So it’s National Hamburger Day today—May 28th, 2025—and honestly, if you love burgers, this day might just feel like a mini holiday. Whether you’re into big flame-grilled patties or the soft, melty kind that just hit different after a long day, there’s something kinda magical about a good burger. And what makes today even better? The insane deals all your favorite burger joints are giving out. But wait—it’s not just about the discounts. Today’s also a good excuse to look back and appreciate how these places actually got here.
You ever think about how long Burger King’s been around? Or how Shake Shack went from a park cart to a global brand? Let’s get into the good stuff—the real stories behind these big names and yeah, all the juicy offers they’ve dropped today.
🔥 From Backyard Dreams to National Icons (Plus Their 2025 Deals)
Burger King
Founded way back in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida (originally as Insta-Burger King), this chain has seen it all. Flame-grilled Whoppers, weird marketing experiments, and a loyal fanbase that keeps growing. It’s turning 70+ now and still feels like that slightly rebellious cousin of the burger world.
👉 Today’s Deal: If you’re a Royal Perks member, you can grab a hamburger for free with any $1 purchase. Also, redeem a hamburger for just 125 crowns, which is half the usual loyalty points. This offer runs through the end of May.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s was started in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. That square burger thing? Yeah, it’s on purpose. Dave wanted you to see the meat hang out the bun. Fresh, never frozen patties—it’s more than a tagline. Plus, those Frosties are a whole mood.
👉 Today’s Deal: As part of their “100 Days of Savings,” Wendy’s is offering a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1 cent—yes, one freaking cent—when you order anything else using the Wendy’s app. Valid through June 1.
Shake Shack
Started out as a tiny hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in NYC in 2001, and by 2004, it had already become a whole thing. What makes Shake Shack stand out? It’s that blend of gourmet ingredients, cool branding, and community vibe. It’s fancy but not snobby.
👉 Today’s Deal: Spend $10 or more and get a free ShackBurger with code “BURGERMONTH” at the kiosk or on their app. Offer runs till June 1.
Dairy Queen
DQ has always been about dessert, right? But its food menu lowkey slaps. It started in 1940 in Illinois, pushing soft-serve before it was cool. Now they’re doing burgers, chicken, and even tacos in some places.
👉 Today’s Deal: Buy one Signature Stackburger, get the second for just 99 cents. But you gotta be a DQ Rewards member and use the DQ app. Offer valid through June 1.
Smashburger
It’s one of the newer kids, founded in 2007 by Tom Ryan. Their whole thing? Smashing patties onto a hot grill to get that crispy edge. It’s not gimmicky—it works. Their burgers have that perfect char that tastes homemade but better.
👉 Today’s Deal: All single burgers are just $5.28 today—yep, matching the date. Use the code “JUST528” online or in-store.
Wayback Burgers
Started in 1991 as Jake’s Hamburgers in Newark, Delaware. This brand is like a throwback to the 1950s without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you walk in and feel like it’s okay to slow down and just enjoy the meal.
👉 Today’s Deal: Classic burgers for $5 each. Limit two per customer. Valid for rewards members only.
Friendly’s
Friendly’s has that wholesome vibe. It was founded during the Great Depression in 1935 by two brothers in Massachusetts. The mission? Affordable ice cream and burgers in a place where families felt, well, friendly. It’s nostalgic in the best way.
👉 Today’s Deal: Join the Friendly’s Fan Club and get a free Founder’s Burger through May 31.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Okay, this one’s not just a burger place—it’s more like your go-to spot for watching a game with wings in one hand and a beer in the other. But don’t sleep on their burgers. They’ve quietly gotten really good over the years.
👉 Today’s Deal: 50% off any burger today when you order takeout or delivery using code “GOBURGER”. Today only.

💬 People Are Talking: Social Buzz You Might’ve Missed
Honestly, folks are loving today’s vibes on social media. From snapping pics of their burgers to flexing how many deals they grabbed, the internet’s eating this up (literally). Here’s what’s trending:
- #NationalHamburgerDay on Twitter
- Check out Insta stories under #NationalHamburgerDay
- Reddit threads with people rating their burgers
You’ll see everything from perfectly melted cheese to messy, unwrapped burgers eaten in cars. One user tweeted,
“Got 3 burgers for under $6 thanks to Burger King & Wendy’s today. Honestly, this is my Super Bowl.”
👉 @SnackKingJay
FAQs
What day is National Hamburger Day celebrated in 2025?
It’s celebrated on May 28, just like every year.
Is Burger King giving out free hamburgers today?
Yes! Royal Perks members can get a free burger with any $1+ purchase.
What’s the 1 cent deal at Wendy’s all about?
You get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1 cent with any app purchase through June 1.
What’s Shake Shack giving away for National Hamburger Day?
A free ShackBurger when you spend $10 and use code “BURGERMONTH”.
Are Dairy Queen burgers on sale today?
Yep! Buy one Signature Stackburger, get another for 99 cents if you’re a rewards member.
Can I get cheap burgers at Smashburger?
For sure. Single burgers are $5.28 today only, code “JUST528”.
What’s Wayback Burgers offering?
Classic burgers are $5 for rewards members, up to 2 per customer.
How do I get a free burger at Friendly’s?
Sign up for their Fan Club and grab a Founder’s Burger for free through May 31.