• by Teresa Buyikian , August 7, 2024

Summer meal bargains may be coming to an end, but the deals are still rolling out from QSRs and fast-casual restaurants nationwide that are now celebrating “Back to School” season, which is not usually a theme for meal deals and promotions.

The restaurants offering these deals cite the need to help out busy and budget-conscious parents dealing with inflation and back-to-school shopping expenses.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is attempting to make the dreaded school morning dropoff line a little less stressful this year with its “Line Relief” free bagel and shmear offer through August 31. For Einstein Bros.’ Rewards members, the chain is giving away a free bagel and cream cheese with any purchase when customers order in the app or online, enabling customers to at least “skip the line” when getting their breakfast. 

"Generally speaking, meal deals often create a win-win scenario where customers enjoy a variety of options at a great price while a restaurant benefits from increased patronage and customer loyalty,” Hector Briones, Einstein Bros. CMO, told Marketing Daily. “Our back-to-school promo is designed to foster a similar engagement, and we're excited to provide parents with the opportunity to wait in one less line."

As reported beginning last week, IHOP launched its annual All You Can Eat Pancakes promotion through September 15, and for this year, specifically moved to back-to-school season “to help families when schedules are tight, and wallets are pinched from shopping,” per the brand’s release.

Fat Brands’ small-batch ice cream company Marble Slab Creamery has launched a Back to School Happy Hour through August 18. Participating stores will offer guests a free small ice cream cup with purchase of a small, regular, or best value ice cream cup. The special is available daily from 4:00-6:00 P.M.

Marco’s Pizza recently announced the launch of its new Margherita Magnifico Pizza, available “for the end of summer and the back-to-school season.” A large Margherita Magnifico is priced at $10.99 for a limited time.