May deals: Where to get free food and other discounts this month

Moms, teachers, nurses and military, May is your month.

Restaurants and businesses have special deals and freebies for Mother’s Day, National Teacher Appreciation Day, National Nurses Week and Memorial Day.

There’s also plenty of savings for the rest of us with Cinco de Mayo at the start of the month and National Burger Day May 28.

Here are some of the big days for free food and discounts along with ongoing specials, available at participating locations. To be on the safe side, always check with your closest location before heading out. Also, some will require you to have a restaurant’s app or be signed up for emails.

Applebee’s: May is Military Appreciation Month and participating Applebee’s restaurants are offering active, retired military servicemembers and their families to dine and receive 10% off their bill.

Chili’s: The $5 Margarita for May is the “Tequila Trifecta,” which is made with Cuervo Gold Tequila, 1800 Reposado Tequila, Sauza Blue Silver Tequila, Triple Sec and fresh sour.

Chipotle: Through June 23, sign up for the chain’s new nationwide loyalty programChipotle Rewards and make a $5 or more purchase to get free chips and guac. Sign up at www.chipotle.com/rewards or on the Chipotle app.

The Greene Turtle: Through June 2, get Endless Tacos in buffalo or grilled chicken for $9.99.

Hardee’s: For a limited time, the Hardee’s Original Roast Beef sandwich is available as a two for $5 regular size value meal at participating locations.

Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries: Through June 30, get a four-inch cheesesteak with fries or tots and a drink for $6.99.

Olive Garden: Through May 27, the chain has four “Giant Italian Classics” including a Giant Chicken Parmigiana and the Giant Meatball, which weighs about 12 ounces. Giant Italian Classics are served with unlimited breadsticks, homemade soup or salad with prices starting at $12.99.

Taco Bell: Through May 11, get one free small Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero Sugar with any online or app purchase. Or through May 11, get a free grilled breakfast burrito with any online or app purchase. And through June 9 at 2:59 ET, get 15% off one Party Pack.

Wayback Burgers: The chain is celebrating National Hamburger Month with a month of surprise deals for customers who have the Wayback app. Offers vary and include discounts, double or triple points or a free side or drink. Download the app at www.waybackburgers.com/rewards. Then all customers get a signature burger for $3 on May 28, which is National Burger Day.