What is the origin of April Fool’s Day?
Although the tradition of April 1st pranks has been observed for centuries in various cultures, the true origins of April Fool’s Day are unknown.
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If you’re feeling a little hungry at the beginning of April, especially when many restaurant chains are offering limited April Fool’s Day deals, don’t be foolish and buy a full-price feast.
Wednesday, April 1st is the infamous April Fool’s Day. Whether it’s hiding a whoopee cushion under your seat, putting toothpaste in your Oreos instead of cream, or whatever creative tricks people are planning, everyone will try to trick you.
Even popular brands are getting in on the fun, trying to trick people into thinking they’re launching weird products or holding new events just in time for April 1st.
But if you’re tired of pranks and ready for a snack, we’ve got you covered with April Fools’ Day giveaways and deals from around the country.
dunkin
Dunkin’ announced that it will give away 1 million 1 cup of coffee for free on April 1, according to an online news release. To receive the offer, you must be a Rewards member and enter the code StillNotAJoke in the app. Get a complimentary hot or iced coffee in small, medium, or large sizes.
Once added, the code is valid for 7 days. You also don’t get cold brew or extra hot coffee with this deal. Limited to one item per person.
Last year on April Fool’s Day, Dunkin’ gave away 1 million free cups of hot or iced coffee to Rewards members.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
No joke, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookies for dine-in orders starting April 1st only. This sweet and savory treat is a combination of the restaurant chain Pizookie and deep-dish pizza.
The Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie is made with a chocolate chunk pizookie base, two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream, pepperoni, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey. Pizookie is $4.01.
checkers & rallies
Checkers & Rally’s will be offering Big Buford Burgers for $3 on April 1 and 2, according to a news release. The Big Buford is made with two beef hamburger patties, two slices of American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise all on a toasted bun.
hooters
April Fool’s Day is a big holiday for Hooters, as it is also the chain’s anniversary. (Hooters was founded on April 1, 1983.) This year, Hooters will offer 10 wings for $4 on April 1, according to a news release. The restaurant chain’s official Instagram account states that it is only offering dine-in service.
shipley donuts
According to a news release and a post on its official Facebook page, Shipley Donuts will be offering free four-packs of kolaches to its loyalty members on April 1st.
krispy kreme
Although it’s not particularly an April Fool’s candy, Krispy Kreme is releasing a new donut just in time for the “holiday.” To commemorate NASA’s Artemis II launch plan, Krispy Kreme will be selling Artemis II donuts until April 2, according to a news release.
The Original Glazed Donut is dipped in blue vanilla icing and sprinkled with Oreo Crunch and white nonpareils. The donut is finished with a dollop of Cookies & Cream-flavored buttercream and a red chevron reminiscent of the NASA logo.
Artemis II donuts are available for purchase in-store and for pickup and delivery through the Krispy Kreme website and mobile app.
Qdoba
To coincide with the next full moon on April 1, Qdoba will reward its members with a free signature 3-cheese queso chip or queso diablo chip with the purchase of an entree, according to a news release. Orders must be placed on Qdoba’s website or mobile app.
Starting April 1st, free queso will be available on the following full moon days: May 1st, May 31st, June 29th, July 29th, August 28th, September 26th, October 26th, November 24th, and December 23rd.
Other April Fools’ Day Food Sales
- marco’s pizza: Use code “GOTCHA” to receive a Pepperoni Magnifico Pizza for $12.99
- cheesecake factory: Customers can receive a free cheesecake when they download the new Cheesecake Factory Rewards app and log into their account. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: The chain will be offering select beers for $4, wine by the glass for $6, Bad Ass margaritas for $20 and mix-and-match beer buckets for $20 on April 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. local time. This sale is available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, South Carolina Eastern Time.
- taco john’s: On April 1, each guest can order crispy tacos at the restaurant for $1 all day long. Customers can take advantage of discounts in-store, at the drive-thru, and at kiosks. This offer can be redeemed once per guest and is limited to three (3) $1 tacos per order.
- Denny’s: The restaurant chain is offering free delivery on purchases of $5 or more, not including tax or tip, from April 1 to April 2.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com..
