National Cheeseburger Day 2022: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s Have Mouthwatering Deals

National Cheeseburger Day is Sunday, Sept. 18. Louis Ballast of Denver’s Humpty Dumpty Drive-In trademarked “the cheeseburger” in March 1935, though restaurateurs from California to Kentucky have claimed credit for the popular sandwich. 

Wherever it came from, the cheeseburger is a mainstay of the American diet: We consume nearly 50 billion hamburgers a year, and a good number are slathered in cheddar, Colby or Swiss.

Below, find out how your favorite burger restaurants are celebrating National Cheeseburger Day. For more burger-centric fare, find out if the Impossible Burger is really healthier and what kitchen gear you need to assemble the perfect hamburger.

7-Eleven

On Sunday, 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty members can enjoy a 7-Eleven 1/4-pound cheeseburger made with Kraft American cheese and served on a brioche bun for $2. You can also order the deal on the 7NOW app. 

Applebee’s

In celebration of National Cheeseburger Day, participating Applebee’s are offering a special Burger Bundle deal — that’s a handmade cheeseburger plus fries and a Mountain Dew Dark Berry Bash drink or other Pepsi beverage — for $11. 

The deal applies to Applebee’s Bacon Cheeseburger, Whiskey Bacon Cheeseburger, Quesadilla Burger, Impossible Cheeseburger and even the old-fashioned hamburger without cheese.

Order online on the Applebee’s website or via the Applebee’s app on Sunday.

Big Deal Burger

Founded in 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit currently has 550 locations across the US and eight other countries. The chain is offering a National Cheeseburger Deal via its virtual brand Big Deal Burger: On Sept. 17 and 18, get a Big Deal Burger single with cheese for $5.

“A true barbecue burger can only come from a wood-burning pit,” Dickey CEO Laura Rea Dickey said in a statement. “And that’s what we offer.”

BurgerFI 

Order a burger on the BurgerFi app between Sept. 19 and Sept. 26. and get a $5 reward to use toward your next purchase of $15 or more.

Here’s one option: For a limited time, BurgerFi is offering the Juicy Lucy, a cheeseburger with white cheddar, American and Pepper Jack cheeses melted between two Angus beef patties.

Burger King

On Sept. 18, Royal Perks members can enjoy a free cheeseburger with a minimum purchase of $1 at bk.com or on the Burger King app. 

Carl’s Jr

This National Cheeseburger Day, Carl’s Jr. is serving up special deals for My Rewards members. New members can take advantage of an in-app offer for a free Famous Star or Western Bacon Cheeseburger with purchase when they register. And any My Rewards member can get a Famous Star cheeseburger for $1 when they buy one at full price.

Plus, members receive double points for all cheeseburgers purchased through the app on Sept. 18.

Dairy Queen

Get $1 off any of DQ’s Signature Stackburgers on Sept. 18 when you order it as a standalone item through the DQ app.

Hardee’s

Folks out West have Carl’s Jr. but in the South, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, the same fast-food chain goes by Hardee’s. The good news is they both have the same National Cheeseburger Day deals: New My Rewards members get a free Famous Star or Western Bacon Cheeseburger with purchase, and all members can get a Famous Star cheeseburger for $1 when they buy one at full price.

You’ll also double points for cheeseburgers purchased through the app on Sept. 18.

Jack in the Box

The Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger is a grilled all-beef patty topped with two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mayonnaise and ketchup.

You can get one on National Cheeseburger Day for $2 with any purchase on the Jack in the Box mobile app.

McDonald’s

Which cheeseburger is featured in McD’s National Cheeseburger Day deal? The home of the Big Mac let fans decide by voting online earlier this week.

The winner, the Double Cheeseburger, will be available for free with a $1 purchase through the McDonald’s mobile app on Sept. 18.

Shake Shack

Select Shake Shack locations are giving away free cheeseburgers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m on Sept. 18. Order a Shake Shack cheeseburger via DoorDash and type in the promo code SHACK.

Make sure your local Shack is participating, and all you’ll have to pay is tax and tip.

Smashburger

On Sept. 18, Smashburger is offering a buy one, get one free deal that lets diners mix and match single or double patties and any of Smashburger’s protein options, including beef, grilled chicken, turkey and black bean. 

This promotion is available both in-store and online with the promo code BOGO22.

Wayback Burgers

On Sept. 18, snap up a buy one, get one free classic cheeseburger deal via Wayback Burgers’ mobile app. 

While you’re ordering, consider some of the fast-casual chain’s new fall items, including the S’mores Shake, cheesy onion rings and an Oktoberfest Burger, served on a pretzel bun and topped with onion rings, cheese sauce and German mustard.

Wendy’s

To celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, Wendy’s is offering a free Dave’s Single with cheese with any purchase on its app. The deal is only good one time, but it’s available through Sept. 21.

White Castle

White Castle is currently offering a Cheesy 10-Sack, featuring 10 cheese sliders for $9 (or $10 in Arizona, New Jersey and New York). Pick your choice of cheesy toppings: American, smoked cheddar, jalapeno or ghost pepper.

Plus, through Sept. 30, White Castle is offering 20% off any order on the Craver Nation app. Grab a bunch of Double Cheese Sliders and save money while you celebrate National Cheeseburger Day.