The government shutdown is soon entering its third week, having started on October 1, 2025. This shutdown has led to a complete stop for thousands of workers who were furloughed from their jobs, while some continue to work without pay until the new bill is passed. President Donald Trump hinted that some of those jobs may result in permanent layoffs as part of their cost-cutting effort.
Across the country, businesses have started stepping in to help. Restaurants are showing appreciation for federal employees with free meals, discounted tabs, and special community offers to ease their stress in these difficult times.
TGI Fridays is giving free meals to TSA and ATC workers
TGI Fridays started giving meals on October 9 to the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers. The deal will run through October 23 and will include one free meal per day. If the shutdown ends early, the offer may end before October 23.
TSA and ATC workers can choose any item from their four deals:
- Cheeseburger with fries
- Crispy chicken fingers with fries
- Crispy or grilled chicken sandwich with fries
- Chicken Caesar salad.
How can workers redeem this offer?
To redeem the offer, TSA and air traffic control workers must present a valid employee ID. The offer is valid at all Traditional TGI Fridays restaurants and also at airport locations, but it excludes Atlanta airport locations, which are running their own independent deals.
Atlanta International Airport deals
Atlanta International Airport started the program on October 11 to provide meal assistance to TSA workers who have been affected by the government shutdown.
Full-time TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will receive two meal vouchers during their shift, while part-time workers will receive one meal voucher.
In addition to the meal vouchers, employees are also given free parking during their shifts, another cost many employees would otherwise have to shoulder out of pocket.
Other restaurants offering deals to federal workers during the shutdown
TGI Fridays isn't the only one showing support for furloughed workers during the shutdown. Several other restaurants are also offering special deals to them:
The Thompson Restaurants offer 20% off
The Thompson Restaurants are offering 20% off to all government employees at all of their brands and more than 70 locations across the United States, both in-store and online.
The offer doesn't include alcohol and cannot be combined with other deals. The 20% discount applies to the entire check and table and is valid until the shutdown ends.
To redeem the offer, workers must show their government-issued ID card.
Ruby Sunshine offers a free entree to federal workers
Ruby Sunshine, also known as Brunch with Ruby, is a famous brunch restaurant with over 20 locations across six states. The restaurant shared on its Facebook page that it is inviting government workers affected by the shutdown to have a free meal.
The deal runs Monday through Friday at all locations, and workers need to show a federal ID to get a free entree valued up to $20.
The Jose Andres Group's free lunch deal
In Washington, D.C., the Jose Andres Group, founded by Chef Jose Andres, is offering free lunches to federal employees during the government shutdown.
The offer runs Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., across several of the group's restaurants: Jaleo, China Chilcano, Zaytinya, and Oyamel. Federal workers can show their government ID to receive a free lunch, choosing from items like sandwiches at Jaleo, donburi bowls at China Chilcano, durum or pita at Zaytinya, and tortas at Oyamel.
The group says it's their way of continuing to serve and support the D.C. community during difficult times.
Beyond national chains and well-known restaurants, many small cafes and diners have joined the movement by offering free coffee, sandwiches, or "shutdown specials" to federal workers.
All around D.C. and Virginia, some local restaurants are offering free dessert with a drink, and others are offering generous discounts off the bill for anyone with a government ID. Some bars are also offering extended happy hours until the shutdown ends.
These offers won't solve the financial strain caused by the shutdown, but they may provide some relief to workers in these difficult times.
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