National Cheeseburger Day arrives on September 18, 2026, bringing a slate of fast-food promotions, discounted meals, and loyalty app freebies across the United States. Major chains including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King are rolling out specialized discounts for the food holiday, according to reporting by Fox Business and USA Today.
McDonald’s Brings Back Low-Cost Burgers
McDonald’s is capitalizing on the holiday by bringing back its $1 double cheeseburgers, according to Yahoo. Customers can also access deals on Big Macs and other sandwiches for $1 by downloading the chain’s mobile app. The app-exclusive offers run through September 30.
Burger King and Wendy’s Roll Out Value Meals
Burger King is offering cheeseburger promotions starting at $3. Options include a $3 Double Cheeseburger Meal featuring a double cheeseburger, fries, and a drink, alongside a $3 snack box that includes a cheeseburger, fries, nuggets, and a drink.
Wendy’s is running a mobile app promotion through September 30, offering a free Dave’s Single with any purchase. The fast-food chain is also promoting a "Tuesday Cheese Slider Day" on September 30, providing a free cheese slider with any purchase via a website coupon.
Regional Chains and Casual Dining Deals
Other restaurants and regional chains are joining the September 18 promotion window with distinct bundles:
- Applebee’s: Offering a Burger Bundle for $8.99, which includes a handcrafted burger, fries, and a soft drink. Additionally, diners can enter an online contest by submitting a photo of their favorite burger for a chance to win free burgers for a year.
- Farmer Boys: Participating locations are selling their Big Cheese burgers for $2 on September 18 between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The burger features a quarter-pound of beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing.
- Smashburger: Offering its Classic Smash Double Burger for $5 on September 18 for customers visiting physical locations.
- MOOYAH: Providing a free cheeseburger to Rewards App members on September 18 with the purchase of fries and a drink.
- O’Charleys: Running a dine-in promotion through September 18 where customers can purchase a burger and a brew or soft drink for $10.
History of the Food Holiday
Traditions trace the origin of the cheeseburger back to Pasadena, California, in 1926. A 16-year-old named Lionel Sternberger reportedly placed a piece of American cheese on a hamburger cooking on the griddle at his father’s sandwich shop, the Rite Spot, establishing the culinary combination.
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