This meaty giveaway from Firehouse Subs is red-hot — especially for those customers with the same first name as the restaurant’s company president.
The popular sub shop just introduced a new Steak & Cheese Melt. The sandwich features USDA Choice prime rib, flame-seared and piled high with melty provolone, brown sugar caramelized onions and red & green bell peppers — all on the restaurant’s signature top-cut roll.
 Image: Firehouse Subs
And, by proclamation of Firehouse Subs President Mike Hancock, any customer who shares a name in the Mike family* enjoys a FREE medium Steak & Cheese Melt on May 6, 2026 at participating locations.
No purchase necessary.
*The giveaway includes customers with the first name Mike, Michael, Mikey, Miguel, Michelle, Michele or Michaela.
Customers must present a valid government-issued ID reflecting a qualifying name at the time of redemption.
Limit one sandwich per person.
Find locations nationwide here.
Hungry for more food deals?
Teachers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They take care of and educate our kids, work long hours often for little pay and have been known to reach into their own pockets to help a student or improve their classroom.
While educators should get accolades year-round, National Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week of May) and Teacher Appreciation Day (the first Tuesday in May) are the official times to offer words of thanks and gifts to our nation’s teaching staff. Local and national businesses join the teacher fan club by offering Teacher Appreciation Week deals and freebies every year.

Retailers, restaurants, even vacation providers all give teachers a little something extra during the first full week of May. Teachers, we hope you treat yourself to something nice. Parents and students, make sure your teachers know about all the discounts and free stuff available to them.
Plus, be sure to review our list of discounts for teachers available all year long.
The offers are only available at participating locations. Limit one per person, while supplies last.
Teachers must present a valid school ID for redemption. However, select deals are open to all customers.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Teachers can go wild with savings for the week!
Through June 10, 2026, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering its wildly popular Bottomless Appetizers for just $9.99. Best of all, that price is for up to four diners!
Choose from five fan-favorite appetizers — served two at a time.
Burger King
Hungry educators can feel appreciated for more than just one week by taking a bite of Burger King’s current special.
Teachers (and all customers) get FREE fries with a minimum $3 purchase through the end of the year. The offer is only available for Royal Perks members.
Cafe Rio
Spice up Teacher Appreciation Week with savings at Cafe Rio!
Cafe Rio is offering big savings with its $25 Double Meal Deal — includes two entrées, two drinks and chips & dip. The deal offers savings of nearly 40% off regular prices.
The deal runs through Sept. 7, 2026.
Cheap Caribbean
Teachers definitely deserve a vacation, and there’s no better place to relax than in a tropical locale.
Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and members of the military.
Teachers can enjoy $150 off their next vacation package. Get more details here.
Daiso
The Japanese discount store Daiso already offers big savings. And, from May 4 to 10, 2026, teachers can enjoy even more savings with 10% off their entire purchase.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Hole-in-one!
On May 6, 2026, Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving teachers (and nurses!) a FREE Bagel & Shmear of their choice with any purchase.
Find locations nationwide by state here.
Eyemart Express
National optical retailer Eyemart Express is recognizing all teachers with 20% off in-store purchases, including 2,000 frames, lens upgrades and accessories.
The discount is available to anyone employed by an accredited public or private PK-12 school, college or university with a valid school ID badge.
Simply present a valid school ID badge to take advantage of the savings, all year long.
Firehouse Subs
Roll call for savings at Firehouse Subs!
On May 6, 2026, Firehouse Subs is giving away its new Steak & Cheese Melt for FREE to any customer, including teachers, with the first name Mike, Michael, Mikey, Miguel, Michelle, Michele or Michaela.
No purchase necessary — just present a valid photo ID at checkout.
First Watch
Teachers can watch out for for big cup of savings at First Watch!
From May 2 to 8, 2026, First Watch is offering a FREE hot or iced coffee for every teacher that comes through their doors for the week.
Specialty iced coffees, including Cold Brew, Mint Mocha or Honey Caramel Crunch, can be purchased at a discounted price.
Gift Card Bonuses
Fortunately, Teachers Appreciation Week falls during springtime, which means teachers can take advantage of the many seasonal gift card bonuses available from late April to mid-June.
Review our gift card bonus round-up here.
KFC
KFC has savings all boxed for hungry teachers!
For a limited time, KFC is offering a new Value Feast line-up with the introduction of three KFC Box Feasts — priced at $7, $9 and $11.
Each box includes fries and a medium drink.
Lenovo
Computers are a necessary educational tool in every classroom, so any savings on them are helpful. Teachers of any grade level can save an extra 5% sitewide at Lenovo.
A discount is also available for students and parents.
Live Nation
Teachers can start planning for summer fun savings!
From April 29 to May 5, 2026, Live Nation is offering its “Summer of Live” sale with $30 tickets (including all fees) to more than 4,000 shows nationwide this summer.
