Cheesecake
It's National Cheesecake Day. You can celebrate by grabbing a free slice! Creative Commons/zingyyellow

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but free cheesecake is a thing Wednesday, as establishments across the U.S. celebrate National Cheesecake Day 2014.

The origins of the day are unclear. Punchbowl.com, which usually gives explanations for national food days, doesn’t explain how National Cheesecake Day came to be. Researchers at holidayinsights.com also “did not find the creator … of this day.”

Nevertheless, eateries offering cheesecake are honoring National Cheesecake Day with free slices, free samples or discounted cheesecake. Here’s a rundown of the best freebies and deals in America:

Cheesecake Factory

The nationwide chain is offering half-off cheesecake slices for dine-in customers through Thursday. Find your closest Cheesecake Factory here.

Eli’s Cheesecake

The Chicago bakery’s truck is offering free slices of cheesecake. Follow the bakery’s Twitter account to find the next stop.

Cheesy Eddie’s

This Rochester, New York, dessert shop is doling out 2,000 free slices of cheesecake:

Swanky’s Taco Shop

This self-described "fast casual" restaurant in Tennessee and Mississippi is offering free fried cheesecake, provided you become a fan of its Facebook page (click on the coupon page after becoming a fan.) Check out your nearest Swanky’s here.

J.Rae’s Bakery

The bakery’s Fort Worth, Texas, location is handing out free samples in honor of National Cheesecake Day, while patrons of J.Rae’s Wichita, Kansas, location can enjoy $2 cheesecake.

United States