Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th in the United States, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military veterans. In recognition of this day, numerous businesses across the country offer special promotions, free meals, and discounts to current and former service members. These offers typically require verification of military service and are often valid only on Veterans Day itself, though some extend throughout the weekend or to other dates. The following article details the types of offers available, based on information from promotional lists and event announcements for the 2024 and 2025 holiday periods.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions focuses on the food and beverage industry, with many national and regional restaurant chains providing complimentary meals or substantial discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers generally require in-person dining and proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation. Some establishments also utilize third-party verification services like ID.me.
Free Meal Offers (Veterans Day 2024)
The following restaurants offered free meals to veterans and service members on November 11, 2024, subject to verification and specific terms:
- Applebee’s: Provided a choice of one of eight special Veterans Day meals and a $5 Bounce Back Card with dine-in service and proof of military service.
- Bar Louie: Offered a free burger with dine-in visit and a valid ID.
- BJ’s Restaurants: Provided a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a dine-in purchase and proof of service. Veterans who dined on November 11 also received a free appetizer coupon for a future visit, valid through December 31, 2024.
- Bob Evans: Offered a free choice of meal from the Veterans Day menu with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Buca Di Beppo: Provided a free lunch entree with dine-in visit, military ID, and the code 37362-5605-3730.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Offered a free entrée and beverage from the Veterans Day Menu with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Chevys: Provided a free 2-item Combo with dine-in visit, service ID, and the code VET 2-ITEM.
- City Barbeque: Offered a free sandwich, one side, and a drink with an in-store visit (for dine-in or carryout) and proof of service.
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Offered a free meal with proof of service on November 11, 2024, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Cracker Barrel: Provided a free Sunrise Pancake Special with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Denny’s: Offered a free Original Grand Slam with dine-in and valid military ID on November 11, 2024, from 5:00 am through 12:00 pm (noon).
- Famous Dave’s: Provided a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and a choice of side with dine-in visit and proof of service using the code VETERAN.
- Frisch’s Big Boy: Offered a free Big Boy, drink, and fry with dine-in visit and military ID card.
- Golden Corral: Provided a free Thank You Meal with dine-in visit on Military Appreciation Night and proof of service on November 11, 2024, from 4:00 pm until close.
- Grillsmith: Offered a complimentary entree (priced at $48 or less) for veterans and military personnel dining in on November 11, 2024.
- Hard Rock: Provided a free Legendary Burger with valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- Hooters: Offered a free meal (items may vary by location) with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- IHOP: Provided free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes with dine-in and proof of service on November 11, 2024, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Kolache Factory: Offered a free Kolache and any size fresh brewed coffee with dine-in visit and valid ID.
- Krispy Kreme: Provided a free doughnut and coffee with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- La Madeleine: Offered a 30% discount with military ID.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Provided a free choice of select meals and a $10 thank you card with dine-in and valid ID.
- Max & Erma’s: Offered a 25% discount for the entire table with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Provided a free lunch from the Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of any entrée and military ID on November 10, 2024, from opening through 5:00 pm.
- O’Charley’s: Offered a free meal from a special menu with valid ID on November 11, 2024, between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Outback Steakhouse: Provided a free BLOOMIN’ ONION and a choice of any Coke product or a 16 oz domestic draft with the purchase of an adult entrée from November 9, 2024, through November 11, 2024.
- Pilot Flying J: Offered a free meal with app, store visit, and verified proof of service via ID.me through November 11, 2024.
- Qdoba: Provided a 50% discount on a regular entrée with military ID.
- TCBY: Offered a free 6 oz of frozen yogurt with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- TGI Friday’s: Provided a free choice of meal from a select menu with dine-in visit and proof of service from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Tucanos Brazilian Grill: Offered a free Churrasco Meal with the purchase of an adult churrasco meal and proof of service on November 11-12, 2024.
- White Castle: Provided a free Individual Combo Meal with dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Wienerschnitzel: Offered a free chili dog, small fries, and small soda with dine-in visit and proof of service.
Additional Restaurant Promotions (2024)
- Another Broken Egg Café: Offered a free Patriot French Toast Combo and Coffee with dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, offered 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID, available for dine-in or walk-in only.
- Chipotle: On November 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, guests who ordered an entrée in-restaurant and presented a valid military ID received a second entrée for free. The promotion applied to bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees.
- Kona Grill: Offered 50% off food with dine-in visit and valid ID between November 8 and November 11, 2024.
- Texas Roadhouse: At participating locations, veterans and military members could get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Ongoing and Other Offers
- Carrabba’s: Provided a 10% discount with dine-in visit and proof of service (ongoing).
- Hard Rock: Provided a 15% discount with valid ID (ongoing).
- Piccadilly: Offered a 10% discount (ongoing).
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, Veterans Day promotions extend to retail and automotive services, offering discounts on purchases or complimentary services.
Retail Discounts
- Home Depot: Veterans receive a 10% discount with verified military status. This offer is ongoing, with a maximum annual benefit of $400.
- Target: Offered a 10% military discount through November 11, 2024, to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount could be used on two separate transactions, in-store or online.
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Provided various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations.
Free Services
- Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tire: Offered free car care checks through December 31, 2024, valid for everyone. Checks included a visual inspection of tire condition, tread depth, tread pattern, and air pressure; a visual inspection of brake pads and rotors, shoes and drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, master cylinder, and brake fluid level; and more.
- Sports Clips: Offered free haircuts to veterans, though specific dates and locations were not detailed in the provided source.
Local Event: Veterans Day Dinner in Broadalbin, NY
For veterans and their families in the Broadalbin, New York area, a specific local event was announced for Veterans Day 2025. The Amsterdam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a free Veterans Day Ham Buffet Dinner. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Broadalbin VFW, located at 19 Pine Street, Broadalbin, NY. For more information, individuals can call 518-883-8202.
Conclusion
Veterans Day is marked by a wide array of offers from restaurants, retailers, and service providers across the United States. These promotions, which include free meals, discounts, and complimentary services, are typically available to veterans and active-duty military members who can provide proof of service. The offers are often limited to Veterans Day itself, though some extend through the weekend or to other dates. Consumers are advised to verify offer details, including required verification methods, participating locations, and any purchase requirements, directly with the participating business prior to visiting. Local community events, such as the ham buffet dinner in Broadalbin, NY, also contribute to the holiday's observance.