Once you become 21, you’ve pretty much run through all of the major milestone ages that come with fresh privileges … for a few decades, at least.
But once you get into your 50s and 60s, you have a few more milestone birthdays (55, 60, and 65) that deliver fresh perks: senior discounts.
Senior discounts exist across a variety of businesses, but it’s hard to think of a more regularly useful source of price relief than discounts on food. And that’s what I’ll focus on today.
Read on as I outline a number of food-related senior discounts across two types of business: restaurants and grocery stores. For the most part, these are either national or “super-regional” chains, meaning you likely patronize at least a few of these businesses.
Restaurants With Senior Discounts
You’ve probably heard “have you signed up for our rewards program?” five times this week alone. Nowadays, the most ubiquitous method of saving is to join a rewards program and download yet another app.
At the same time, simply showing an ID card to receive a senior discount is a lot less common than it used to be.
Less common … but not extinct.
Some restaurants still offer senior discounts. Today, I’ll show you a few of those—most of which use a blanket discount across the menu, though one has a special prix fixe menu for seniors.
1. Chili’s
If you’re a fan of Chili’s Grill & Bar’s American and Tex-Mex cuisine, you’re not alone—the popular casual dining chain has more than 1,600 locations, including roughly 450 outside of the U.S.!
You’ll also be happy to hear that there are ways to lower your Chili’s bill.
In addition to kids eating free (with the purchase of an adult entrée) and free meals for veterans and active-duty members on Veteran’s Day, Chili’s offers a 10% senior discount to people age 55 and older.
You’ll want to double-check that the discount is available at your preferred location, as terms may vary. If your location does offer the discount, all you need to do to receive it is mention your age to the server. That Mango Chile Chicken won’t just be delicious—it’ll be a little cheaper, too.
Related: How Long Will My Savings Last in Retirement? 4 Withdrawal Strategies
2. El Pollo Loco
Are you crazy about El Pollo Loco? You may be in “cluck.”
El Pollo Loco actually spans three separate entities: a Mexican group, a Philippines group, and a publicly traded U.S. operation that spans 495 restaurants (mostly in the Southwest).
If you’re at least 60 years old, you qualify for a 10% senior discount (with a maximum savings of $1) at participating U.S. locations. It’s by no means a substantial discount, but savings are savings.
It’s also worth noting that El Pollo Loco also offers a 15% (max savings: $1.50) for military personnel, federal law enforcement agents, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
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3. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen, or just “DQ” if you’re pressed for time, offers a 10% senior discount to anyone who is 55 years of age or older.
But you’ll want to do your homework before ordering your Blizzard.
Dairy Queen boasts more than 7,000 locations across the U.S., Canada, and 19 other countries. So chances are, there’s a location near you. However, the majority of U.S. locations are independently owned and operated franchises, which means those locations don’t necessarily have to offer the discount. In other words, you’ll want to call ahead or ask at the store to see if they’ll honor the discount.
Related: What to Do With Your 401(k) When You Retire
4. Golden Corral
If you have a large appetite, or you just love having a wide selection, you probably gravitate toward buffets. And because Ponderosa’s reach has dwindled to just about 20 locations, your best bet is likely Golden Corral.
Golden Corral has roughly 400 locations across 43 states and Puerto Rico, and virtually all of them offer a senior “early bird” special on the buffet to seniors age 60 and older.
That said, you’ll still want to call ahead, as early bird times vary by location.
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5. Denny’s
Grand Slam-slinging Denny’s has more than 1,560 restaurants, most of which are in the U.S., though it has roughly 140 international locations. For the uninitiated, this diner-style chain serves traditional American food and is best known for its strong breakfast offerings and 24/7 operations.
That means no matter what time it is, seniors can save.
Adults can use an AARP membership to get 15% off of their checks. To get the AARP discount, you simply show your membership card with your check. If you’re getting a to-go order, you can give your membership number over the phone. Your 15% off is unlimited though—the maximum discount is $10.
6. Perry’s Steakhouse
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill is an upscale steakhouse and grill with humble roots. The Perry family opened a buncher shop in 1979, and a few years later, they added a few dining tables to the store. In 1993, Chris Perry founded Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, which today has 22 locations in eight states.
Perry’s isn’t expansive as the other restaurants on this list, but it does offer a stellar value-priced menu for seniors age 65 and older. It’s a $39 prix fixe three-course menu with six choices per course, beginning with soup or salad, a main course, and dessert.
7. Papa Johns
Pizza is a crowd pleaser, no matter your age! And if you’re an AARP member, you can get “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” for a little less at Papa John’s.
Papa John’s pumps out some 350 million pizzas every year at its 6,000-plus locations, so there’s almost certainly a location somewhere near you. And if you’re an AARP member, you can get 25% off any regular-menu-price order.
Just don’t plan on just flashing your membership card at a register. You’ll need to redeem your discount online, then either pick it up or have it delivered.
Grocery Stores With Senior Discounts
Preparing a home-cooked meal is typically more cost-efficient than going out to eat, but rising grocery prices make cooking at home feel just as expensive.
Thankfully, a few grocers help seniors save money on groceries. Let’s check out some major grocery chains that currently offer senior discounts.
8. Fred Meyer
At a time when it was common to visit different stores for produce, meat, and other items, Fred Meyer opened with the idea of being a one-stop shop. This Kroger subsidiary spans more than 130 grocery stores spread across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
True to its one-stop-shop mission, in addition to groceries, customers can also get household goods or visit the pharmacy for vaccinations or prescriptions.
Fred Meyer’s senior discount, which is available to adults age 55 and older, is available on the first Tuesday of every month. The 10% discount applies to select items, including:
- Private-brand groceries and nutrition
- Apparel, shoes, and accessories
- “Home” items, such as
- Toys
- Sporting goods
- Auto
- Garden
- Most electronics (excludes game consoles by Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox)
Do you want to get serious about saving and planning for retirement? Sign up for Retire With Riley, Young and the Invested’s free retirement planning newsletter.
9. Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee, which has more than 280 locations spread across the Midwest, promises it customers “a helpful smile in every aisle.”
Smiles are great, but seniors are probably more interested in getting a discount.
Most Hy-Vee locations do offer a discount to older adults, but it’s extremely variable—the minimum age of eligibility, timing of discount availability, and discount amounts all vary by location.
In researching for this story, I’ve seen age minimums as low as 55 and as high as 65. The discount usually is available one or two days per week, but the days aren’t the same. And while a 5% discount is the most common, some stores reduce prices by a little more or a little less.
In other words: Check with your nearest Hy-Vee for details.
Related: 10 Best Trader Joe’s Shopping Tips
10. Piggly Wiggly
Do you love to “shop the pig”? Piggly Wiggly, which was founded in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, touts itself as being America’s first self-serve grocery store. Today, it boasts more than 500 stores across 18 states, predominantly in smaller cities and towns in the South and Midwest.
If you live in a small town with few grocery options, it can be really difficult to get good prices. Fortunately, some Piggly Wiggly locations help by offering a senior discount.
Stores are independently owned, so availability varies wildly. Some stores don’t have the discount—and those that do offer different amounts (5% is typical), timing (usually once a week, but the day varies), and minimum age (60 is the most common I’ve found).
Related: Feeling Thrifty? How to Save Money at Thrift Stores
