Charles Langston:Summer Olympic Games means special food, drinks and discounts. Here's some

The Charles Langston2024 Paris Olympics are on. Over the next two weeks or so, more than 320 events in 32 different sports will be contested during the Games.

Geez, it makes you hungry and thirsty just thinking of all the effort that's gone into the preparation and will go into the competitions.

With more than half of Americans expected to watch – 59% according to a UKG Workforce Institute survey – it makes sense that restaurants cater to viewers' hunger and thirst with specials during the Games. More than 27 million plan to miss some work to watch the Olympics, too, the survey of 1,112 U.S. adults found.

Whether watching at home or out on the town, here's some Olympic specials to consider.

2024 Paris Olympic Games:Full schedule with TV, time and streaming for every event

California Pizza Kitchen

To mark the Olympic Games opening ceremonies, California Pizza Kitchen is offering free Coca-Cola with any pizza purchase on Friday, July 26. During the Games, there's also all-day happy hours every day with 50% off on a special selection of red, white and blue drinks including the Red-Berry Sangria, Sparkling Mojito, and Blueberry Lemon Drop. And for dessert, there's the new, limited-time Red, White + Blue Butter Cake, made with strawberries and blueberries.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The fried chicken chain has some specials for the Olympic Games including 40% off a 12-piece chicken order (bucket includes a mix of 3 drumsticks, 3 thighs, 3 breasts, and 3 wings) and 50% off chicken sandwiches. There's also a saucy nuggets party pack (available online only). To get these, and other KFC specials, order on KFC.com or the KFC app.

Krispy Kreme

The doughnut maker has some special Olympic rings of a different kind available during the Games: its limited-time Passport to Paris doughnut collection. The three new Parisian dessert-inspired offerings include a Créme Brûlée doughnut, Double Chocolate Éclair Doughnut, and a Raspberry & Vanilla Créme Doughnut.

The doughnuts are available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website. Select stores also get 6-packs delivered fresh daily.

Members of the Krispy Kreme rewards loyalty program can also get a free iced coffee Friday and a free doughnut Tuesday, July 30, with any purchase.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra, the exclusive beer sponsor of Team USA for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, has special-edition Team USA designed bottles sporting an American flag and Olympic rings.

There's also a “Toast to Team USA” rebate available in stores, bars and restaurants – and online (the online rebate gets you $7 back when you buy an 18-pack or larger Michelob Ultra product; rebates available in certain states).

Red Robin

Fast-food chain Red Robin has a special Gold Medal Burger available during the games. The sandwich, which weighs 18 ounces – equal to the weight of a gold medal, has three patties and American cheese slices, plus Red's relish, mayo, pickles, onion, lettuce and tomato. It's served with a bottomless supply of Steak fries or another bottomless item of your choice.

You can wash it down with the Star-Spangled Spritzer, made with Sprite, wild raspberry syrup and topped with blue cotton candy, and served in a light-up souvenir cup (available for dine-in only).

Smoothie King

To celebrate the beginning of the Olympics, Smoothie King has a $5 Friday special on July 26. Get a 32-ounce smoothie for $5. And members of the Smoothie King Healthy Rewards program can also earn triple points. (Deal not valid on 32-ounce Dude Perfect Smoothies.)

Tiff's Treats

Here's a snack for your Olympics watch parties: red, white and blue sprinkle cookies from Tiff’s Treats. The Austin, Texas-based company has these Olympics-themed baked sugar cookies available through the end of July (available in delivery zones across the U.S.).

Yogurtland

Yogurtland's 2024 Froyo Games start on Saturday, July 27, and members of the chain's Real Rewards loyalty program can win Yogurtland merchandise, eGift cars and rewards dollars and points.

Just go to the online daily poll to answer questions tied to the ongoing Games competitions. Winners are picked randomly for daily prizes; for instance, on Saturday three winners will be picked to each win $10 eGift Cards.

Contributing: Gabe Hauari.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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