National Cheeseburger Day 2024: Where to get deals

Hamburgers may be the most popular American dish, but topping it with cheese takes it to another level. So, of course, there’s a National Cheeseburger Day, which happens to be Wednesday.
Cheeseburgers remain one of the favorite entrées in the U.S., according to YouGov’s ranking of The Most Popular American Dishes. While the hamburger tops the regularly updated list with 85% popularity, the cheeseburger is close at 83%, just behind french fries and grilled cheese (both at 84%), and tied with fried chicken (83%).
Americans eat an estimated 50 billion burgers each year. Nearly three-fourths of burger lovers (74%) say they typically top their burger with cheese, YouGov found.
While there’s no historic significance to National Cheeseburger Day arriving annually on Sept. 18, some dispute remains about the burger’s birth. Pasadena, Calif., claims to be its birthplace, with a 16-year-old short-order cook serving the first one more than 100 years ago in a roadside hamburger stand there. Other spots claiming the cheeseburger’s birthright include Kaelin’s restaurant in Louisville in 1934, credited with naming it a “cheeseburger.”
Whatever the origin of the cheeseburger, if you are craving one, many restaurants and burger joints have deals and specials on them Wednesday.
In the McDonald’s app, you can find a deal for 50-cent Double Cheeseburgers on Wednesday.
Members of the fast food chain’s Royal Perks freeloyaltyprogram can get a free cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more on Wednesday. Burger King has more deals throughout the week.
All of this week’s deals from Burger King’s Royal Perks program:
Download the Wendy’s app to get a deal for 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase Wednesday to Sunday (app download and account registration required).
Members of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Rewards loyalty program can buy one burger get one free on Wednesday, with choices including Jason Kelce’s pick, the Triple Bacon Burger, and the all-new Bacon Mac & Cheese Burger. If you are not a Blazin’ Rewards member, sign up on or before Sept. 18 to get the deal. It’s good for dine-in, takeout and delivery via Buffalo Wild Wings GO.
Also still available: 10 free boneless wings when you spend $15 or more. Place your order via Buffalo Wings GO on the Buffalo Wild Wings App or on the Buffalo Wild Wings GO website (use the code GOBONELESS).
Applebee’s is offering customers a “classic burger deal” on Wednesday, which includes one of its three Classic Handcrafted Burgers paired with classic fries for $8.99.
Customers can choose between the Applebee’s Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger or the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, and the offer is available for dine-in or online at Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app.
Customers ordering on the app can select the “National Cheeseburger Day” option from the online menu to redeem the offer.
From Wednesday to Sunday, Dairy Queen is offering customers a free double Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger with an app or online order of $1 or more.
The burger features two beef patties, Sharp American cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard, according to the company, and the offer is valid at participating DQ Grill & Chill locations nationwide. The offer is limited to one redemption per customer and is not valid for redemption in-store.
For those looking to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day early, Sonic offers half-price cheeseburgers after 5 p.m. every Tuesday, including Sept. 17.
Additionally, customers can get the Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger for $1.99 for a limited time, or a Sonic Smasher for $7.
Here’s a look at even more deals on burgers this week.
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
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