National Education Association
If you’re one of the millions of members of the National Education Association, enjoy lots of ongoing deals and discounts exclusive to members.
The member benefits are wide- ranging, from discounted vacations to credit cards with lots of rewards. Look under “Benefits & Discounts.”
The Parking Spot
Teachers will soon be able to enjoy a much-deserved summer vacation, so the nation’s largest near-airport parking company is helping them travel affordably by offering discounted parking.
While teachers enjoy a 10% discount every day, The Parking Spot is increasing the discount to 25% for any reservation made in May for travel through the end of 2026.
The Parking Spot operates more than 75 parking lots at 45+ major airports.
To get the discount, teachers need to register here.
Red Lobster
Teachers who love shrimp should head to Red Lobster for jumbo savings!
For a limited time, the popular seafood restaurant is offering its popular Endless Shrimp special — price and participation varies by location.
Choose from Marry Me Shrimp, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp.
Samsung
Teachers and administrators can get plugged into big savings through Samsung’s Education Offers Program.
Join Samsung’s Education Offers Program and unlock extra savings by signing up with an eligible email ID and completing the ID.me verification process. Save up to 30% on many popular products.
Shake Shack
Fortunately, Teachers Appreciation Week falls during National Burger Month!
From May 1 to 31, 2026, Shake Shack is celebrating the juicy month a FREE burger with a minimum purchase of $10 every week in May.
Find out what’s currently available here.
Starbird
Teachers will definitely have something to chirp about at Starbird!
On May 5, 2026, Starbird is giving teachers a FREE salad, sandwich or tender box (up to $15) — including all teachers, administrator and leadership.
Starbird has locations in California and Colorado.
Subway
Teachers (and everyone else) can take advantage of big savings at Subway.
Subway just introduced its first-ever Fresh Value Menu with 15 popular entrées priced at under $5 — including a Sub of the Day for $4.99.
A family of four could feast for under $20!
Target
Right on target for savings for teachers!
From May 3 to 9, 2026, verified teachers* (who are also members of the store’s FREE Target Circle loyalty program) receive 10% off one storewide purchase — in-store or online.
Target also offers ongoing support for educators throughout the year. Verified teachers enjoy $50 off an annual Target Circle 360 membership, which includes FREE shipping, same-day delivery, monthly freebies and early access to select sales and collaborations. (Teachers pay only $49 for the annual membership — regularly $99.)
*Get started here to qualify for the discount.
For more articles about teachers and year-round deals and discounts:
Treat Mom to a meal out on Mother’s Day on May 10, 2026 without breaking the family budget. Lower the bill by taking advantage of one of the many Mother’s Day freebies or deals.
To celebrate moms everywhere, many restaurants and businesses are offering Mother’s Day specials and discounts. Bonus gift cards, free food and discounted gifts are all in the mix this Mother’s Day.

Most of the discounts are only valid on Mother’s Day. However, dates vary, so be sure you review the fine print.
After you’ve settled on your Mother’s Day plans, check out our Mother’s Day gift ideas. You definitely don’t want to show up without a gift in hand.
The offers are only available at participating locations, while supplies last. Limit one per person.
Whether Mom wants brunch, lunch or dinner, enjoy a frugal feast with these Mother’s Day restaurant specials.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Go wild with lots of appetizers on Mother’s Day!
Through June 10, 2026, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering its wildly popular Bottomless Appetizers for just $9.99. Best of all, that price is for up to four diners! Choose from five fan-favorite appetizers — served two at a time.
Cafe Rio
Take Mom out for tacos!
Cafe Rio offers big savings with its $25 Double Meal Deal — includes two entrées, two drinks and chips & dip. The deal offers savings of nearly 40% off regular prices.
The deal runs through Sept. 7, 2026.
Dave & Buster’s
With your taxes done, it’s time to play!
For a limited time, Dave & Buster’s is offering half-price games five days a week — Sunday to Thursday. That includes on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026!
Edible
Send Mom a big arrangement of fresh fruit or other treats.
Edible offers a variety of special offers for Mother’s Day — up to 25% off. Check out the shop’s variety of fresh fruit arrangements, dipped fruit, cupcakes and more for a special gift for mom.
KFC
KFC has savings all boxed for hungry bargain hunters!
For a limited time, KFC is offering a new Value Feast line-up with the introduction of three KFC Box Feasts — priced at $7, $9 and $11.
Each box includes fries and a medium drink.
Lowe’s
Get Mom flowers for Mother’s Day!
On May 9, 2026, Lowe’s is giving away FREE Spring Flowers to the first 150 customers at every location — starting at 10 a.m. Get more details here.
