No tricks, just treats: Five chains looking to impress on Halloween

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and chains are using the holiday to draw crowds with costume rewards, free doughnuts, and cut-rate pizza. Five offers stand out to retail sector watchers for value, simplicity, or sheer novelty.

Chipotle CMG leads the field with the return of Boorito, a promotion that has run for more than 25 years. Chipotle Rewards members who arrive in costume from 3 p.m. to close on October 31 can get a $6 entrée, and the chain is also waiving delivery fees on digital orders on November 1 for those recovering from the night before. The fine print matters, as the entrée discount is for in-restaurant orders only, is limited to one per costumed guest, and does not cover extras like guacamole or queso, according to the company’s release. The chain also brought back $6 margaritas in select cities ahead of the holiday.

Krispy Kreme’s DNUT offer is the simplest. Guests in costume at a participating shop on Friday, October 30, or Saturday, October 31, can get a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut; no purchase necessary. The chain is also selling a four-doughnut Looney Tunes collection featuring Bugs Bunny, Taz, Lola Bunny, and Tweety and Sylvester, available through October 31 while supplies last.

At Baskin-Robbins, the Halloween date does much of the work. The chain takes 31% off scoops on the 31st of the month, which Halloween lands on. Rewards members can also mix and match three treats for $15 through October 31, with choices that include double scoops, small smoothies, and Creature Creations.

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is promoting both candy and food promotions for rewards members from October 23 through November 2, covering brands such as Reese’s, Kit Kat, Snickers, and Twix.

Shake Shack SHAK is running a “Scary Good” promotion in which a different sandwich is free with a $10 minimum purchase using the code SCARYGOOD. The giveaway rotated from a chicken sandwich to a cheeseburger, and a free Single Shack Burger is available with a qualifying order of at least $10 from October 19 through October 31. The offer is valid only on kiosk orders in the restaurant or on delivery and pickup orders through the app or website.