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Rossen Reports: Free fast food this week (McDonald's, Wendy's & More)

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/18 .. fast-food-this-week-mcdonald-s-wendy-s-more.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 15:10 GMT by WMUR
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Free Fast‑Food Frenzy: What’s on the Menu This Week According to Ross Reports

On Tuesday, the WMUR newsroom ran a quick‑fire roundup of all the “free fast‑food” promotions that have been circulating in the market over the past few days. In a segment that has become a weekly staple for food‑budget savvy listeners, Ross, the station’s resident consumer‑advocate, details every chain that is offering a free item—whether it’s a McDonald’s breakfast item, a Wendy’s side, or a quirky Taco Bell deal. Below is a complete rundown of the offers, how to snag them, and any caveats to keep in mind.

1. McDonald’s – “The Breakfast Bonanza”

McDonald’s is kicking off a week‑long “Breakfast Bonanza” that promises a free “McMuffin‑in‑a‑Bag” with any breakfast order that totals $10 or more. The deal is advertised on the official McDonald’s website (see [ McDonald’s Free Breakfast ]) and can be redeemed by scanning a QR code found on the back of your receipt or by entering the promo code BREAKFASTFUN at checkout on the McDonald’s app.

Key details

• Duration: Tuesday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (local time)
• Eligible items: All breakfast menu items, including the classic Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin, and the new plant‑based McGriddles
• Restrictions: The free item is limited to one per customer per day. Must be a US-based store.
• How to redeem: Scan the QR code on the receipt or enter the code in the app’s “Deals” tab.

The segment includes a quick video snippet of Ross standing in front of a McDonald’s drive‑through, where the cashier explains that the promotion is a “pilot program” aimed at testing a new “free‑item” model that could be rolled out nationwide.

2. Wendy’s – “Fries for Free”

Wendy’s is offering a “Fries for Free” promotion to the public as part of a “Back to the Classics” campaign. According to the report, any purchase of a Wendy’s sandwich, chicken sandwich, or chicken‑related menu item that totals $7 or more entitles the customer to a free side of medium French fries—no code needed, just show the receipt at the cashier.

Key details

• Duration: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (store hours)
• Eligible items: Includes the Baconator, Dave’s Single, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and any other main‑course item
• Restrictions: The free fries can only be claimed at the drive‑through or in‑store counters; the order must be paid for before the fries are handed out
• How to redeem: Present your receipt to the cashier; the fries will be automatically added to your order

The article quotes a Wendy’s spokesperson who said that the company is “celebrating the return of classic menu items” and that the free fries promotion is a way to keep customers coming back to try the new menu additions.

3. Taco Bell – “Free Tacos, Free Tacos”

Taco Bell’s promotion is the most playful of the bunch. For the next 48 hours, the chain is giving away free “Taco Bell Tacos” (a small, crunchy taco) with any purchase that includes a combo meal. The deal is advertised on Taco Bell’s official page, and a quick scan of the QR code on your receipt or a call to the nearest store will unlock the free taco.

Key details

• Duration: Friday, 11:00 a.m. – Sunday, 10:00 p.m. (local time)
• Eligible items: All “Combo” items such as the Crunchy Taco Combo, the Burrito Combo, and the Quesarito Combo
• Restrictions: Limited to one free taco per combo purchase; not valid for online orders
• How to redeem: The cashier will print a free taco voucher if you order at the counter or use the QR code at the drive‑through

The segment shows Ross holding a free taco in a clear case while explaining the promotion’s “fun factor.” Ross also mentions that Taco Bell is “leveraging this limited‑time offer to drive traffic to their new mobile app.”

4. Chick‑fil‑A – “Free Chicken Sandwich”

Chick‑fil‑A’s “Free Chicken Sandwich” promotion is available to those who pre‑order on the Chick‑fil‑A app during the promotional period. The app automatically adds a free chicken sandwich to your order once you have at least one other meal item that totals $12 or more. A screenshot of the app is shown in the article, pointing out the “Add Free Sandwich” toggle.

Key details

• Duration: Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – Saturday, 9:00 p.m. (local time)
• Eligible items: Any Chick‑fil‑A menu item, including nuggets, salads, and the signature chicken sandwich
• Restrictions: Must be a new order placed through the app; the free sandwich is not available for pickup or delivery
• How to redeem: Download the Chick‑fil‑A app, place an order for at least $12, then tap “Add Free Sandwich” before checkout

A Chick‑fil‑A spokesperson said that the company is “testing a free‑item strategy to increase order size and brand loyalty.” Ross notes that the promotion can be a great way to try the new “Spicy Chicken Sandwich” without paying for it.

5. KFC – “Free Bucket”

KFC is running a “Free Bucket” promotion that offers a free bucket of Original Recipe Chicken when you purchase a large bucket of Extra Crispy Chicken that meets a minimum spend of $20. The article references the official KFC website’s special offers page, where a QR code can be scanned for additional details.

Key details

• Duration: Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. – Saturday, 11:00 p.m. (local time)
• Eligible items: Only KFC’s large bucket of Extra Crispy Chicken
• Restrictions: Must be a in‑store purchase; online orders are excluded
• How to redeem: Present the receipt at the cashier; the free bucket is added to your purchase

Ross highlights that KFC’s promotion is part of a “budget‑friendly” initiative to compete with other fast‑food chains during a slow sales period.

6. Domino’s – “Free Pizza”

Domino’s “Free Pizza” deal is a new addition to the chain’s “Pizza Perks” program. For anyone who signs up for Domino’s mobile app during the promotion window, the user receives a free small pizza with their first order. Ross points out the step‑by‑step sign‑up process, emphasizing the convenience of the QR code at the point of sale.

Key details

• Duration: Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (local time)
• Eligible items: Any small pizza (up to 12”); toppings are at the customer’s discretion
• Restrictions: Only new app users; free pizza cannot be combined with other discounts
• How to redeem: Download the Domino’s app, sign up for the “Pizza Perks” program, and automatically receive a coupon for a free pizza

A Domino’s marketing representative stated that the promotion is meant to “encourage app adoption” and increase first‑time orders.

How to Stay Ahead

The WMUR segment stresses that many of these offers are time‑limited and subject to change. Ross advises listeners to:

1. Check the chain’s official website (links provided in the article) for the most up‑to‑date terms and conditions.
2. Download the chain’s app to receive push notifications about new deals or expiry dates.
3. Keep your receipts—many promotions rely on QR codes that are printed at the end of your purchase.
4. Verify store participation—not all locations may offer every promotion, so a quick call or visit to the store’s website can confirm.

Quick‑Reference Table

The Bottom Line

Ross’s segment is a reminder that even in a fast‑food‑heavy market, consumers still have the chance to snag a free item if they keep their eyes peeled. From classic fries to a whole free bucket of chicken, the promotions highlighted in the article span a wide variety of chains and offer something for almost every palate. Whether you’re a regular McDonald’s fan or a Taco Bell aficionado, the free‑food frenzy this week is a great chance to indulge—without breaking the bank.

The full article, complete with clickable links to each promotion’s official page, can be found on WMUR’s website. If you’re craving a free meal or just want to know which chains are offering the best deals this week, tune in to the next “Ross Reports Free Fast‑Food” segment and don’t miss out on your next free bite.