Chipotle extends its National Burrito Day free queso deal through Friday, plus where to get free delivery

Updated: Chipotle has extended its National Burrito Day promotion through Friday, April 3.

Dining rooms across the country are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic but one of the year’s most popular food days is still going on.

Thursday is National Burrito Day and while Mexican food chains didn't exactly go the whole enchilada, the day hasn’t been canceled.

One of the biggest deals is a chance for healthcare workers to score a free burrito from Chipotle Mexican Grill. The rest of us can get free Chipotle Queso Blanco added to an entree on digital orders placed Thursday.

But due to the popularity of Chipotle's free queso promotion, it has been extended through Friday, Tressie Lieberman, Chipotle vice president of digital and off-premise, told USA TODAY in a statement.

The made-up food holiday, held annually on the first Thursday of April, usually has a long list of savings. Because of COVID-19, there are fewer specials with the exception of free delivery, now commonplace at restaurants nationwide.

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National Burrito Day deals, freebies

Here are the deals available at participating locations Thursday unless otherwise noted. To be on the safe side, check with your closest location before heading out as some locations will be closed because of COVID-19. Also, some offers will require you to have a restaurant's app or be signed up for emails.

Baja Fresh: Buy a burrito, get one free Thursday with online code SOCIALBOGO or with a coupon posted on social media.

California Tortilla: Get free delivery at participating and open locations on online orders $25 or more through April 30.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: The fast-casual chain has a couple deals. It is adding free Queso Blanco to online orders Thursday and Friday and extending free delivery on orders $10 or more through April 30.

Del Taco: Get a free Chicken Crunch Burrito Thursday with any purchase made through the Del Taco app for drive-thru, takeout or delivery. Plus, learn about Del Taco's delivery deals at www.deltaco.com/deliverydeals.

El Pollo Loco: Buy a burrito and get a second burrito free Thursday with a coupon or by using a Loco Rewards code within the El Pollo Loco mobile app.

Moe’s Southwest Grill: Get free delivery on orders $10 or more for a limited time. The chain also said in an email Thursday that "National Burrito Day will be celebrated when we can be together."

QDOBA Mexican Eats: To celebrate National Burrito Day, QDOBA is offering rewards members triple points Thursday with the order of any entrée placed in-person for takeout or on the restaurant's website or app. Sign up for the free program at www.qdoba.com/rewards.

Rubio's Coastal Grill: Get a $5 burrito Thursday with purchase of a drink and a coupon. For online orders use promo code MKTG906. The restaurant is also offering free delivery.

Taco Bell: For a limited time, get free delivery on orders $12 or more through Grubhub. Learn more at www.tacobell.com/delivery.

Tijuana Flats: Get a burrito or bowl, chips and a drink for $5.99 Thursday on to-go, curbside pickup or delivery orders. The fast-casual chain also launched Tijuana Flats Rewards Thursday: New members will get a free Tijuana Trio upon joining and begin earning points for every order made at the restaurant, online, or in the app. Through April 30, the restaurant has free delivery on orders $25 or more.

More deals: Some local restaurants and smaller chains also will celebrate National Burrito Day with specials and free delivery because of COVID-19. Check social media accounts to find additional offers.

Free burritos for healthcare workers

Chipotle is sending free burrito boxes to healthcare facilities to thank "healthcare heroes" during World Health Worker Week, which is April 6-10. For a chance to get 25 free burritos delivered through DoorDash to their office or hospital, healthcare workers can register through Thursday at chip.tl/healthcareheroes.

"We want to express our extreme gratitude by fueling the frontline workers at healthcare facilities across the country with real food," said Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief marketing officer, in a news release. "It is our goal to bring joy and provide a little something extra for both the medical staff and our everyday guests."

Other companies also are giving healthcare workers freebies. Through May 3, Starbucks is serving up free coffee for first responders and healthcare workers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Burrito Day 2020: Free food, delivery, deals from Chipotle and more

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