National Nurses Week is coming up and restaurant chains across the country are offering freebies and discounts to show their appreciation.
After many chains rolled out deals for Cinco de Mayo and Teacher Appreciation Week, a handful more companies are handing out promotions for National Nurses Week 2025, will be celebrated May 6-12, according to the American Nurses Enterprise.
“Whether you’re a nurse, a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates the critical role nurses play in our lives and society, National Nurses Week is the perfect time to share your gratitude and celebrate nurses,” the group wrote on its website.
The American Nurses Enterprise, which encompasses the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation aims to “champion nurses, advance standards of excellence and inspire transformative change,” the group wrote on its website.
Here’s where nurses can get freebies and discounts during National Nurses Week this year.
Why does National Nurses Week begin on a Tuesday this year?
According to the American Nurses Enterprise website, National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
“These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event,” the enterprise says on its website.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”
Chipotle giving away more than $2 million in free burritos for educators and healthcare professionals
Chipotle announced on April 30 it is awarding 200,000 teachers and healthcare professionals with free burrito e-cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free food.
Teachers and healthcare professionals can enter for a chance to win a free entrée e-card from April 30 through May 12 on their respective microsites:
At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.Me.
Teachers and healthcare professionals who successfully verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free entrée e-card. Winners will be notified starting the week of May 13.
“Teachers and healthcare professionals are such important members of the communities we serve,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle, in a news release. “To express our gratitude, we’re scaling up our recognition efforts and launching our largest free burrito giveback program in history.”
MOD Pizza offers BOGO for teachers and nurses
In honor of National Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week, MOD Pizza is inviting teachers and nurses to visit any participating location and enjoy a Buy One, Get One Free pizza offer from May 5-8.
To redeem the offer, participants must present a valid teacher or nurse ID at checkout, with a limit of one free pizza per ID. With the purchase of any pizza, they’ll receive a second pizza free. The offer is only valid in-stores, the company told USA TODAY.
Tim Horton’s offers doughnut deals for teachers and nurses
Tim Horton’s is offering nurses a buy one doughnut, get one free deal from May 6-12, the company said. Additionally, nurses can also buy a dozen donuts and get six donuts free in that stretch.
The same offer is also available for teachers, the company told USA TODAY.
Scooter’s Coffee offers healthcare workers free medium drink on May 6
Scooter’s Coffee is offering nurses and healthcare workers a free medium drink on Tuesday, May 6, the first day of National Nurses Week. The offer is valid at participating locations with valid healthcare ID and is not eligible for mobile ordering.
Additionally, a limited number of Healthcare Heroes stickers will be available at each location while supplies last.
Sonny’s BBQ offers free for nurses meal May 5-7
Sonny’s BBQ is offering nurses a free Pork Big Deal at any Sonny’s BBQ location with a verified coupon from May 5-7. The Pork Big Deal includes a pulled or sliced pork sandwich, a sidekick and a drink.
Nurses can register at SonnysBBQ.com/Nurses-Week-2025 to receive the coupon via email, according to the company.
McAlister’s Deli offers free tea for nurses, teachers
From May 5-12, teachers and nurses can get a free Big tea at participating McAlister’s Deli locations by showing their badge or ID, the company told USA TODAY. The offer is only valid in-store and no purchase is necessary.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza offers discount on all pizzas for teachers and nurses
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is offering teachers and nurses 15% off all pizza with code “APPRECIATE25” from May 6-9, the company told USA TODAY.
Logan’s Roadhouse offering discounted entrées for nurses May 5-12
From May 5-12, nurses can get 20% off an entrée with a valid ID at Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
