Free Appetizer Rewards: Which Chains Offer Them in Winter
Join free dining rewards before a winter visit to redeem welcome appetizers and birthday treats.
TGI Fridays, Chili's, Applebee's and Outback Steakhouse offer free appetizer rewards that can be used in winter. Texas Roadhouse offers a welcome gift by email that varies by location. These are year-round loyalty benefits, not winter-only promotions.
Joining is free, but each program limits redemption to participating locations with purchase, dine-in and expiration rules.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Which chains include a free appetizer?
TGI Fridays Rewards members get a free appetizer when they join, redeemable with the purchase of an entrée. According to TGI Fridays, joining the program is free TGI Fridays FAQ. Club Applebee's members receive a free appetizer as a welcome gift after signing up.
They also receive a free birthday dessert treat for their birthday. Outback Steakhouse Dine Rewards members get a free Bloomin' Onion up to $13.49 on their next visit. According to Outback, the reward is issued within 24-48 hours of registration and expires 90 days after issue Outback Rewards details.
What do chips-and-salsa visits include?
Chili's My Chili's Rewards members receive free chips and salsa on every visit with a minimum $5 food-or-beverage purchase. According to Chili's, members also receive a free birthday dessert that expires 10 days after issue Chili's Rewards page. TGI Fridays members receive free chips and salsa or $3 off an appetizer every time they dine in.
They also receive a special birthday treat during their birthday month. Texas Roadhouse VIP Club members receive a special welcome gift within 48 hours of joining. Birthday and anniversary offers arrive by email and are tied to the selected location.
How do points turn into food?
TGI Fridays members earn points on every dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for 75 points for a free appetizer and 150 points for a free entrée. Outback Dine Rewards members earn 5 points for every qualified dollar on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Eligible purchases include Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's, with 350 points converting to a $5 reward valid 90 days. These point rewards stack on top of welcome and birthday benefits. A new member can therefore redeem an introductory appetizer first, then earn toward later discounts.
What limits control winter redemption?
All of these appetizer rewards require free program enrollment. Redemption is restricted to participating locations, with minimum purchases, dine-in conditions and expiration dates controlling use. December-February birthdays can time sign-up before a winter visit.
Travelers can also join before a trip and redeem the welcome or birthday appetizer during winter.
- Join the free program before the visit
- Check that the location participates
- Bring the required entrée or minimum purchase
- Use welcome, birthday and points rewards before they expire
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to get these appetizer rewards?
No. Each program requires free enrollment, plus conditions such as participating locations, minimum purchases and expiration dates.
Can I use a welcome or birthday appetizer in winter?
Yes. These are year-round loyalty benefits, so joining before a December-February visit or birthday allows winter redemption.