Democrats and Republicans still haven’t found a compromise
Eight days into the government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans appear no closer to a deal.
As the government shutdown continues, some restaurants are giving federal workers breaks when eating out.
The shutdown, which began on October 1 and is now in its second week, has furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and halted their work, although some continued to work without pay.
President Donald Trump has threatened that some furloughs could lead to permanent layoffs in the wake of the government shutdown, with his administration announcing on October 10 that “substantial” layoffs and “reductions” have begun in some federal departments.
As in previous years, some restaurants and other businesses have announced sales and benefits for government workers during the shutdown. That includes TGI Fridays. The restaurant chain is offering free meals to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control employees every day until Oct. 23.
“TSA and air traffic control employees keep this country running, and we wanted to do our part to support them. Whether they’re eating somewhere at the airport during their shift or sitting in their neighborhood on Friday after a long day, we want them to know that we appreciate them and are here for them,” TGI Fridays CEO Ray Blanchett said in a news release.
In Washington, D.C., “bars and businesses offering discounted drinks and free admission to furloughed federal workers have become a tradition,” writes Fritz Hahn of the Washington Post, summarizing deals at several museums and restaurants.
Here are some deals for federal employees, some of which extend beyond the nation’s capital.
How to get TGI Friday’s Government Shutdown Agreement
TSA and air traffic control personnel will receive one free meal each day from the restaurant chain’s special menu, which includes a cheeseburger and fries, chicken fingers and fries, crispy or grilled chicken sandwich and fries, or chicken Caesar salad. We offer benefits at more than 80 locations in the U.S., including airports, excluding Atlanta Airport, which has an independent contract for TSA employees. (Eligible employees must present a valid employee ID to get the deal.)
Further closure arrangements for government employees
- &pizza: The Washington, DC-based &pizza chain is offering federal employees 30% off orders through Sunday, October 12th. To take advantage of this deal, you must present your federal or military identification in-store.
- Compass coffee: During the government shutdown, federal employees can present their ID when ordering a drink at a chain established in Washington, D.C., and receive a free pastry.
- Hard Rock Cafe: Our Washington, DC location is offering special benefits to government employees during the closure. This includes all-day happy hour specials with $3 domestic beers, $6 single well liqueurs and $5 select wines, as well as meals starting at $8 and entrees for $12. Please present your government ID to get the deal. Available in bar and lounge only.
- Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine: The New Orleans-founded chain will give furloughed government workers a free entree (valued at up to $20) from Monday, Oct. 13 to Oct. 31, at all 26 of its Southern U.S. locations. To sign up, you must present a valid government ID.
- Thompson’s restaurants: All government employees can receive 20% when they eat at restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., including Matchbox, Milk & Honey, Makers Union, and Hen Quarter. To seal the deal (which is fine as long as the closure is in effect), all you have to do is show your government ID. (This deal applies to the check and the entire table. Alcohol is excluded.)
- USAA: The bank has a program in place that provides interest-free loans equal to furloughed employees’ net wages (between $500 and $6,000).
Contributor: Joey Garrison
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: blythe & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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