National Free Hot Fudge Cake Day Happens This Thursday, December 4, 2025, at All Shoney’s Restaurants America  (RestaurantNews.com)  The THANKS continues, as Shoney’s will do its annual unthinkable again – a CEO-inspired, company-wide THANK YOU to patrons a week after Thanksgiving – with its National FREE Hot Fudge Cake Day, where valued guests and future fans will be treated to the brand’s best-selling dessert for free with no purchase required this Thursday, December 4, 2025. Again, free with no purchase required. The 78-year-young restaurant industry pioneer, world-renowned for its southern hospitality with a twist, is continuing its own national holiday by giving away a slice of an American treasure to all guests – one per guest, while supplies last. Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake features vanilla ice cream between two fudge cake layers, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Shoney’s has served millions of Hot Fudge Cakes in its rich history. Yet, its leader, Chairman and CEO Mr. David Davoudpour, decided years ago that the best way to thank his loyal guests while gaining new ones was to give slices of his American dream dessert away, no catches whatsoever, on the first Thursday of December.

“This is one big THANK YOU, a sweet tooth meets goodwill gesture only Shoney’s can master,” said Mr. Davoudpour, proudly adding brand ambassador and biggest fan to his official brand roles. “We are a week past Thanksgiving, a little under three weeks away from Christmas, and we want to shift this holiday season into high gear with an unforgettable experience at Shoney’s. National FREE Hot Fudge Cake Day is our American holiday, and we are celebrating it with our beloved guests.” Shoney’s category leadership and impact on the industry were once eloquently and memorably captured in a column in Columbia, Tennessee’s daily newspaper, the Columbia Daily Herald, which focused, what else, on its iconic and delectable dessert. The article ages gracefully, though its words ring with relevance and reverence every year, serving as a kind honor to the personal impact that Shoney’s has on everyone, including Mr. Davoudpour, who leads the way. Since acquiring the great American eatery in 2007, Mr. Davoudpour has been on a driven and spirited mission to reinvigorate and revitalize Shoney’s, one of the first and most popular family casual dining concepts in the United States. To return to what Mr. Davoudpour confidently calls Shoney’s “Glory Days,” the brand hopes to grow through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. Shoney’s is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates to ensure even better days ahead for America’s Dinner Table. For more than 78 years, Shoney’s has earned industry accolades and is consistently recognized as one of America’s premier family dining restaurants. It is praised for the best value rating among all family dining chains, and hailed for its service, menu variety, and diners’ recommendations. It was most recently recognized as one of America’s most iconic diner and buffet chains. Price and participation for all promotions may vary; please get in touch with your local Shoney’s for details. Visit Shoneys.com for more information and follow Shoney’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.