Olive Garden
If you take Mom to Olive Garden, enjoy an take-home entrée for just $6. Pick up enough for the whole family. Choose from Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Red Lobster
If Mom loves shrimp, take her to Red Lobster for a celebratory lunch or dinner on Mother’s Day!
For a limited time, the popular seafood restaurant is offering its popular Endless Shrimp special — price varies by location.
Choose from Marry Me Shrimp, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is shaking up Mother’s Day!
Fortunately, Mother’s Day falls during National Burger Month. And Shake Shack is offering a FREE single burger each week with a minimum purchase of $10 to celebrate the meaty month.
The offer requires this promo code at checkout. The juicy deal runs through May 31, 2026.
Subway
Stop at Subway on Mother’s Day!
Subway just introduced its first-ever Fresh Value Menu with 15 popular entrées priced at under $5 — including a Sub of the Day for $4.99. (On Sundays, the Sub of the Day is Spicy Italian.)
A family of four could feast for under $20!
TCBY
Chill out with Mom at TCBY!
Mom’s first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings are FREE on May 10, 2026 at the popular froyo shop. If she swirls more, just pay for the additional ounces.

Gift Card Bonus Offers 2026
Many restaurants are celebrating Mom by offering gift card bonuses and discounts. Buy the gift card as a treat for Mom or a way to save on dining out with the whole family.
Most gift card bonuses are only available online. However, some are available online and in-restaurant. Before buying, be sure to confirm the bonus.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Let’s go to the movies! Save 20% on gift cards valued at $75 or more at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema — from April 27 to May 10, 2026. Consider picking up a few discounted gift cards for summer fun!
Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza & Wings
Slice into a bonus at Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza & Wings. Buy a $100 gift cards and receive a $25 Bonus Card — from April 27 to June 21, 2026. The bonus can be redeemed from June 22 to Aug. 30, 2026.
Applebee’s
Buy a $50 gift card and Applebee’s will throw in a $10 Bonus Card — from April 13 to June 28, 2026. The bonus card expires Aug. 2, 2026.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Raise your glass at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse! Buy a $50 gift card and enjoy a $10 Bonus Card — from April 27 to June 21, 2026. The bonus is valid June 22 to July 13, 2026.
Bonefish Grill
Buy a $50 gift card at Bonefish Grill and get a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Gather the family and enjoy a meal at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For every $50 spent in gift cards, receive a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026.
Chili’s
Celebrate any occasion with lunch or dinner at Chili’s. Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 eBonus Card — from April 23 to May 9, 2026. The bonus is only available online. The bonus card is valid May 11 to June 15, 2026.
Denny’s
Celebrate any occasion with the family at Denny’s. Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Bonus Coupon — from April 13 to June 21, 2026. See Bonus Coupon for redemption details.
Dunkin’
Make spring every sweeter at Dunkin’! Buy a $25 e-gift card and receive a $5 eBonus Card — from April 27 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to July 31, 2026. Limit 4 per person.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Need bargain bagels for a celebratory brunch? All Einstein Bros. Bagels gift cards purchased online are 20% off — from April 22 to June 23, 2026.
Flower Child
Let the savings bloom at Flower Child! Buy a $50 gift card online and receive a $10 Digital Promo Card — from May 1 to 31, 2026. The promo card is valid June 1 to July 31, 2026.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão can make springtime sizzle. For every $200 in gift cards purchased online, get a $50 Bonus eCard — from April 21 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to Aug. 31, 2026.
Grand Lux Café
Celebrate any spring holiday with a luxurious lunch or dinner at Grand Luxe Café. From April 27 to May 10, 2026, purchase a $50 gift card online and receive a $10 Bonus eCard. The bonus card is valid May 11 to June 3, 2026.
IHOP
Hop over to IHOP for breakfast for any holiday or celebration. From March 30 to June 28, 2026, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Bonus Card. The bonus card expires Aug. 28, 2026.
McAlister’s Deli
Slather on the savings at McAlister’s Deli. Receive a $5 Reward Card with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 28 to June 21, 2026. The reward is valid April 28 to July 31, 2026.
Mimi’s Cafe
Enjoy a relaxing celebratory brunch at Mimi’s Cafe! Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — through May 9, 2026. The bonus is valid May 11 to Aug. 29, 2026.
Outback Steakhouse
Take a spring break “down under”. Buy a $50 gift card at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026.
Panda Express
Get bowled over at Panda Express! Enjoy an $8 Bonus Card with the purchase of $30 or more gift card online. The bonus is available April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus valid from April 20 to July 31, 2026.
Panera Bread
Enjoy a sandwich and soup at Panera Bread! Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — from April 8 to May 31, 2026. The bonus is valid June 1 to 30, 2026.
P.F. Chang’s
Enjoy lots of delicious Chinese dishes at P.F. Chang’s! Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — from see P.F. Chang’s for promo dates. The bonus is valid June 24 to Sept. 1, 2026.
