I’m proud to say that today is my 26th birthday. And for the first time in my life, there’s a small part of me that’s starting to feel old.
That small part is my hair. Stupid grays keep popping up all over the place. It’s been happening for almost a year now. At least gray hair can be dyed. Plus if I want to keep the grays, it will just increase my resemblance to George Clooney. It’s kind of a win-win. However, if I start going bald then let’s just say I better be a candidate for Rogaine.
As a member of the elite “birthday club” today, I decided to see if I could get any presents from some of the local businesses. I like food, so I wanted to find restaurants that give a free birthday dinner.
I’m not talking about a free dessert or something stupid like that. I’m not gonna go pay $20 for a meal and then think I got a deal because they gave me a free brownie with some ice cream. I want really free meals. I did some looking and found a few places that give you a pretty good deal just for being alive on the anniversary of your birth. Here are the best ones.
- Firehouse Subs – There was only one place I could find where they give you something just because it’s your birthday. Not because you signed up for their email list or liked their facebook page. They just want to give you a birthday present. I’m going here for lunch today, and I’ll definitely go again soon to actually purchase something. I want to give them business as a way to say thanks for my present. Heck, most of my friends who actually know me don’t even get me a present!
- IHOP – A free meal for signing up for their email list and another free meal on your birthday. I’m not a big fan of IHOP so I didn’t personally sign up for this one, but it’s a great deal for people who like pancakes or restaurants that look like they used to be churches.
- Benihana – $30 gift certificate to be used by the birthday boy or girl in their birthday month. I signed up for it on Monday and got the email on Tuesday. I have until June 2nd to use the coupon, so it’s nice that they give you some time. This deal is only good Mon-Thurs, but who cares? I could seriously eat their fried rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And dessert.
- Houlihan’s – Free entree on your b-day when you sign up for their email club. I signed up on Monday and got this coupon on Tuesday as well. These restaurants are quick. I don’t actually think I’ve ever eaten here, so it better be good.
- Jersey Mikes – Free sub and drink, but you have to sign up a week before your birthday. Thanks to their one-week policy, I’ll be going to Firehouse instead of Jersey’s Mikes today. Are you listening JM? I probably would’ve even bought a bag a chips from you. Take a hint from Benihana and Houlihan’s and get on board the “two days before your birthday” train!
Those are the only free meals I could find from restaurants in my area. A lot of ice cream places give a free cone or something on your birthday, but again, if I’m not getting a full meal out of this deal, then it’s not worth it to me. I’m sure there are more options, but I got tired of looking. If you know of other great birthday deals, post them in the comments below!
Kevin McKee is an entrepreneur, IT guru, and personal finance leader. In addition to his writing, Kevin is the head of IT at Buildingstars, Co-Founder of Padmission, and organizer of Laravel STL. He is also the creator of www.contributetoopensource.com. When he’s not working, Kevin enjoys podcasting about movies and spending time with his wife and four children.
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a fantastic day!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!!! I started feeling old when I turned 25. I remember saying “You can see 30 from here!” but I’ll be 34 in a couple of weeks. Being 30 aint so bad.
Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone both have birthday clubs.
Denny’s gives you a free grand slam on your birthday.
Famous Dave’s BBQ will send you a “promotion” on your bday if you join their club.
Flat Top Grill gives you a free stir fry on your bday
Fuddruckers (my 5 year old calls it Fun Wreckers) gives you a special gift on your bday if you join the club.
Hometown buffet has a club
Theres more I’m tired of typing and I’m only on “H”. Here’s a link…
http://eatfreeonyourbirthday.com/
Thanks Ashley, good link. I like Julie’s link in the comment below a little better. You might want to check that one out too!
Heeey Happy Birthday, Kevin! Baskin Robbins also does free ice cream, but apparently it’s a 5 day wait. https://www.baskinrobbins.com/bdayclub/RegisterInfo1.aspx
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday 26th Birthday, Kevin! You’ve got a great list started and I think over time, we’ll see more and more restaurants offering free birthday meals instead of the free desserts.
Firehouse Subs, Denny’s and Country Kitchen all offer a free meal without having to sign up for anything. Fuddruckers offers a free burger to email members and Black Angus offers a free steak dinner to Prime Club members on their birthday. Don’t know if these are close by, but thought I’d share.
Retailers are finally jumping on the birthday promotion band wagon as well if you’re interested. I like the free car wash on my birthday. 🙂
I’ve created a searchable directory to help people locate businesses offering free stuff for birthdays…http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com.
Great website Julie. You have a lot of information there that’s very easy to search for and see. Thanks for pulling that together.
Thanks Kevin! I’m thrilled that you like my website and hope others will find it helpful as well. Every penny saved makes a difference right? Very glad I happened to find your site. I love the idea of helping others become Thousandaires and if you don’t mind, I’d like to feature Thousandiare on my FBT blog. 🙂
You’ll never get an argument from me if you want to feature my site! I’m glad you like it and would be honored to be featured at FBT!
I did the Benihana deal for my daughter’s bday and it’s so worth it!
Great list!
I am not saying this is right or wrong….but a co-worker of mine signs up for the free birthday meals with a different birthday for each one. She does that so she gets a free meal each month of the year (from different places). She has been doing this for several years now! She said she knew too many friends who would never use up all their free birthday meals since they all hit the same week (roughly). I personally thought it was pretty smart.
Hi, found you via Google Search. Firehouse just changed their offer to a free drink with purchase of a sub…not the same thing. No Firehouse for me!
in St Pete Florida (for your readers near St Pete) a free steak dinner at Texas Cattle Co. on your birthday with delicious baked bread, salad and baked potato. This is by far the best steak house in St Petersburg., and this is about a 40 dollar deal…please remember to always tip for good service, no matter if it is your birthday or not.
Great thought! I did (look|percieve) at it the same way you did.