Dunkin’ is giving away free coffee for April Fools Day, headlining a surprising number of genuine food deals and freebies offered by local and national restaurants on April 1.
April 1st usually means skepticism, but this year, food brands are replacing elaborate pranks with straightforward promotions to win business. This results in a flurry of legitimate opportunities for free coffee, cheap meals, or discounted treats, turning a day of tricks into a day of treats for anyone paying attention. I’ve sorted through the offers to bring you the real deals you can sink your teeth into today.
What We Know So Far
- Dunkin' is offering over one million free hot or iced coffees to its Rewards members on April 1 via a promo code in its app, according to a company press release.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is selling its Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie for $4.01 for dine-in customers on April Fools' Day, as reported by the El Paso Times.
- Krispy Kreme rewards members can purchase any dozen doughnuts and add an Original Glazed dozen for just $4.01 on April 1, according to NBC DFW.
- Hooters is offering a dine-in special of 10 wings for $3.99 at participating locations on April 1, a deal that coincides with the company's Founders Day.
- The Cheesecake Factory is giving a free slice of cheesecake to customers who download and log into its new rewards app on April Fools' Day, per a report from Knox News.
Where to Find Genuine April Fools' Day Food Offers
The biggest buzz this April 1st is undoubtedly around Dunkin'. Building on a successful campaign from last year, the coffee giant is giving away 1,000,001 free coffees nationwide. The promotion is playfully tagged "Still Not A Joke." To claim your free cup, you'll need to be a Dunkin' Rewards member and enter the promo code STILLNOTAJOKE into the Dunkin' app. "No tricks, just your coffee run, on us," the company stated. The offer is good for most sizes of hot or iced coffee, though it excludes cold brew and extra-large hot coffees. Once you enter the code, the free coffee certificate is valid for seven days.
Beyond morning coffee, several national chains are offering "no-joke" deals. Krispy Kreme rewards members can add a full dozen Original Glazed doughnuts to any dozen purchase for $4.01. Hooters offers 10 traditional or boneless wings for $3.99. "April 1st is our Founders Day, and this deal is our way to celebrate with our guests," said Andrea Hill, an executive with HMC Hospitality Group, in a statement to the El Paso Times. This dine-in offer is available for customers at participating locations.
For those with a sweet tooth, two deals stand out. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers its new Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie for $4.01. The Cheesecake Factory, aiming to boost its new loyalty program, provides a free slice of cheesecake to anyone who downloads and logs into their rewards app for the first time today. These offers provide a delicious way to treat yourself.
Are April Fools' Day Food Deals Real?
Yes, the trend is shifting. While some brands still engage in lighthearted social media pranks, the focus is now on tangible promotions. As the Bergen Record notes, these deals are genuine and not tricks. This "no joke" marketing angle generates positive buzz, stands out from April Fools' Day noise, builds goodwill, and drives real foot traffic and app downloads.
There is often a small catch: technology. Many promotions require customers to be part of a rewards program or use a mobile app. Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, and The Cheesecake Factory deals all hinge on app-based engagement. This strategy is a win-win for companies, getting customers in the door today and adding them to their digital marketing ecosystem for future promotions. It’s a clear sign of how modern restaurants build customer loyalty.
Some deals are also part of a broader promotional window. For instance, Dairy Queen is running a buy-one-get-one-for-99-cents Blizzard deal, but it's available through April 26 for DQ Rewards members. Similarly, Checkers & Rally’s is selling its Big Buford burger for $3, but the deal runs through April 2. This suggests that some brands are using April 1st as a kickoff for longer spring campaigns.
| Restaurant | The Deal | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' | One free hot or iced coffee | Use code STILLNOTAJOKE in the Dunkin' app |
| Krispy Kreme | Add an Original Glazed Dozen for $4.01 with any dozen purchase | Be a Krispy Kreme Rewards member |
| Hooters | 10 wings for $3.99 | Dine-in only at participating locations |
| BJ's Restaurant | Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie for $4.01 | Dine-in only |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Free slice of cheesecake | Download and log into the new rewards app |
What Happens Next
Most tempting offers are valid for one day only: Monday, April 1. If you plan to take advantage of dine-in specials, such as those at Hooters or BJ's, it's always a good idea to call your local restaurant ahead of time to confirm participation.
For app-based deals, ensure the latest version is downloaded and you are logged into your rewards account before heading out. The Dunkin' free coffee certificate is valid for a week, giving some flexibility, but other offers may expire at the end of the day.
This trend of "anti-prank" marketing seems to be gaining momentum. It will be interesting to see if even more local and national brands adopt this strategy next year. For now, enjoy the very real and very delicious deals. I’ll be out there, too, making sure our city’s culinary scene is no joke.
