example, Crawfish Cafe and Pho Prime are providing a 20% discount for teachers from May 4 through May 8. Meanwhile, Pizaro’s Pizza is offering 50% off one pizza for teachers with a valid school ID.
Kolache Shoppe is treating educators with a complimentary small kolache each day from May 4 to May 8, and Insomnia Cookies may offer free or buy-one-get-one cookie deals during the week. Shake Shack is providing teachers with a free ShackBurger or VeggieShack with the purchase of another menu item through May 12.
As the week progresses, more deals may be announced, so it's worth keeping an eye out for additional offers. Many of these promotions require a valid school ID, so educators should have their identification handy when visiting participating locations.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to honor the hard work and dedication of educators, and the numerous deals and discounts offered this year serve as a reminder of the impact teachers have on the community. With a variety of options available, there's no shortage of ways for teachers to indulge and feel appreciated during this special week.
Whether grabbing a free coffee at Peet's or enjoying a discounted meal at TGI Fridays, educators can take advantage of these offers to celebrate their contributions to shaping the future. As the week begins, it's clear that the appreciation for teachers is not just a one-day affair but rather a week-long celebration of their invaluable work.