New Year's Eve Free Appetizer Deals at Chain Restaurants
Join chain rewards before Dec. 31 to unlock free appetizers, with purchase minimums and location limits explained.
You can get free appetizers for New Year's Eve at chain restaurants through rewards memberships at Applebee's, TGI Fridays and Chili's. A rewards membership is a restaurant signup program that offers food perks after you join and meet a purchase rule. These perks can lower a Dec.
31 bill if you join early and meet the terms. Each deal requires membership, a minimum or entrée purchase, and a participating location.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.
Applebee's Welcome Appetizer
Club Applebee's offers new members a free appetizer welcome gift for a later order. Applebee's Club page notes the gift is for first-time subscribers with a $15 minimum purchase, according to Club Applebee's signup terms. Sign up before New Year's Eve so the offer is ready to use.
Check that your nearby restaurant takes part and note any menu exclusions.
TGI Fridays Rewards for New and Returning Members
TGI Fridays Rewards gives new members a free appetizer with an entrée purchase after joining through the app or website. Members can also get free chips and salsa or $3 off an appetizer on each dine-in visit, and 75 points can be redeemed for a free appetizer, as listed in the TGI Fridays FAQ. That structure suits a Dec.
31 dinner with an entrée. Join in advance and track points so the reward is active before you order.
Chili's Every-Visit Chips and Salsa
My Chili's Rewards includes free chips and salsa on every visit plus a free birthday dessert. The program requires at least $5 in food or beverage spending at participating locations, under the Chili's registration terms. This perk does not require a new-member window.
It works as a shared starter before a holiday entrée if your location honors rewards on Dec. 31.
How to Use These Perks on Dec. 31
Join rewards programs before New Year's Eve rather than at the door. Holiday hours, crowds, and reward blackouts can affect redemption. Confirm local holiday hours and any reward blackouts before visiting, a step noted in program materials such as the TGI Fridays FAQ.
- Join Applebee's, TGI Fridays, or Chili's rewards early
- Confirm Dec. 31 hours and reward acceptance with your location
- Bring the app or account needed to redeem
- Plan for the required entrée or minimum purchase