30 Chain Restaurants That Offer Birthday Rewards

Celebrating your birthday each year offers an opportunity to embrace the "Treat yo' self" philosophy, immortalized by Tom and Donna from "Parks and Recreation." In the spirit of this delightful mantra, indulging in a tasty spree filled with delectable treats, appetizers, drinks, and even main courses becomes almost a rite of passage.

Most of these scrumptious birthday rewards hinge on being a member of a restaurant's loyalty program. But if you're already a regular patron — or even just an occasional visitor — joining these programs can only multiply the benefits, offering freebies and rewards that extend far beyond just your birthday. So why limit yourself to cake and candles when you could embark on a culinary odyssey that turns your birthday into a delectable extravaganza? Plus, since many spots offer a gift that is good for an entire month, you can spread out that birthday goodness to celebrate all month long.

Starbucks

One of the top spots to toast to another year around the sun is none other than Starbucks. During your birthday month, all you need is an account with Starbucks with your birthdate entered and you're granted credit for a complimentary drink or food item. Given that some Starbucks selections can be a tad pricey, this gesture feels particularly welcome. And the best part is that there's no cap on how you customize your drink. So choose an extravagant secret menu drink with all the flavoring, espresso shots, and velvety cold foam your heart desires.

Red Lobster

If a seaside fest is calling your name on your birthday, answer that siren call with a meal at Red Lobster, home of our favorite mouthwatering Cheddar Bay Biscuits. And, if that wasn't enough to reel you in, here's the icing on the cake: When you dive into their rewards program and complete your profile, you'll be gifted a delightful birthday dessert. After all, a decadent, chocolatey cake to perfectly cap off your celebratory meal is nothing short of delicious.

Buffalo Wild Wings

For those whose birthday vibe leans more laid-back, Buffalo Wild Wings might just hit the spot. Between the wings, scrumptious starters, and top-notch drinks, it promises a crowd-pleasing feast. For the birthday bonus, enroll in the Blazin' Rewards program, and during your birthday month, you're on the winged path to scoring six delectable wings on the house. We're counting down the days till we can enjoy our own wings doused in sauce.

Auntie Anne's

Mall outings might just be incomplete without indulging in Auntie Anne's pretzels. While the cinnamon sugar twist often steals the show, who can resist the allure of a classic salty pretzel dunked in cheese sauce? If your birthday shopping spree brings you to the mall, don't forget to sign up for their rewards program to snag a complimentary pretzel. But a heads-up for the pretzel aficionados: The twisted treat is only for your inaugural birthday on the app.

IHOP

Celebrate your special day with a stack of goodness at the International House of Pancakes. Before you set your heart on those fluffy discs of joy, remember, there's a tad bit of pre-planning involved. Ensure you've registered an account at least a week prior to your birthday and keyed in your birthdate details. Come the day of, IHOP will serve up a sweet gift: five birthday Pancoins you can use to cash in for a delectable stack of five pancakes.

Olive Garden

If pasta twirls, soup, salad, breadsticks, and rich sauces sound like the ideal birthday meal, head to Olive Garden. Whether for lunch or dinner, mentioning that you're celebrating your birthday will help you cash in on a complimentary dessert. While Olive Garden does offer a rewards program, there's no need to be an eClub member to enjoy this treat, at least for now, but you may wish to sign up for it if you are an Olive Garden regular.

Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory has introduced a rewards program that offers a slice of cheesecake upon joining, and another slice on your birthday. It's essential to plan ahead for this sweet deal; you must enroll in the rewards program at least 14 days prior to your birthday. Once that's done, your birthday slice of cheesecake will be available for redemption for the next 14 days, and we can think of no better way to top off a tasty meal than scoping out the dessert case.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon might be synonymous with cinnamon rolls, yet it's a coffee treat awaiting you on your birthday. By joining this reward program and registering your birth date, a 16 oz cold brew is yours for the taking when your special day rolls around. With tasty options like Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew Iced Coffee, you may even discover a new favorite and unexpected coffee spot. And while you're likely to grab one of the signature cinnamon rolls too, it shapes up to be an indulgent birthday stop.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A, renowned for its chicken, serves up enticing birthday rewards. Upon joining the Chick-fil-A membership program, the treats you relish hinge on your tier. Base members can savor a cookie or brownie, while those at the silver level might opt for a milkshake or frosted lemonade, among other choices. Red-tier participants can dive into sandwiches or nuggets, and those at the signature level are indulged with an entrée choice. Regardless of tier, Chick-fil-A ensures a tasty birthday touch.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company isn't just about tantalizing noodles; its birthday rewards are equally tempting. On your special day, members at the classic level can look forward to a delectable dessert, like the sizable Rice Krispies treat. For those at the signature level, a complimentary small entrée is on the menu. And premier members? They're treated to a regular entrée. The beauty of its program lies in its progression: The higher the membership level, the more value you get for every dollar spent, making it all the more enticing to climb those ranks.

