Restaurants across the United States are rolling out one of the biggest waves of appreciation deals of the year, offering teachers free meals, coffee, cookies and discounts during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, which runs from May 4 through May 8.
The timing comes as the school year approaches its final stretch. For many educators, it’s a demanding period filled with exams, grading and planning — and for some, financial pressure remains part of the reality, with a significant share of teachers reporting difficulty covering living expenses. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Free McDonald’s coffee and cookies for Hawaiʻi educators
In Hawaiʻi, McDonald’s locations are offering a daily free treat to educators throughout the week. Teachers and school staff can receive one medium hot or iced coffee along with two chocolate chip cookies, with no purchase required.
The offer is open to a broad group including teachers, professors, teaching assistants, adjunct faculty and school coaches. A valid school ID is required, and the deal is limited to one redemption per person, per day.
It is available at 71 locations across Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, and can be redeemed at the drive-thru or counter during restaurant hours.
Major national restaurant deals for teachers
Across the country, several restaurant chains are offering limited-time promotions for educators, with most requiring a valid school ID and participation varying by location.
Chipotle is giving teachers a chance to win one of 100,000 free entrée e-gift cards, with entries open through May 12 and winners verified through ID.me.
Whataburger is offering a free breakfast on May 7 between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., including items like Breakfast on a Bun or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.
Buffalo Wild Wings is providing 20% off dine-in orders from May 4 to May 10, while Dog Haus is offering 20% off meals during the week.
McAlister’s Deli is giving teachers a free sweet or unsweet tea from May 4 to May 8, and First Watch is offering free coffee all week, including refills for dine-in guests.
Potbelly is providing a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée through May 12, while Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering a free bagel and shmear with purchase on May 6.
Shake Shack is giving teachers a free burger with purchase through May 12, and TGI Fridays is offering a free meal from a select menu on May 6 during lunch and dinner hours.
More deals, discounts and freebies across the week
Additional offers extend across a wide range of restaurants and services, creating one of the most extensive appreciation weeks for educators.
MOD Pizza is running a buy-one-get-one free deal on pizzas and salads through May 7, while Insomnia Cookies is offering a buy-one-get-one free cookie deal for rewards members.
Grimaldi’s is giving teachers 15% off, Via 313 is offering 15% off orders, and Mountain Mike’s Pizza is providing 15% off with a promo code during select days.
Krystal is offering 50% off breakfast combos, while Duck Donuts is giving a free medium coffee on May 8 at participating locations.
Red Robin, Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse and other chains are also running gift card bonus promotions, allowing customers to purchase discounted gift cards as appreciation gifts for teachers.
Some brands are also extending offers beyond food. The Parking Spot is offering up to 25% off reservations, while financial services and retail companies are running giveaways and discount programs tied to educator recognition.
While each deal may be small on its own, together they reflect a wider recognition effort across industries — one that turns a busy school week into a moment of appreciation, one coffee, meal or discount at a time.
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