National Coffee Day Deals

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Rejoice, it's National Coffee Day. No one really knows how the event got started, but those who enjoy a hot Cup of Joe don't really care -- they just want their java fix.

So where are the places to go if you're looking for a deal?

In New England, McDonald's is offering a free hot cup of Newman's Own Organics all day Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the West Coast, Panera Bread is holding a "Pay It Forward" promotion . Buy any size of drip coffee, say "Pay it Forward" and you get a second cup for free to give to a friend.

In Miami, Buttercream Cupcakes and Coffee will commemorate the day with free cups of a unique blend of 100 percent Colombian coffee from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

National Coffee Day has also spurred a contest and a new product. Filterfresh Coffee Service, a Westwood, Mass., company that provides coffee service to offices and businesses, has launched a creative writing contest inviting folks to "write a tribute to the celebrated beverage, explaining why 'Coffee is the Greatest Beverage of All Time!'" The winner will receive a home brewer and coffee as well as a month of free coffee to the winner's place of business.

At Starbucks, a new instant coffee is being unveiled . Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is 100 percent natural roasted Arabic coffee in an instant form, according to the company's press release.

From Oct. 2 - Oct. 5, Starbucks is holding a taste challenge between the new product and its fresh-brewed Pike Place where participants will receive a coupon for a complimentary Tall brewed coffee on their next visit as well as an offer for $1 off a Starbucks VIA Ready Brew purchase.

If you still need a jolt this evening YumSugar offers some savory dinner recipes that feature coffee, like Coffee-Marinated Bison Short Ribs.

And for everything you've ever wanted to know about coffee check out CoffeeUniverse.com .