Applebee's Nurses Week 2026: Free Appetizer Deal Details
- Applebee's 2026 Nurses Week plans have not been announced yet, but it typically offers nurses a free appetizer during Nurses Week
- The deal runs at participating Flynn Group franchise locations, not all Applebee's restaurants
- Nurses need a valid work ID to redeem the offer, and dine-in is required
Applebee's has offered nurses a free appetizer during Nurses Week every year since 2020, making it one of the most popular dining deals of the week. The catch: the deal is run by Flynn Group franchise locations, not Applebee's corporate, so not every restaurant participates. Here is everything you need to know about the deal, which locations offer it, and how to claim it.
What Does Applebee's Offer Nurses During Nurses Week?
Applebee's hasn't confirmed their 2026 plans yet, but last year, participating Applebee's locations offered nurses and teachers a free appetizer (valued up to $12) with the purchase of an adult entree. The deal ran from April 28 through May 10, 2025, covering both Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week.
The offer was dine-in only and required a valid work ID or badge. No coupon or app download was needed.
Why the Applebee's Nurses Week Deal Is Not at Every Location
The Applebee's Nurses Week promotion is not a corporate-wide program. It is organized and funded by Flynn Group, the largest Applebee's franchise operator in the United States. Flynn Group operates roughly 450 Applebee's restaurants across 24 states. But if your local Applebee's is not a Flynn Group location, it may not participate in the deal. Other franchise groups and corporate-owned stores set their own promotions independently.
How to Redeem the Applebee's Nurses Week Deal
Based on prior years, here is how to claim the free appetizer:
- Visit a participating Applebee's location during the promotion window (typically late April through May 10)
- Dine in. The deal is not available for takeout, delivery, or online orders.
- Order an adult entree at regular price
- Show your valid nurse work ID or hospital badge to your server
- Choose any appetizer valued at $12 or less
No app download, coupon code, or advance registration has been required in past years. The offer typically applies to one appetizer per nurse, per visit.
Applebee's Nurses Week Deal History: 2020 to 2025
The promotion has run every year since 2020. Here is a look at the deal's track record:
| Year | Offer | Eligible Groups | Dates |
| 2025 | Free appetizer (up to $12) with entree | Nurses and teachers | Apr 28 - May 10 |
| 2024 | Free appetizer (up to $12) with entree | Nurses and teachers | Late Apr - May 10 |
| 2023 | Free appetizer with entree | Nurses and teachers | Late Apr - May |
| 2022 | Free appetizer with entree | Nurses and teachers | Late Apr - May |
| 2021 | Free appetizer with entree | Nurses and teachers | Late Apr - May |
| 2020 | Free appetizer with entree | Nurses and teachers | Late Apr - May |
What About the Applebee's Nurses Week 2026 Deal?
As of April 2026, Applebee's and Flynn Group have not yet announced their Nurses Week 2026 plans. Based on the promotion's consistent six-year run, there is a strong likelihood the deal will return in a similar format.
The Applebee's deal has historically started in late April to overlap with Teacher Appreciation Week.
We will update this page as soon as the 2026 offer is confirmed. Check back in mid-to-late April for the latest details.
More Nurses Week Deals and Discounts
Applebee's is just one of dozens of brands offering deals during Nurses Week 2026. If you want to maximize your free food haul, several other restaurants run similar promotions.
Dunkin' typically offers a free medium coffee on National Nurses Day (May 6), no purchase required. Chipotle has run buy-one-get-one deals for healthcare workers in recent years. Chick-fil-A has also offered freebies at participating locations.
Check out our full article with all the Nurses Week 2026 deals and discounts! And if you are looking for Nurses Week appreciation ideas for your unit or team, we have that covered, too.
