8 Retailers Celebrating National Coffee Day
By Aimee Harvey on Sep. 27, 2016CHICAGO -- Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day, and top quick-service chains from Dunkin’ Donuts to Krispy Kreme are pushing coffee freebies and specials. A number of convenience-store brands are also joining in on the celebration with coffee-centric discounts and deals.
Every month there seems to be a national “day” for retailers to be aware of for promotional purposes. But for convenience stores, National Coffee Day may be the one with the potential to draw the most attention. And there’s an opportunity to attract new customers with specials that not only introduce them to the coffee program, but the breakfast lineup, as well.
Here’s how eight c-stores are promoting National Coffee Day this year ...
1. Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J, the travel-plaza chain with headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn., is offering customers a free small cup of Pilot Coffee--or any hot drink of their choice, including tea and cappuccino--on National Coffee Day. Patrons can receive the deal by using a coupon available on Facebook.
2. Royal Farms
Baltimore, Md.-based Royal Farms is promoting a free cup of coffee on Sept. 29; customers can redeem the offer using Royal Farms’ mobile app
3. Sheetz
Sheetz, Altoona, Pa., is also giving away deals and freebies on National Coffee Day; the chain is promoting free cold-brew coffee for all My Sheetz Card customers.
4. Stewart's Shops
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Stewart's Shops is offering free coffee in any size or flavor, hot or iced, starting at noon on Sept. 29 and ending when stores close that day.
5. Swiss Farms
Swiss Farms, the drive-thru c-store chain with headquarters in Broomhall, Pa., rolled out new, freshly made breakfast sandwiches to debut on Sept. 29 for $2, instead of the regular price of $2.99. Additionally, customers can enjoy any size or style of the chain's premium hot roast for free, including Swiss Signature Roast, Swiss Sunrise Roast and Swiss Decaf. Coffee-flavored Basset ice cream also will be offered at a lower price on National Coffee Day.
6. Wawa
Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa is promoting any size or flavor of coffee for free all day on Sept. 29. Beyond this one-day promotion, Wawa is also marketing $1 coffee in any size, for a limited time.
7. Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms, Framingham, Mass., is celebrating National Coffee Day with free coffee, any size, hot or iced, for any customer with a mobile text coupon. And the chain plans to continue heavily promoting coffee well into October, with Free Coffee Fridays, starting on Oct. 7.
8. Love’s Travel Stops
To celebrate National Coffee Day, Oklahoma City-based Love’s Travel Stops will donate $1 for every 24-ounce coffee or cappuccino to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The promotion begins on National Coffee Day and runs through Sept. 30.