Liberty is sweet at chain restaurants, with many offering special desserts or deals for the Fourth of July, which falls on a Saturday this year.
The holiday is bigger than usual, because 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration is officially called America 250.
The semiquincentennial, as it is called, is on brand for Orange County-based Wienerschnitzel, which is known for its hot dogs but calls itself the home of American food. Wienerschnitzel not only has a meal deal but also a line of merchandise in honor of America 250.
Other restaurant chains are promoting apple pie or turning their cocktails and doughnuts red, white and blue.
Here are some holiday promotions announced by restaurant chains on their website, in social media or in news releases. Prices and participation may vary by location.
Casual restaurants
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: A shareable Stars & Stripes Pizookie features vanilla ice cream, strawberries and red, white and blue sprinkles on a chocolate chunk cookie. There’s also a non-alcoholic boba drink called Firework Fizz. bjsrestaurants.com
Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery: 250th birthday specials include an All-American Smash Burger and a Sweet Liberty Sundae, which is really an individual apple pie with ice cream. corkyskitchenandbakery.com
Golden Corral: A 32-ounce plastic Coca-Cola cup celebrates America 250. goldencorral.com/promotion
Karl Strauss: Brewpubs in Anaheim, Corona, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and Temecula will offer all beers on tap for $4 a pint on the Fourth only. To-go beers will be 15% off July 3-4. karlstrauss.com
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: The Orange County chain will be saluting dog lovers July 1-25 with a “Paws on the Patio” celebration. Customers who bring their pooches for outdoor dining will receive a free Dog Bowl, which is a mix of meat, brown rice and vegetables. They will also get a free bandana while supplies last. lazydogrestaurants.com
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Red, White & Blue Banana Pudding will be available July 2-31. lucillesbbq.com
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Customers can get $10 off two large pizzas with the code SUMMER26. The offer is available July 1 for pre-orders through July 4. mountainmikespizza.com
Polly’s Pies: The Orange County chain’s fifth annual “Pie for the People” campaign will run through July 6. Customers are encouraged to donate $5 slices of pie, $10 cookie packs or $15 whole pies to be delivered to Veterans Administration hospitals, military platoons, first responder stations and service organizations. Donations can be made online or in-store. pollyspies.com
Quick service
7-Eleven: In-store eateries have deals July 3-5. Among them is Laredo Taco Company, which will be offering buy-one-get-one-free burritos. 7-eleven.com
Del Taco: Independence Poppers – strawberry and blueberry in Sprite, MinuteMaid or vanilla shakes – and Funnel Cake Fries are back for the holiday. The Lake Forest chain is also featuring carnitas. deltaco.com
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Customers can get $5 off online or app orders of $25 or more July 2-5. Use the code FIREWORKS. For parties, customers can get $15 off orders of $75 or more with the code JULY1776. The chain will have a patriotic version of its signature yellow cup for soft drinks beginning July 1. A portion of the proceeds will go to first responders. dickeys.com
Krispy Kreme: A holiday collection includes a Freedom Ring Doughnut decorated like an American flag, a filled USA Doughnut with red frosting and a glazed Firework Doughnut with blue frosting. krispykreme.com
Randy’s Donuts: Shops are serving an America 250 collection through July 5. Doughnuts in red, white and/or blue include a 250th Long John, Blue Raised with Sprinkles and Red Texas Decorated. And for $15, customers can build their own cake in a box with special doughnuts and five streamers. randysdonuts.com
Sonic Drive-In: An America $2.50 menu includes a six-inch hot dog, a Jr. Double Cheeseburger, medium onion rings and a Red, White and Blue Float. The promotion will run through July 12. The offer isn’t valid in combos. sonicdrivein.com
Wienerschnitzel: A $4 All-American Deal includes two corn dogs and fries for $4. There’s also a patriotic plushie of the chain’s mascot, The Delicious One, and a red-white-and-blue trucker hat. Current limited-time menu items include chocolate, strawberry and apple pie funnel cakes. wienerschnitzel.com