It is just potatoes and some seasonings, but people are passionate about their fries. Going so far as to declare them the best food in the world. For some, it is a comfort food, for some, a little on the side of their burger does the trick- but no one can deny the charm of this easy, no-mess snack. So to all the fries enthusiasts-
Happy National French Fry Day!
The day, celebrated each year on the second Friday of July, offers not only the opportunity to indulge in the snack without feeling guilty, but also comes with great offers, given by fast food giants. But before we get to the surprising deals, have you ever wondered why French fries are called that, and what is the story of their origins?
Origins of French Fries
Despite its name, the French fries are not actually from France. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late 1600s. As per one Belgian legend, the villagers of Namur in Francophone Belgium lived in dilapidated conditions. For their food, they used to rely on fish, which they caught from the nearby river.
However, during the winter months in 1680, the river froze, which made fishing an impossible task, and thus they had to resort to finding alternatives to sustain themselves. This is where the potatoes and other vegetables came in. The villagers sliced and fried them just like the way they prepared fish.
It is often quoted that the dish spread to the West when American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I tried it. And this is how the snack also got its misleading name, which should technically be Francophone fries instead of French fries.
Today, the snack has spread far and wide, and you can probably find its fans everywhere.
The Americans are mad about their fries
As per 2023 data by the US Department of Agriculture, the majority of potatoes in the United States are now sold in processed forms. The sharp rise in the use of potatoes in processed forms is heavily due to the introduction of French fries as a key side dish in quick-service restaurants.
Deals, surprises, and more
Arby’s
Through Aug. 10, Arby's is giving a free order of fries for customers who buy a cheesesteak. However, the freebie is valid for seven days.
Burger King
Customers can get any size fries for free if they spend at least $1 as a Royal Perks rewards member today. Further, customers who use DoorDash and are DashPass members will have access to a BOGO deal on Burger King’s chicken fries that same day.
Carl's Jr.
Rewards members can order any size natural-cut or waffle fries for free if they purchase any other menu items via their app or even in person.
Fatburger
Up until July 13, customers who order any burger or sandwich from Fatburger online can receive either a free order of Fat or Skinny Fries by using the code FryDay25.
Hardee's
Hardee’s rewards members can earn a Fry Pass by making a purchase of at least $5 on Friday, July 11. This pass can be redeemed anytime for a year.
Jack in the Box
Jack Pack rewards members can get free fries by buying online, in-app, or in-person orders on Friday, July 11.
McDonald's
The national holiday lines up perfectly with McDonald's ongoing deal, where customers can snag a free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more through the McDonald's app every Friday until December 26. To mark the special occasion, McDonald's is also offering an extra free medium fries with a $1 minimum purchase in the app, available through Sunday, July 13.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack customers can score fries for free with the promo code FREEFRY in the Shack app, online or at a Shack kiosk. Offer valid only today.
Sonic
For any purchase made through the Sonic app, customers can get free medium fries or tots.
Wendy's
Wendy’s is also giving away free Hot & Crispy Fries with any purchase, as well as the remaining Fridays in 2025. However, to access the deal, customers must do so in the Wendy's app or on the website.
Happy National French Fry Day!
The day, celebrated each year on the second Friday of July, offers not only the opportunity to indulge in the snack without feeling guilty, but also comes with great offers, given by fast food giants. But before we get to the surprising deals, have you ever wondered why French fries are called that, and what is the story of their origins?
Origins of French Fries
Despite its name, the French fries are not actually from France. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late 1600s. As per one Belgian legend, the villagers of Namur in Francophone Belgium lived in dilapidated conditions. For their food, they used to rely on fish, which they caught from the nearby river.
However, during the winter months in 1680, the river froze, which made fishing an impossible task, and thus they had to resort to finding alternatives to sustain themselves. This is where the potatoes and other vegetables came in. The villagers sliced and fried them just like the way they prepared fish.
It is often quoted that the dish spread to the West when American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I tried it. And this is how the snack also got its misleading name, which should technically be Francophone fries instead of French fries.
Today, the snack has spread far and wide, and you can probably find its fans everywhere.
The Americans are mad about their fries
As per 2023 data by the US Department of Agriculture, the majority of potatoes in the United States are now sold in processed forms. The sharp rise in the use of potatoes in processed forms is heavily due to the introduction of French fries as a key side dish in quick-service restaurants.
Deals, surprises, and more
Arby’s
Through Aug. 10, Arby's is giving a free order of fries for customers who buy a cheesesteak. However, the freebie is valid for seven days.
Burger King
Customers can get any size fries for free if they spend at least $1 as a Royal Perks rewards member today. Further, customers who use DoorDash and are DashPass members will have access to a BOGO deal on Burger King’s chicken fries that same day.
Carl's Jr.
Rewards members can order any size natural-cut or waffle fries for free if they purchase any other menu items via their app or even in person.
Fatburger
Up until July 13, customers who order any burger or sandwich from Fatburger online can receive either a free order of Fat or Skinny Fries by using the code FryDay25.
Hardee's
Hardee’s rewards members can earn a Fry Pass by making a purchase of at least $5 on Friday, July 11. This pass can be redeemed anytime for a year.
Jack in the Box
Jack Pack rewards members can get free fries by buying online, in-app, or in-person orders on Friday, July 11.
McDonald's
The national holiday lines up perfectly with McDonald's ongoing deal, where customers can snag a free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more through the McDonald's app every Friday until December 26. To mark the special occasion, McDonald's is also offering an extra free medium fries with a $1 minimum purchase in the app, available through Sunday, July 13.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack customers can score fries for free with the promo code FREEFRY in the Shack app, online or at a Shack kiosk. Offer valid only today.
Sonic
For any purchase made through the Sonic app, customers can get free medium fries or tots.
Wendy's
Wendy’s is also giving away free Hot & Crispy Fries with any purchase, as well as the remaining Fridays in 2025. However, to access the deal, customers must do so in the Wendy's app or on the website.
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