QDOBA
Enjoy a frugal fiesta at QDOBA! Buy a $50 gift card and get $10 Bonus Card. The bonus offer is available April 1 to June 30, 2026. The bonus is valid July 1 to Aug. 31, 2026.
RA Sushi
Time for a sushi party! Buy a $60 gift card at RA Sushi and enjoy $10 Promotional Card. For a bigger bonus, buy a $200 gift card and receive a $60 Promotional Card. The bonus offer is available April 1 to May 10, 2026. The promo cards are valid May 11 to Aug. 3, 2026.
Red Robin
Get a juicy deal at Red Robin. Buy a $50 gift card and get $10 Bonus Buck Reward. The bonus offer is available April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus is valid June 22 to Aug. 9, 2026.
Subway
Stop at Subway for a great deal! Get a FREE 6-inch sub with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 30 to June 30, 2026. The bonus is valid through July 31, 2026.
The Cheesecake Factory
Celebrate any occasion with an extravagant lunch or dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. From April 27 to May 10, 2026, purchase a $50 gift card online and receive a $10 Bonus eCard. The bonus card is valid May 11 to June 3, 2026.
Village Inn
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Village Inn. From April 21 to June 21, 2026, buy a $25 gift card and receive a $5 eBonus Card. The bonus card is valid May 5 to July 26, 2026 — excluding Mother’s Day, May 10 and Father’s Day, June 21.
 Photo credit: Deposit Photos
Mother’s Day Retail Specials 2026
You can celebrate Mom with more than just food. There are also a few Mother’s Day retail specials or review our list of frugal gift ideas.
Groupon
Save big on gifts and flowers for Mom through Groupon. The money-saving site is offering a wide variety of deals on spa treatments, jewelry, flowers, gift baskets and more.
Massage Envy
Give Mom the gift of relaxation at Massage Envy!
Buy Mom a $125 gift card and enjoy a $25 Promo Card or a $150 gift card for a $40 Promo Card.
The offer is available from April 20 to May 10, 2026.
Office Depot / OfficeMax
Help Mom clean out her files!
Through May 23, 2026, Office Depot / OfficeMax is offering FREE in-store paper shredding for up to five pounds of documents. Get the required coupon here.
Whole Foods Market
Spoil Mom (or even treat yourself) and stock up on lots of beauty and bath products, as well as candles.
Whole Foods Market is offering 33% off all body care and candles — from April 29 to May 12, 2026. The grocery store bans more than 240 ingredients from all body care and beauty products on its shelves.
The sale is only available to Amazon Prime members.
More Mother’s Day articles at Living on the Cheap:
It’s never wise to simply throw away important financial documents in the trash, especially because of the potential for identity theft or a data breach.
Anyone who’s experienced any financial fraud knows it’s frightening to know someone is using your personal information for gain and potentially damaging your credit score. In addition, getting it resolved is extremely stressful and time-consuming.
 Photo: Office Depot / Office Max
That’s why it’s important to take precaution with any documents containing personal information. And shredding those documents is one of the best ways to ensure no one has access to your name, address, phone number, birthdate or social security number.
Office Depot and Office Max are making tax season less taxing by offering a helpful and much-needed service at no cost.
Through May 23, 2026, consumers can benefit from FREE in-store paper shredding at a participating Office Depot or OfficeMax location — up to five pounds! All you have to pay is the tax.
The complimentary service requires this coupon. Simply present the coupon in-store to the cashier.
Limit one coupon per household or business.
For locations nationwide, click here.
Shake Shack is shaking up National Burger Month with a juicy giveaway every week in May for burger lovers.
The chain’s burgers are made with a custom 100% Angus beef blend, never frozen, no hormones or antibiotics ever, humanely raised and grazed in the U.S.
 Photo: Shake Shack
From May 1 to 31, 2026, Shake Shack is offering a different single burger every week for FREE with a $10 minimum purchase at participating locations. The offer excludes all paid add-ons, such as avocado or bacon.
Here’s what burger is available each week:
May 1 to 10 – ShackBurger
May 11 to 17 – SmokeShack
May 18 to 24 – Bacon Cheeseburger
May 25 to 31 – ShackBurger
The offer is only valid for purchases placed at a kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or at shakeshack.com. Use promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. (Note: Promo code must be entered in ALL CAPS.)
Limit one offer per order — with a maximum savings equal to the price of each week’s promotional burger (from $8.29 to $10.49). If you have a large order, consider breaking it up into separate transactions for more FREE burgers.
You must add at least $10 worth of food and/or drinks to your order, excluding the cost of the complimentary burger. (Gift card purchases are also excluded.)
Review the terms of the offer here.
Shake Shack has more than 350 location in 33 states.
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