Bakeries & Cafes

It doesn’t get much better than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Teavana is celebrating the first official Summer “Fri-YAY” (that’s what they’re calling it) with a FREE iced tea. On Friday, May 26, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., choose from Beach Bellini, Strawberry Daiquiri or Piña Colada (24-oz.), while supplies last. The offer requires this invitation, which you can print or show on your smartphone. Inspired by sun-drenched summer parties and the popularity of craft cocktails, the tea shop is taking over happy hour with three, new cocktail iced tea blends, including Strawberry Daiquiri, Piña Colada and Mandarin Mimosa – joining returning favorite Beach Bellini. (Note: Mandarin Mimosa is not included in the FREE offer.) For locations, click here.

Gardeners are sure to dig this freebie! Need some grounds for your grounds? Have you ever wondered what Starbucks does with its used coffee grounds? Well, they just give ’em away for FREE. Participating cafés bag ’em up for customers in need of fertilizer for their gardens. It can also be added to compost piles. We’ve noticed they’re usually in a large basket or bucket near the register or by the front door. Just be sure to verify the sign first or you may walk out with a bag of coffee beans by accident and find yourself in really hot water. If you’re unsure, just ask a friendly barista for help.

Looking to save some extra “dough”? It’s not often Panera Bread offers any discounts, so that makes this weekly deal extra tasty. Every Tuesday, get a baker’s dozen of bagels (13 total) for $6.99 (reg. $9.99) at participating locations. Like its breads, the bakery offers a variety of sourdough-based bagels made from its own recipes and baked fresh daily using only unbleached flour. There are more than 20 locations throughout Colorado.

If you’re a chocolate connoisseur (or, at least, chocolate lover and who isn’t?), you’re aware that GODIVA chocolates are some of the finest. (Each piece is just so beautiful and perfect.) To get their fix, chocolate lovers can join GODIVA Chocolate Rewards Club for lots of sweet offers. Once a member has spent $10, they receive a FREE piece of chocolate every month at one of its boutiques, FREE standard shipping for one online order, a special birthday offer and exclusive offers every month. Plus, when members spend $20, they get a FREE gift the following month. Membership is FREE. You can sign-up online or at one of two local GODIVA Boutiques — Cherry Creek Shopping Center or Park Meadows Mall.

Oh, my…what a hole-y deal! Start your week with bargain bagels at Einstein Bros. Bagels. Every Monday, the bagel chain is offering 13 bagels for just $7 at participating locations — making them a little more than 50¢ each. The limited-time offer applies to its Signature Bagels, which includes Asiago Cheese, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Raisin, Cinnamon Sugar, Cranberry, Garlic, 9-Grain, Onion, Poppyseed, Potato, Pretzel and Sesame Seed. (There is an additional charge for its gourmet-topped bagels — Apple Cinnamon, Green Chile, Power Protein, Six Cheese, Spinach Florentine, Spicy Nacho and any seasonal flavors.) At this price, you can be a star at the office, when you walk in Monday morning with bagels to share for all!

Don’t be so quick to toss your Starbucks receipt! It’s time again for its popular Sweet Receipt promo. Through Monday, October 31, bring your morning receipt back (anytime before 2 p.m.) on the same day after 2 p.m. and get a bakery treat for just $1 at participating locations. (Be sure to check the bottom of your receipt for the offer first.) Its line of bakery items range in price from $1.25 to $3.45, so it’s definitely a sweet deal, especially if you snack on one of the higher-priced treats. The offer is limited to stock on hand and not valid on breakfast sandwiches (and other select items.) Remember, you do not have to redeem your receipt at the same location at which you made your morning purchase — any participating location will honor the baked bargain. For the budget-conscious, there’s no minimum purchase requirement for the morning receipt, so consider buying a petite vanilla scone for $1.25 or a banana for $1 to keep your costs down. MHOTC Tip: If you’re buying a morning round of coffee for the office (or, at least, buying more than one menu item), pay for each item separately. Then, you’ll have more Sweet Receipts to share with friends and family.

