Today is National Cheeseburger Day, and while you're out enjoying one of Texas' favorite meals, it's the perfect time to honor the public employees who make our communities safer and stronger. Whether it's a firefighter, teacher, police officer, or another first responder, there are simple ways to show appreciation. Plus, several Texas restaurants offer deals you can take advantage of if you're a public employee or treating one! Here's how to celebrate and make the most of the day.

1. Treat a Public Employee to a Free or Discounted Cheeseburger

If you’re dining out tonight and see a public employee—like a firefighter or police officer—surprise them with a cheeseburger! Many Texas restaurants have special offers for National Cheeseburger Day that make it easy to share the love:

• Whataburger: Our beloved orange-and-white beacon of burger delight is offering something extra special this year. If you’re a Whataburger fan (and really, who isn’t?), listen up: They’ve got a National Cheeseburger Day Sweepstakes going on. Order a Patty Melt, a Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger, or a classic Whataburger through their app or online, and you could win 52 coupons for free Whataburgers! Here’s where it gets even better—if you win, consider sharing those coupons with a public employee throughout the year. It’s a simple, meaningful way to make your win even more special by spreading the appreciation long after today’s celebration ends!

• Jack in the Box: Feeling jumbo? Jack’s got your back! Going big for National Cheeseburger Day, Jack’s got your back! They’re dropping a week of exclusive freebies from September 15 to 21. Whether you’re a brand-new Jack Pack member or a seasoned pro, you can snag awesome beefy deals and freebies every single day with any $1 purchase. Plus, today, you can grab a free Jumbo Jack cheeseburger when you spend a buck or more through their app or website. It’s the perfect way to treat a local public employee to a free meal while taking advantage of this week's deals!

• McDonald’s: Want to brighten a public employee’s day with some comfort food? McDonald’s has you covered! If you’re using their app, you can grab a double cheeseburger for just 50 cents today. It’s a perfect opportunity to treat a firefighter, police officer, or teacher you see while out and about. A simple gesture like handing them a hot, cheesy burger can make a huge difference in showing appreciation for all their hard work. So, snag this deal and share a little joy with a public servant who deserves it!

• Burger King: The royal treatment awaits! If you’re part of Burger King’s Royal Perks loyalty program, order through their app, spend at least a buck, and voilà—a free cheeseburger is yours. Crown not included, but you’ll feel like burger royalty! If you know a public employee, why not use this deal to surprise them with a free cheeseburger? It’s a simple way to show appreciation for their service, and it won’t cost you much!

• Smashburger: Public employees can enjoy a double classic cheeseburger for just $5 today. If you know someone who’s a teacher, police officer, or EMT, let them know they can grab a discounted burger here.

2. Say Thanks with a Cheeseburger

If you’re out and about and see a public employee—whether they’re in uniform or you happen to know them—why not treat them to dinner? Some restaurants offer public employee discounts year-round, but you can cover their meal tonight for National Cheeseburger Day. It’s a great way to show appreciation with minimal fuss. If you're at a participating restaurant, ask if there are any extra discounts for public servants!

3. Leave a Gift Card with a Thank You

Public employees often work behind the scenes; even those you don’t see in uniform deserve recognition. If you know someone who’s a teacher, city worker, or EMT, consider giving them a gift card to one of the many burger joints offering National Cheeseburger Day deals. Whether they’re in your family or part of your community, they'll love the opportunity to relax and enjoy a burger on you.

4. Cover Their Meal Anonymously

Another thoughtful option is to quietly pick up the tab for a public employee. If you spot a police officer, firefighter, or any other public employee dining near you, simply ask your server to add their meal to your bill. Restaurants like Red Robin and Applebee’s sometimes offer special discounts on National Cheeseburger Day, so your good deed could be even more affordable.

5. Share the Love on Social Media

Can’t make it out to dinner tonight? You can still show your appreciation by highlighting the public employees in your life on social media. Post about their hard work, and use hashtags like #CheeseburgersForHeroes and #ThankYouPublicEmployees to encourage others to join in on the celebration. Let them know about some of the special offers happening around Texas so they can grab a cheeseburger, too!

Today is the perfect day to enjoy a cheeseburger and celebrate Texas’ public employees who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and strong. Whether you treat them to a burger, buy a gift card, or simply offer a heartfelt “thank you,” your gesture will make a big impact. And don’t forget to take advantage of the awesome offers happening around Texas—after all, who doesn’t love a good deal with a side of gratitude?

#NationalCheeseburgerDay #TexasPublicEmployees #CheeseburgersForHeroes #ThankYouPublicEmployees #CheeseburgerDeals #WhataburgerSweepstakes #JumboJack #McDonaldsDeals #BurgerKingRoyalPerks

About the Author:

FOLLOW TEXPERS ON FACEBOOK, X (formally known as Twitter), THREADS, AND LINKEDIN FOR THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT TEXAS' PUBLIC PENSION INDUSTRY.