Today, Aug. 21, is National Senior Citizens Day, and what better way to recognize the occasion than by helping Johnson County seniors save a little money?
From restaurants to thrift stores, movie theaters and even meals through Johnson County programs, there are discounts available for older adults that aren’t always well advertised. Some start as young as 55, while others are for those 60 or older. Here are a few worth knowing about.
SAVERS — 30% OFF ON TUESDAYS
Tuesday is a popular day at Savers Community Donation Center in Olathe. Shoppers 55 and older receive 30% off on Tuesdays. Just ask for the senior discount at checkout.
The Olathe store is at 13509 S. Mur-Len Road. Savers also has Johnson County stores in Overland Park and Shawnee, although it’s always a good idea to confirm the discount at the individual location.
CULVER’S — ASK FOR THE SENIOR DISCOUNT
Another one that isn’t necessarily advertised on the menu: participating local Culver’s restaurants offer a 5% senior discount every day. Just ask for the senior discount when ordering.
Culver’s has several Johnson County locations, including Olathe, Lenexa, Overland Park and Gardner. Because locations are locally operated, ask before ordering to make sure your restaurant participates.
ROSS — 10% OFF EVERY TUESDAY
At Ross Dress for Less, customers 55 and older receive 10% off every Tuesday.
This one is confirmed by Ross itself. Customers need to tell the associate they want the 55+ Tuesday Discount, and identification may be requested.
KOHL’S — 15% OFF ON WEDNESDAYS
Kohl’s offers customers 60 and older 15% off qualifying in-store purchases every Wednesday.
There are exclusions, and you’ll want to bring identification to verify your age.
WALGREENS — 20% OFF ON SENIORS DAY
Walgreens holds a Seniors Day on the first Tuesday of each month. Shoppers 55 and older can receive 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise in stores with myWalgreens.
There are exclusions, but 20% can add up on a larger shopping trip.
FREDDY’S — SPECIAL 55+ MEALS
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers now offers special Senior Meals for customers 55 and older. Instead of simply taking a percentage off the bill, Freddy’s has specially priced meal choices for seniors.
Freddy’s has multiple locations around Johnson County, including Overland Park and Lenexa.
IHOP — DON’T OVERLOOK THE 55+ MENU
IHOP has a 55+ menu with specially priced selections.
There’s an additional Johnson County benefit involving IHOP that many people may not know about: some area IHOP restaurants participate in the county’s CHAMPSS senior meal program.
AMC — SENIOR MOVIE TICKETS
If you’re headed to the movies, check the senior ticket price before paying full price. AMC offers senior pricing for moviegoers 60 and older at participating theaters, including Johnson County locations such as AMC Studio 28 in Olathe.
JOHNSON COUNTY’S CHAMPSS PROGRAM
Here’s one that may be particularly useful for local seniors.
Johnson County’s CHAMPSS — Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors — is available to people 60 and older and their spouses. Participants can receive meals at participating restaurants and grocery-store dining locations throughout Johnson County.
Participating locations include several Hy-Vee stores as well as IHOP restaurants in Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee. The county also operates neighborhood nutrition centers around Johnson County.
WHAT ABOUT McDONALD’S AND OTHER FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS?
This is where it pays to ask.
McDonald’s doesn’t have one nationwide senior discount. Individual franchise owners can establish their own discounts, which means one restaurant may offer a senior coffee or discount while another one doesn’t.
The same can happen at other franchised restaurants. A senior discount may not appear on the menu, on the drive-thru board or even on the restaurant’s website.
So when you’re ordering, there’s nothing wrong with simply asking: “Do you have a senior discount?”
You might be surprised.
WHAT DID WE MISS?
This isn’t intended to be a complete list — in fact, we’d like your help making the next one better.
Are there senior discounts around Olathe or Johnson County that you know about that we’re missing?
Maybe it’s a locally owned restaurant, a discounted cup of coffee, a grocery-store special, a haircut, an entertainment deal or a discount you’ve learned to ask for even though the business doesn’t advertise it.
Tell us the business, the discount and what age qualifies in the comments. We’ll collect your suggestions, verify as many as we can and put together an updated list of senior savings around Johnson County.
Discounts, eligibility requirements and participating locations can change. When in doubt, ask the individual business before making a purchase.
Something Different Media Group