Crumbl

Crumbl offers a delightful experience for dessert enthusiasts. Once you've taken the step to register for an account, each purchase rewards you with crumbs, the company's own version of loyalty points. But the real treat arrives annually. Every year on your birthday, Crumbl offers up a complimentary cookie to account holders. To ensure you don't miss out on this sugary gesture, it's essential to be part of the birthday club through the app. 

Sprinkles

Sprinkles sure knows how to make a birthday special with its tempting tier-based rewards. At the Vanilla tier, members are treated to a single free cupcake on their special day. Step it up to the Dark Chocolate tier, and the reward doubles, granting two free cupcakes. However, for the truly devoted, the Red Velvet tier is a confectionary dream come true, presenting a generous Baker's Dozen — that's 13 free cupcakes — on your birthday.

Culver's

For those with a penchant for fast food, Culver's doesn't disappoint when it comes to birthday rewards. On your special day, members are treated to a complimentary scoop of Custard, embellished with up to two toppings, turning it into a delectable sundae. The process is simple: Set up an account on MyCulver's and include other family members to ensure each of them also gets to savor a free treat on their special days too.

Panera

Walking into Panera, the prominent pastry counter is often the first to catch your eye. And if it's your birthday, there's good news awaiting. By creating an account on MyPanera, in addition to earning rewards and even earning the ability to join the Unlimited Sip Club, you're entitled to a complimentary treat from that very counter on your special day. While it might not satiate your hunger entirely, it certainly offers a delectable touch to conclude your lunch or birthday breakfast.

Jersey Mike's

Jersey Mike's goes above and beyond with its birthday rewards, serving up a generous offering. When you take the time to enroll in the email club, you can secure a complimentary sub and drink on your special day. If you're a fan of sandwiches, there are few lunches more satisfying than a freshly-made Jersey Mike's Sub, loaded with your favorite fillings. You'll definitely catch us picking up that free sub once a year.

P.F. Chang's

Enrolling in P.F. Chang's rewards program comes with perks. During your birthday month, you're entitled to select a complimentary dessert. While dining at P.F. Chang's always promises a feast of flavors, this added touch ensures your meal concludes on a high note. Though it may not equate to a full complimentary meal, the allure of a sumptuous dessert certainly tempts one to reserve a little extra space after the main course.

Ford's Garage

Ford's Garage is more than just a restaurant; it's an automotive-themed haven where delectable burgers meet captivating car memorabilia. As much as these burgers are an absolute delight, the appetizers hold their own charm, and by becoming a member of the Motor Club at Ford's Garage, you're treated to a complimentary appetizer on your birthday. If you're looking for a recommendation, the onion rings stand out for their taste and entertaining presentation, ensuring they're an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Taco Bell

While you might naturally assume Taco Bell would gift some tasty tacos on your birthday, this taco giant surprises you with a rather unexpected, fun treat. The celebratory beverage of choice at this fast-food hit is none other than a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze. To enjoy this icy and quite refreshing drink, it's essential to place your order through the Taco Bell app, where your birthday details are stored within your rewards account.

Papa John's

To sweeten your birthday celebrations, Papa John's offers a dessert treat on the day itself or within the following 14 days. Complementing its renowned pizzas, the dessert menu boasts some genuinely enticing options. Many can't resist the allure of the cinnamon pull-apart, while the Oreo cookie bites are a tempting alternative. If you're inclined towards the classics, the chocolate chip cookie never disappoints. But for those with a penchant for rich cocoa, the brownie stands as the ultimate birthday treat.

Chili's

Chili's is a haven for those of us with an insatiable appetite for chips and salsa. With a membership on Chili's Rewards, those crisp chips and tangy salsa come free, whether it's a special occasion or just a casual Tuesday. But the real icing on the cake (quite literally) is their birthday treat: a complimentary dessert. So, year after year, don't be surprised to find us at Chili's, ringing in another year with the delectable molten lava cake by our side. It's a tradition hard to resist.

