Grads can score freebies, deals at Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, more

The calendar has flipped from April to May, which means graduation season is approaching for many high schools and colleges across the country.

While graduation dates vary significantly by school district or institution, most occur sometime between early May and mid-June. For example, Harvard University's commencement exercises will be held on Thursday, May 28. Stanford University, on the other hand, is scheduled to hold its commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 14 this year.

Many restaurant chains are offering freebies, deals, and discounts to graduates during this celebratory time. Here's a roundup of some of the best deals.

Chipotle

From May 14-18, the first 10,000 customers to purchase $40 or more in graduation-themed gift cards at Chipotle.com/gift-cards will receive a BOGO entrée code. The offer is not available for in-restaurant purchases or through third-party sales channels, Chipotle told USA TODAY, and the BOGO will expire on June 30, 2026.

TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is offering any graduating student a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée at participating locations nationwide from May 12 through June 15. Students must present a valid student ID to be eligible and cannot combine the offer with other promotions or coupons.

Buffalo Wild Wings

From now through June 21, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering any customer who purchases $50 worth of gift cards a $10 bonus gift card, with redemptions available June 22 through July 31.

Noodles & Company

Why not cater your graduation celebration? Noodles & Company has a special from May 6 to June 9, getting you 15% off any catering order of $150 or more using the code GRAD2026.

Pizza Hut

From May 4 through June 22, Pizza Hut customers can score 10% off when they spend $45 or more on a single gift card transaction. The offer is only valid for online purchases at PizzaHutCard.Wolfe.com.

P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang's is offering deals for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and "graduation milestones", according to a news release. From April 29 to June 23, two people can get a $89.99 five course meal, plus there is a gift card promotion where you buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus to use at a later date.

Red Robin

Graduations usually bring huge gatherings with family and friends. That's why Red Robin is offering a fun catering deal, which gives you 20 percent off all catering orders when using the code 26GRADS. The deal started April 15 and will end on July 12.

Dunkin'

While Dunkin' does not have any deals tied specifically to graduation, Dunkin' Rewards members can earn exclusive, limited-time offers via the Dunkin' app throughout May, including:

• April 29-May 3: Earn 3x points on Refreshers
• May 2: Earn 3x points on any matcha purchase to celebrate National Matcha Day
• May 4-8: $2 off any frozen beverage purchase after 1 p.m.
• May 6: Earn 3x points on beverages with a mobile order for Boosted Members
• May 9-10: Earn 3x points when ordering 6- or 12-count bulk donuts or 25- or 50-count Munchkins in honor of Mother's Day
• May 25-31: Receive 50 bonus points each day with an afternoon purchase (after 1 p.m.)
• Mobile Mondays (May 5 - June 1): Earn extra points when you order ahead through the app on Monday.

More deals for graduates

• The Greene Turtle: Graduates may like gift cards and for every $50 spent on Greene gift cards during the month of May, you get $10 back.
• Starbird: During the month of May, the quick-service chicken chain is giving $30 off any catering order of $200 or more.
• Tender Greens: When you spend $50 on e-gift cards starting May 7, you get an additional $10 in e-gift cards.
• Tocaya: Starting May 7, the Mexican restaurant has a special e-gift card promotion – when you spend $50 you get an additional $10 in e-gift cards.

These are just a few deals, but it's worth checking local restaurants and national chains in your area to see what other food deals grads can snag. Congrats to the class of 2026!

This story has been updated with new information.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & [email protected].