Opinion: Celebrating National French Fry Day at McDonald’s and the Power of Promotions

National French Fry Day 2023: Celebrating a Fictitious Food Holiday

Every year on July 13, people across the United States celebrated National French Fry Day, a day dedicated to one of America’s favorite snacks. However, last year, a petition by fast-food chains Checkers & Rally’s led to a change in the date, moving it to the second Friday in July. This move was approved by the National Day Calendar, the arbiter of “fun, unusual, and unique” national days.

A Debate on the Origins of French Fries

While National French Fry Day may be a lighthearted celebration, the origins of French fries themselves are a subject of debate. According to Belgian food historian Pierre Leqluercq, France may have the first recorded mention of French fries in a Parisian book in 1775, and a French cookbook from 1795 also includes a recipe for a modern-day French fry. However, Belgium has been trying to gain UNESCO recognition for its fries, citing a 17th-century origin story from villagers who allegedly ate fried potatoes when they couldn’t fish due to a frozen river.

The claim of Belgian origin is contested by Leclercq and others, who argue that potatoes weren’t introduced to the region until 1735. They also point out that cooking fat was a luxury at the time and unlikely to be used for frying potatoes. Instead, they trace the popularity of French fries in 18th-century France, where they became commonplace. Thomas Jefferson, the American minister to France in the late 18th century, is often credited with introducing French fries to the United States.

Celebrating National French Fry Day with Deals and Giveaways

While the debate on the origins of French fries continues, fast-food chains and restaurants are eagerly participating in National French Fry Day with deals and giveaways. Some, like McDonald’s and Smashburger, are offering their deals on Thursday, July 13, while others, such as Checkers & Rally’s, Fatburger, and Wendy’s, have promotions that extend beyond Friday.

Burger King’s Royal Perks Loyalty Program

Burger King is celebrating National French Fry Day by offering members of its Royal Perks loyalty program a free order of fries of any size with any purchase made through the app or BK.com. In addition to this promotion, Royal Perks members also receive one free order of fries each week through the end of the year, with a purchase. The program also includes a chance to win cash prizes through a point-based reward system.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Free Fries Deal

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are enticing customers on National French Fry Day with a special offer. Customers who purchase French fries on Thursday through the app or website will receive a reward in the app, granting them free small fries every day for the rest of the year with a minimum $1 purchase.

Checkers & Rally’s Free Fries Deal

Checkers & Rally’s is offering all rewards app members a free extra-large order of their Famous Seasoned Fries from Friday through Sunday. Additionally, from July 24 to August 6, customers can purchase any size of fries for just $1 at participating locations and in the rewards app.

Del Taco Deals

Del Taco is celebrating National French Fry Day through its Del Yeah! Rewards loyalty program. Customers can enjoy several deals, including free medium fries with any $3 purchase. Other deals include a free beer-battered crispy fish taco with any purchase or a buy-one-get-one-free offer for stuffed quesadilla tacos.

Fatburger’s Free Fries Deal

Fatburger is offering customers one free order of Fat or Skinny Fries from Thursday through Sunday, July 16, with any in-store or online purchase. Customers should mention the promotion in-store or use the code FrenchFryDay23 when ordering online.

Heinz and UberEats’ Free Delivered Fries Deal

Heinz and UberEats are teaming up to offer a special deal on National French Fry Day. Customers who order from participating restaurants that offer French fries through UberEats will receive a $5.70 discount on their order. This offer is available at various restaurant chains, including Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, BurgerFi, Carl’s Jr., Checkers, Chili’s, Freddy’s, Hardee’s, IHOP, and MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes.

Hooters’ Free Fries Deal

Hooters is joining in the National French Fry Day celebration by offering free curly or waffle fries or tots with the purchase of any entrée on Thursday for dine-in customers.

Jack in the Box’s Free Fries Deal

Jack in the Box is offering a free large order of regular or curly fries to existing and new members of its Jack Pack loyalty program with a minimum $15 purchase on Thursday. Customers can also receive a free medium order of fries with their next order by signing up for texts on the Jack in the Box website.

McDonald’s Free Fries Giveaway

McDonald’s is giving away free fries of any size through the McDonald’s App on Thursday, with no purchase necessary at participating locations. Additionally, new members of the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program will receive a free large order of fries with a $1 minimum purchase.

Smashburger’s Free Fries Deal

Smashburger is offering customers free Smash fries, French fries, or Sweet Potato fries with any purchase in-store or through their website or app. This deal does not require a minimum purchase.

Wendy’s National French Fry Day Deals

Wendy’s is offering a free order of fries, any size, with any purchase made through the Wendy’s app. Customers can also enjoy a free small Frosty when they purchase a small order of fries through Grubhub. Additionally, new Wendy’s Rewards members will receive a free 10-piece nugget deal with any purchase and 150 rewards points.

Final Thoughts

As National French Fry Day approaches, fast-food chains and restaurants are eager to celebrate this beloved snack with deals and promotions. While the debate on the origins of French fries continues, it is clear that this culinary delight has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Whether you choose to indulge in these special offers or simply savor a serving of fries on this occasion, National French Fry Day presents an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy a food that has become a cultural icon.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, , and do not necessarily reflect the views of The New York Times or its editorial board.