Every year, fry lovers across the United States eagerly await the second Friday in July, when National French Fry Day rolls around to honor one of the country’s most beloved snacks. This year, on Friday, July 11, 2025, the celebration is bigger than ever, with an impressive array of deals and freebies offered by fast-food giants and local eateries alike. Whether you crave crinkle-cut, curly, seasoned, or classic shoestring fries, this day promises a golden opportunity to indulge without breaking the bank.
Interestingly, despite their name, French fries actually originated in Belgium, not France. But no matter their origin, these deep-fried potatoes have become a staple of American cuisine, ranking alongside hamburgers as one of the most popular dishes. According to a YouGov poll cited by USA TODAY, both fries and burgers enjoy an 86% popularity rating among American adults, surpassing other favorites like grilled cheese and fried chicken. On average, Americans consume around 17 pounds of fries annually, underscoring just how much this crispy treat is loved nationwide.
For 2025, many national chains are rolling out special promotions to mark the occasion. McDonald’s, for example, continues its ongoing Friday deal: customers can get a free medium order of fries with any purchase of $1 or more through their McValue app every Friday until December 26, 2025. To sweeten the deal, McDonald's is offering an additional free medium fries with a $1 minimum purchase in the app through Sunday, July 13, 2025. This makes it a perfect weekend treat for fry fans.
Wendy’s is also joining the festivities with a digital offer available exclusively in their app. Customers can enjoy a free any-size order of their Hot & Crispy Fries with any purchase on July 11, 2025. Even better, Wendy’s is extending this offer to every Friday for the remainder of the year, giving fans 25 more chances to snag free fries. The deal excludes some specialty fries like Topped Fries, Fuego Fries, and Seasoned Potatoes, but still offers plenty of crispy goodness.
Burger King’s Royal Perks rewards members can score a free order of fries of any size with a purchase of $1 or more, valid once per week for a limited time. Additionally, DoorDash DashPass members can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Burger King’s Chicken Fries on July 11, adding even more variety to the fry-focused festivities.
Other chains are also eager to get in on the action. Carl’s Jr. rewards members can redeem a free large order of fries or waffle fries with any purchase on July 11, 2025. Checkers & Rally’s is offering a unique deal: customers who bring in a receipt from any competitor showing a recent fry purchase can get a free large order of their Famous Seasoned Fries, no additional purchase necessary. This clever promotion encourages fry lovers to sample Checkers & Rally’s seasoned specialty in celebration of the day.
Fatburger is extending their celebration from July 9 through July 13, 2025, with a free order of Fat or Skinny Fries when customers purchase any burger or sandwich online using the code FRYDAY25. Smashburger is offering a similar deal on July 11, where customers can get a free order of fries with any purchase of $1 or more by using the code FRYDAY25 in-store, online, or via their app.
Jack in the Box is giving away free fries with any order on July 11, while Arby’s rewards members who buy an à la carte Cheesesteak online can receive a free order of fries (any size) on their next visit, redeemable through August 10, 2025. Wahlburgers is celebrating all week from July 8 to 11, offering a free order of fries with any purchase of $10 or more, redeemable in-store by mentioning “Fry Day” or online with the code FRYDAY25.
Local and regional eateries are also joining the fun. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is tempting customers with their Truffle Parmesan Fries starter for just $7.11 on July 11, featuring hand-cut fries tossed in truffle salt, parmesan cheese, herbs, and green onion, served with truffle aioli. City Barbeque is offering free fresh hand-cut fries or three cheese baked mac & cheese for City Rewards members, while Del Taco’s Del Yeah! Rewards members can get a free regular fry with any purchase.
Dog Haus rewards members who spend $10 or more on July 11 will receive a free side of fries, and Farmer Boys is offering $1 Always Crispy Fries with any $5 purchase exclusively through their Very Important Farmer app. Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard customers can enjoy a free small crinkle-cut fry on July 11 while dining in, and Houston TX Hot Chicken is offering free fries with the purchase of any meal through their loyalty app.
Krystal customers get a free small fry when spending $10 or more online using the code FRYMEUP on July 11, while Penn Station East Coast Subs customers who purchase a small sub or larger can enjoy a free small fresh-cut fry from July 11 through July 13. Miami Grill is offering regular fries for just 99 cents with any purchase on July 11, and Sonic customers can get a free medium order of tots or fries with any purchase.
Sheetz app users can redeem one free bag of fries while ordering in the app between July 11 and July 13, and Taco Cabana is running a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Loaded Fries on July 11. Wayback Burgers rewards members can grab regular fries for just $1 on July 11, no purchase necessary.
Adding a fun twist to the celebration, Tombstone is launching their new French Fry Style Crust Pizza, available in two varieties: Loaded Bacon Cheddar and Chili Cheese. To promote the release, customers can enter a sweepstakes to win free pizzas between July 11 and July 25 by visiting their website.
Even Red Robin joins the party by offering bottomless fries every day, not just on National French Fry Day. This means fry lovers can enjoy unlimited refills whenever they crave them.
National French Fry Day’s rise in popularity is partly thanks to efforts like the 2022 online petition by Checkers and Rally’s, which successfully moved the official date from July 13 to the second Friday of July. This change has helped align the celebration with summer weekends, making it easier for fans to participate in the festivities.
So, why do we celebrate fries with such enthusiasm? Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, fries hold a special place in American food culture. They’re the perfect companion to burgers, sandwiches, and more, providing that irresistible crunch and salty satisfaction. On National French Fry Day, it’s all about indulging in that comfort food joy, whether you prefer them plain, seasoned, or loaded with toppings.
With all these deals and offers, it’s clear that 2025’s National French Fry Day is shaping up to be a feast for the senses. From freebies to steep discounts and limited-time specialty items, there’s something for every fry fan to enjoy. So mark your calendar, fire up your favorite apps, and get ready to celebrate the humble yet mighty French fry in style this Friday and beyond.
