Veterans Day 2018 Restaurant Freebies and Deals for U.S. Military Personnel

Veterans Day 2018 offered a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers from restaurants and businesses across the United States to honor active duty military members, veterans, and in some cases, their spouses and families. These promotions required specific forms of identification and varied by location, with many deals extending beyond the holiday itself.

Eligibility and Identification Requirements

To participate in Veterans Day 2018 freebies and discounts, eligible individuals generally needed to provide proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification varied by establishment but typically included: * Military ID * Proof of service * Veterans Administration cards * Veterans organization membership cards * Discharge papers

It was noted that not all franchise locations participated in national promotions, and consumers were advised to contact their local establishments to confirm participation before visiting.

Restaurant and Food Offers

Numerous restaurants offered free meals, specific food items, or discounts on Veterans Day 2018. These offers were available at locations across the country, including specific regions such as the Bay Area, Maryland, and Central Virginia.

National Restaurant Chains

Applebee’s: Provided a complimentary full-size entree from a limited or exclusive menu on November 11 for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Locations mentioned included those in the Bay Area (San Francisco, Alameda, Pinole, San Rafael, Hayward, Redwood City, Walnut Creek, Vallejo, Fremont), Maryland, and Central Virginia.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offered a free entree up to $12.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11. Locations included San Bruno, San Mateo, San Rafael, Concord, Newark, Dublin, Cupertino, Brentwood, San Jose, and areas in Maryland and Central Virginia.
California Pizza Kitchen: Provided a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11. Bay Area locations included San Francisco, Emeryville, Corte Madera, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, Stanford, Pleasanton, and Santa Clara.
Chili’s: Offered a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day. Locations included San Bruno, San Leandro, Concord, and Union City.
Olive Garden: Provided a free entrée from a special menu with unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Offered one small order of wings and a side of fries for free on November 11 for active and retired service members at participating locations. This was a dine-in only offer.
Bob Evans: Provided free select menu items to veterans and active duty military on November 11.
Bonefish Grill: Offered a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer on November 11 for active and retired service members with a valid military ID.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Provided a free appetizer or dessert on November 11.
Cracker Barrel: Offered a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a Crafted Coffee on November 11.
Dunkin' Donuts: Provided a free donut at participating locations on November 11.
Friendly’s: Offered a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner from a limited menu on November 11.
Golden Corral: Held a Military Appreciation Night with a free dinner on November 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Starbucks: Veterans, active duty service members, and their spouses could get one 12-ounce hot coffee on November 11 at participating stores, with a limit of one per customer.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill: All veterans and active military could receive a free order of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti on November 11 at all U.S. locations.
Fogo de Chao: Offered 50 percent off the entire meal at the Brazilian steakhouse throughout Veteran’s Day weekend (Nov. 9-Nov. 11) at all U.S. and Puerto Rico locations. Up to three guests also received 10 percent off their meals.
Boston Market: Offered a Buy One Get One (BOGO) deal where military families could buy one individual meal and drink and get a second meal for free on November 11-12. The necessary coupon was available on BostonMarket.com.
Hooters: Provided a free meal on November 11 with the purchase of any beverage for dine-in customers.
Bar Louie: Offered a free flatbread or burger (up to $15) to veterans with proof of service on November 11.

Regional and Specific Location Offers

Bay Area: Applebee’s, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, and Chili’s locations were specifically listed in the Bay Area, including cities like San Francisco, Alameda, Pinole, San Rafael, Hayward, Redwood City, Walnut Creek, Vallejo, Fremont, San Bruno, San Mateo, Concord, Newark, Dublin, Cupertino, Brentwood, San Jose, Emeryville, Corte Madera, Walnut Creek, Stanford, Pleasanton, and Santa Clara.
Maryland: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Bar Louie, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse were noted for offering deals in Maryland.
Central Virginia: Applebee’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Bob Evans, Bonefish Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s Grill & Bar, and California Pizza Kitchen were listed as offering deals in Central Virginia.

Extended Promotions and Non-Restaurant Offers

Some offers extended beyond November 11 or were not food-related. * Huddle House: Offered a free order of Sweet Cakes to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. from November 9-12. * Shane’s Rib Shack: Military personnel and veterans received a complimentary sandwich, regular side, and 20-oz beverage at participating locations from November 8 through November 10. * The Chop House: Veterans with military ID or in uniform received 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree on November 11 and November 12. * Connors Steak & Seafood: Veterans with military ID or in uniform received 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree on November 11 and November 12. * Famous Dave’s: On November 11 and November 12, all former and current military personnel received a free two-meat Combo. * Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Offered a complimentary meal on Veterans Day (Nov 11). * Eat’n Park: Provided a special 10% discount for the entire month of November for all active and former United States military personnel. * U.S. National Parks: Were free to everyone (not just veterans) on Veterans Day.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2018 featured a diverse selection of complimentary meals and discounts from major restaurant chains and local establishments across the United States. Offers ranged from full entrees to specific appetizers and desserts, with many businesses extending their gratitude to active duty personnel, veterans, and their families. While many deals were concentrated on November 11, some promotions spanned the surrounding weekend or the entire month of November. Consumers were consistently advised to verify participation with specific locations and present valid military identification to redeem these offers.