Starbucks and fall weather always seem like a perfect fit, thanks to the coffee chain’s Pumpkin Spice Lattes and other autumn-tinged beverages. The fall beverages are even more warm and comforting, when they’re at a bargain price. Through Sunday, September 25, the ubiquitous café is offering select fall drinks (hot or iced) for just $3 each from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at participating locations. Choose from a grande Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chile Mocha or Salted Caramel Mocha. We just love sipping on a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte on a cool fall afternoon.

If you’re a fan of Café Rio Mexican Grill, they recently made changes to its loyalty program. Getting rid of the ol’ fashioned stamp-your-card system, they’ve gone digital. Now, $1 equals 1 point. And, for every 100 points, you unlock $10 to spend on food and drinks. The program requires you download its app. (However, if you don’t own a smart phone, you can still participate via its website, www.myriorewards.com.) Members also get the latest news and updates on everything Café Rio, including special point offers, free meals and discounts. At sign-up, use Invite Code BryanKCh7 for extra points. For complete details on the program, click here. Olé! Don’t forget about Cafe Rio’s $5.49 Tasty Tuesdays special. 

Starbucks just announced the program officially changes on Tuesday, April 12, so bargain hunters have 3 weeks to continue earning stars without breaking the bank. We heard rumors for months, but Starbucks just confirmed they’re making major changes to its popular My Starbucks Rewards program. Starting in April, My Starbucks Rewards becomes Starbucks Rewards. Besides slightly changing the name, the biggest change is how stars are earned. Now, you earn stars based on how much you spend — 2 stars for every $1 spent.

Under the new system, members need to earn 125 stars for a reward. (If you do the math, you need to spend $62.50 for a FREE beverage or food item.) Currently, members need to earn only 12 stars for a freebie. However, stars are earned per transaction, regardless of how much is spent. The new method of earning stars has been the most requested change from members for years. For those who really love Starbucks (and you know who you are), you now have to earn 300 stars to reach the Gold level. (Again, if you do the math, you will need to spend $150 to reach the level.) Previously, you only needed to earn 30 stars for the top-tier status.

Another new benefit: Gold members will have the opportunity to earn more stars on monthly Double-Star Days. (For the time being, new members still get a FREE drink upon registration. To sign-up, click here.) For our thoughts, as Gold level members for more than 5 years, on the changes, read on… [Read more…] about My Starbucks Rewards Changes April 12

This family-friendly offer from Atlanta Bread will save you some “dough.” The Aurora eatery at 14262 E. Cedar Ave. offers one FREE Kids Meal with the purchase of one Full Adult Entrée every Saturday and Sunday. The offer is limited to children 12 and under. The locally owned and operated café serves delicious sandwiches, soups, and fresh garden salads — prepared just the way you want it. Plus, they offer a full bakery of freshly baked, cookies, muffins, pastries and more. For more money-saving, kids-eat-free offers, check out this page.

Jamba Juice is offering a juicy deal on select days every week. Here’s the line-up: Sunday – Any 4 small Classic smoothies for $12.99; Monday – $3 for any small Make It Light Classic smoothie; Tuesday – $3 for a small smoothie (choose from Caribbean Passion, Razmatazz, Peach Pleasure, Strawberries and Orange Dream Machine); Wednesday – FREE boost and/or $2 oatmeal; and Thursday – FREE upgrade from medium to large. The offers cannot be combined with any other offer or discount and are available at participating locations — be sure to check first.

If you need a drink in the afternoon (no, not that kind!), Einstein Bros. Bagels is the place to stop. From 3 p.m. to closing (5 p.m. at most locations), Monday through Friday, they’re celebrating Happy Hour with drinks at 50% off at participating locations. Bottled beverages are excluded from the offer. For locations, click here.

Most non-Starbucks fans aren’t aware of this weekly freebie. (Actually, even some regulars don’t know.) Every Tuesday, the ubiquitous coffee chain offers its “Pick of the Week” for FREE. “What is it?”, you ask. It’s a FREE downloadable song, book or app — just stop by and pick up each week’s redemption code. No purchase necessary, non-coffee drinkers. The “Pick of the Week” card can usually be found near the register or pick-up counter. If not, just ask one of the friendly baristas for assistance. We’ve picked up books, songs and apps ranging in value from 99¢ to $19.99. It’s an easy and worthwhile stop, especially because there’s a café on every corner or so it seems. Of course, you must own the proper mobile device – as picks are available via iTunes or the App Store.