With the ongoing government shutdown, several food chains are stepping up to support federal employees, especially those working at airports who are not receiving pay. Many restaurants are offering free meals or discounts to show appreciation for these workers during this difficult time.
TGI Fridays
Starting October 9 and running through October 23, TGI Fridays is offering one free meal per day to TSA and air traffic control workers at more than 80 U.S. locations.
The deal is valid at all participating U.S. TGI Fridays locations — including airport restaurants — with the exception of Atlanta airport locations, which are running a separate promotion for employees. TGI Friday’s is offering several choices for the free meals, including the following options:
Cheeseburger with fries
Chicken fingers with fries
Crispy or grilled chicken sandwich with fries
Chicken Caesar salad
For workers to redeem this offer, all they need to do is show a valid employee ID to take advantage of the offer.
&pizza
Through October 12, the popular pizza chain is offering any government worker 30% off their in-store bill by showing their official government-issued ID.
As of March 2025, &pizza chain has 45 company-owned locations in the Mid-Atlantic region, primarily in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
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The chain is quite popular for their model that’s similar to Chipotle where customers can build their own pizza from scratch. You choose the dough, sauce, cheese, toppings, and finishes — all made fresh and cooked in minutes in a high-heat oven.
Hard Rock Cafe (Washington, D.C. only)
At the D.C Hard Rock Cafe location only, government workers who show a valid ID will be able to take advantage of the following offers:
All-day happy hour pricing in the bar and lounge: $3 domestic drafts; $6 wines; $6 well liquor drinks; $8 Nachos, Tupelo Dippers, Jumbo Pretzel, Loaded Cheese Fries; $10 Chicken Sliders, Wings, Pepperoni Flatbread
$12 lunch specials from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. while dining in: $12 choice of entrée (Classic Smash Burger, Margherita Flatbread or Pepperoni Flatbread) with fries or side salad and fountain drink.
Ruby Slipper
The popular brunch spot Ruby Slipper (also known as Ruby Sunshine) is giving laid-off government employees a free meal worth up to $20 at all locations. To receive the offer, customers just need to show a valid government ID.
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Known for their indulgent brunch favorites, Ruby Slipper serves up everything from Bananas Foster French Toast and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes to savory staples like Avocado Toast and hearty omelets.
Keep in mind this offer is only valid from Oct. 13 through 31.
