National French Fry Day 2025 is set to be a golden celebration for fry lovers across America on Friday, July 11. This beloved food holiday, which was moved from July 13 to the second Friday of July in 2022 thanks to a campaign by Checkers and Rally’s, offers the perfect excuse to indulge in crispy, golden potato goodness while scoring amazing deals at your favorite fast-food chains.
Why National French Fry Day Matters
The timing couldn’t be better, as the celebration coincides with National Slurpee Day, creating a perfect combo for summer treats. According to recent surveys, French fries rank among the most popular American dishes, earning an impressive 86% approval rating from adults nationwide, tied with hamburgers for the top spot. Americans consume approximately 30 pounds of French fries per person annually, making them a true staple of the American diet.
National French Fry Day 2025 – Top Fast-Food Deals and Promotions
McDonald’s Free Fries Friday
McDonald’s leads the charge with their ongoing “Free Fries Friday” promotion, offering loyal customers a free medium order of fries with any purchase of $1 or more through their mobile app. This deal runs every Friday through December 26, 2025, but for National French Fry Day, they’re sweetening the pot with an additional free medium order available through Sunday, July 13.
Burger King Royal Treatment
Burger King isn’t far behind, treating Royal Perks members to free fries of any size with a minimum $1 purchase. This generous offer extends beyond just National French Fry Day, allowing customers to claim the deal once per week for a limited time through their app or website.
Wendy’s Friday Fry-Day
Wendy’s is making Fridays extra special by offering free Hot & Crispy Fries of any size with any purchase on July 11, plus continuing this promotion on all remaining Fridays in 2025. The deal excludes specialty items like Topped Fries and Fuego Fries but covers their classic crispy offerings.
Checkers & Rally’s Competitive Edge
For those seeking unique promotions, Checkers and Rally’s are offering something special: bring in a receipt showing you recently bought fries from a competitor, and they’ll give you a free large order of their Famous Seasoned Fries with no additional purchase required. It’s their way of proving their fries are worth switching for.
National French Fry Day 2025 – More Participating Chains
Other major chains are joining the fry festivities too. Sonic Drive-In offers free medium tots or fries with any purchase, while Jack in the Box provides free fries with any order for Jack Pack Rewards members. Fatburger extends the celebration from July 9-13, giving away free Fat or Skinny Fries with any burger or sandwich purchase when ordering online with code “FryDay25.”
The Rich History Behind French Fries
The history behind French fries is as rich as their flavor. Despite the name, food historians believe French fries likely originated in Belgium rather than France. The story goes that residents of the Meuse Valley would slice and fry potatoes when river fishing became difficult during winter months. The dish gained popularity in America through two possible routes: Thomas Jefferson serving “potatoes served in the French manner” at a White House dinner in 1802, or World War I soldiers discovering Belgian “pommes frites” and bringing the concept home.
Making the Most of Fry Day
From McDonald’s thin-cut classics to Five Guys’ hand-cut varieties, from curly fries to waffle fries, the options are endless. Each style offers its own unique texture and taste experience, whether you prefer them with classic ketchup, ranch dressing, or more adventurous condiments.
To make the most of National French Fry Day 2025, download your favorite restaurant apps in advance, sign up for loyalty programs, and follow chains on social media for last-minute deals. Many restaurants require app orders or loyalty membership to access their free fry offers, so preparation is key. Whether you’re team McDonald’s or prefer the seasoned perfection of Checkers, July 11 promises to be a delicious day for fry enthusiasts nationwide.