Fall officially lands on Monday, September 22, 2005—cue the hoodies, football weekends, and pumpkin spice overload. But before you drown in lattes, Wendy’s wants to heat things up with something heartier: free chili. To celebrate the official start of autumn, the fast-food giant is giving away a free small chili with any $5 purchase made through the Wendy’s app. Consider it a taste of fall comfort, at the most comfortable price.
How To Score Free Chili At Wendy’s
Here’s how it works: On the first day of fall, open the Wendy’s app (or download it if it’s not already on your smartphone), order at least $5 worth of food, and you’ll unlock a free chili at checkout. That’s it—no coupon clipping or secret password required. The offer runs all day but don’t wait until the last whistle of Monday Night Football, because once locations run out, so does your chance at a free cup of hearty beef-and-bean goodness.
Is Wendy’s Chili Worth the Buzz?
While the Baconator and Frosty get most of the attention, chili has been been a mainstay on Wendy’s menu since the late ’70’s. It’s hearty, protein-rich, and clocks in at around 240 calories for a small. Think of it as fast food’s answer to a cozy, warm, autumn staple, that always seems to taste better when the temperature drops. Pair it with fries, a baked potato, or just by itself while watching the game.
By giving it away, Wendy’s is reminding people that it’s not just another burger-and-fries chain. Free chili is a flex—a delicious and nostalgic one.
What’s Next at Wendy’s?
Wendy’s is stacking up extra fall promos for app users: free delivery on Saturdays through September as well as a buy-one-get-one free Junior Bacon Cheeseburger on weekends via DoorDash. Basically, if you were looking for an excuse to treat yourself and lean into comfort food season, Wendy’s has a trifecta of them.
The Take-Away
For a hearty, and free, way to make the change of season, check out the Wendy’s app on Monday, September 25, 2025. Simply order $5 worth of food and score your free small chili while it lasts. Consider it an edible “welcome” card to fall from Wendy’s.
Between the chili, the BOGO burger deal, and waived delivery fees, Wendy’s is making September feel less like back-to-school and more like back-to-comfort food—and a free cup of chili may be the best part.
