- The start of spring brings free food to the U.S. Several food companies are offering giveaways, discounts, or upgrades on March 20.
March Madness is underway, daylight is lasting longer into the evening, and there’s a symphony of sneezing nonstop across the nation as pollen counts reach ludicrous levels. It must be spring.
March 20 marks the formal arrival of the season. Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil might have predicted, winter is finally over. And to celebrate that, several retailers are giving away treats or offering deals as we begin to emerge from hibernation.
While the start of spring is often seen as the warmup to beach season, don’t expect any of the deals being offered to help you tone up as you eye your swimsuit. Just as pizzas get a lot cheaper on Jan. 1 to tempt people away from their resolutions, the start of spring is when vendors of frozen treats begin their seasonal war for your attention.
Here are some of the deals and freebies you can take advantage of today.
Dairy Queen
March 20 is Free Cone Day at the national chain. Get a complimentary small soft-serve vanilla cone at most non-mall locations (as well as some participating mall venues). The offer runs all day.
Rita’s Italian Ice
As it has for more than 30 years now, Rita’s Italian Ice will welcome spring by giving away free Italian ice to all customers at its more than 575 locations. The chain will also debut a new Skittles Italian Ice this year and is running a sweepstakes to give guests free Italian ice for a year.
Jamba
It’s not free, but you can grab a small (16 oz) iced beverage (Mangomorphosis or Dragonberry Blitz flavors only) at Jamba for just $1 on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. Add-ons will cost you extra and you’ll still have to pay taxes, etc. on the order.
Crumbl
Now through March 22 you can get six full-size desserts for the price of four.
Burger King
Get a combo meal between now and April 11 and you can upgrade your side to Chicken Fries, Mozzarella Fries or Churro Fries for free.