National Nurses Week 2026 officially runs from May 6 through May 12, and the restaurant industry is showing up in a meaningful way for the healthcare workers who keep communities healthy and running. Several major chains have rolled out deals ranging from free entrées to complimentary drinks, with some offers already available as of May 4. Whether you are a nurse looking to treat yourself or someone hoping to celebrate a healthcare hero in your life, there is plenty to take advantage of before the week wraps up.
The week carries special significance on the calendar. Established in 1990, National Nurses Week closes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, widely credited as the founder of modern nursing. National Nurses Day falls on May 6, marking the official start of the celebration.
The 6 restaurants with the best free offers
Nurses will want to act quickly on several of these deals, as some are limited to specific days or early windows in the week.
- Chipotle is inviting healthcare workers to enter for a chance to receive a free entrée e-gift card through May 12. Interested nurses can enter at
- , and winners will be notified starting May 13 after verifying employment status through ID.me.
- Insomnia Cookies is running a deal for nurses from May 5 through May 12. The specific offer details are expected to be announced on the brand’s social channels, so it is worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page for the update.
- McAlister’s Deli is offering nurses a free sweet or unsweet tea at participating locations from May 4 through May 8 simply by showing a valid medical ID in-store. No purchase is required and the offer is limited to one per person.
- Potbelly Sandwich Works is giving nurses a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with any entrée purchase from May 4 through May 12 at participating locations. A valid healthcare employee ID is required at checkout.
- Ruby Tuesday is offering nurses a free Garden Bar add-on with any entrée purchase on May 5 and 6 at participating locations. Nurses will need to show valid ID and use the code THANKYOU26 at checkout. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
- Scooter’s Coffee is giving nurses and healthcare workers a free medium drink at participating locations on Tuesday, May 5 only, with a valid healthcare ID. The offer cannot be used for mobile order-ahead purchases.
Gift cards worth grabbing this week
For anyone looking to treat a nurse in their life with something more lasting, several restaurant chains are running gift card promotions that pair well with the spirit of the week. Subway is offering a free 6-inch sub with any $25 gift card purchase through June 30. Texas Roadhouse is including a $10 bonus e-gift card with every $50 in gift cards purchased online through May 15. Panera Bread is adding a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased through May 31, with the bonus card valid throughout June.
Moe’s Southwest Grill is selling a $25 gift card for $20 on its website through May 10, while Outback Steakhouse is offering a $10 bonus card with every $50 gift card purchase through June 21. Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon are both offering two $5 rewards with any $25 gift card purchase through May 10, and Jamba is running a similar deal with two $5 rewards on $30 in gift cards through the same date.
As always, deals are valid at participating locations only and terms can vary, so it is worth confirming availability at a specific restaurant before heading out. For nurses working long shifts throughout the week, these offers are a small but genuine nod of gratitude for the work they do every single day.
Source: WRAL Smart Shopper