Portillo's

Portillo's is often synonymous with its mouth-watering, dragged-through-the-garden Chicago-style hot dogs. However, lurking behind this savory reputation is the equally scrumptious cake. What sets Portillo's apart is an exclusive focus on birthdays. By creating an account and registering your birthday, along with up to three dependents, you're in for a treat. About a week before your special day, await an email signaling that a slice of Portillo's decadent chocolate cake is ready for you. It's a welcome twist to the birthday freebie tradition, ensuring your day includes a sweet piece of this chocolatey cake.

BurgerFi

When hunting for birthday freebies at restaurants, the norm usually lies in either a free appetizer or dessert. It's a rare and delightful occasion to be treated to both, and that's precisely what BurgerFi brings to the table if you time your rewards right. This eatery not only serves one of our favorite fast-food cheeseburgers but elevates your birthday experience with a complimentary custard shake on your birthday and some French fries when you join the program.

Red Robin

For those who might not have a BurgerFi in close proximity or have different burger inclinations, Red Robin stands as a commendable alternative. Offering a free burger during your birthday month, Red Robin ensures you're not limited to celebrating on just one day. However, there's a small catch: a minimum purchase of $4.99 is required to avail of the birthday burger. It's a minor detail, easily covered by ordering a drink or two, ensuring your burger celebration is both satisfying and wallet-friendly.

Caribou Coffee

Not to be overshadowed by Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, another beloved spot for caffeine aficionados, also offers a complimentary beverage to mark your special day. These aromatic blends and well-crafted drinks make for a delightful birthday treat. However, there's a small stipulation: You must have checked into a Caribou Coffee location within six months of your birthday to be eligible. And once that birthday alert pops up, you have seven days to indulge in your free drink. So, keep those visits regular, and the coffee celebrations will follow.

Gloria Jean's

At Gloria Jean's, loyalty certainly has its perks. Members of the loyalty program are treated to a free drink in honor of their birthday. What sets Gloria Jean's apart from places like Caribou Coffee is the extended celebration window. Instead of a mere week, you're granted an entire month to pop by and savor that complimentary beverage. So even if you can't swing by on the exact day, there's plenty of time to indulge before the month winds down.

Andy's Frozen Custard

Andy's Frozen Custard also rolls out the red carpet for birthday celebrations. Joining the Yum Squad ensures you a free treat during your birthday month. Moreover, if your account setup coincides with your birthday month, there's an added bonus: a complimentary cone simply for signing up and making that inaugural visit. Just remember, it's essential to visit once to activate this treat. Between Culver's and Andy's, there's no shortage of tasty birthday custard treats to choose from.

Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill matches the generosity of Jersey Mike's but with a twist to cater to its Southwestern menu. Instead of a sub, you're treated to a free burrito on your birthday, which, for many Moe's aficionados, is a staple choice. To get your hands on this tasty birthday treat, ensure you're signed up for Moe Rewards. It's a flavorful and zesty way to celebrate your special day. Plus, with the lighthearted atmosphere of Moe's, we also think this is an excellent birthday stop.

California Pizza Kitchen

Papa Johns might treat you with a free dessert on your special day, but California Pizza Kitchen ups the ante. With CPK Rewards, you're not just entitled to a dessert but a choice from their mouthwatering selection: butter cake, red velvet cake, key lime pie, and the indulgent Belgian Chocolate Soufflé cake. There's something that makes these options even better though — most of these desserts are paired with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, making your birthday celebration at CPK a truly sweet affair.

Buca di Beppo

If you're hunting for a truly hearty birthday treat, Buca di Beppo stands out as a top choice. Nestled amidst the ambiance of this lively Italian eatery is their signature offering: A colossal brownie sundae that is a tribute to your special day. It's not just large—it's incredibly rich, indulgently chocolatey, and every bite screams celebration. This treat captures the essence of what a birthday indulgence should be. Beyond the dessert, the restaurant offers vibrant decor, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that exudes festivity, Buca di Beppo is the perfect backdrop for memorable celebrations.

Jamba

If smoothies are your jam, chances are Jamba is on your radar. For all smoothie enthusiasts, having a Jamba Rewards account is a no-brainer. Beyond the myriad of benefits the program offers, there's the alluring birthday treat. To enjoy that complimentary birthday smoothie, you'll need to have made purchases totaling $15 in advance. It's wise to ensure you're signed up well ahead of time, so you can easily unlock and savor that birthday delight when your special day rolls around.