Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the U.S. military. To commemorate this day, numerous fast food and casual dining establishments across the country offer free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are often valid for dine-in or specific order types on the holiday itself. The following guide details the specific freebies and promotions available at various fast food chains for Veterans Day 2025, based on information verified from multiple news sources and brand announcements.
Participating Fast Food Chains and Offers
A wide variety of restaurants are participating in Veterans Day 2025 promotions. Offers range from full meals to specific menu items and beverages. It is important for veterans and active-duty military members to note that many of these deals are available only at participating locations and may require specific forms of identification.
Burger and Sandwich Chains
Several popular burger and sandwich chains are offering complimentary meals or entrees.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating Applebee’s restaurants.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: This establishment is offering a free Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) and fries for veterans on November 11.
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Taco Trio at Bubbakoo’s Burritos on Tuesday, November 11, with a valid military ID for in-restaurant dining.
- In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out will provide veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members with a free made-to-order meal, which includes any burger, fries, and a drink. A special decal is also offered with proof of military service.
- Red Robin: Veterans can receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a Bottomless Side.
- Shoney’s: Veterans and active military personnel can eat free from the breakfast fresh food bar on Veterans Day. This offer is valid from open until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11.
- White Castle: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal at participating White Castle restaurants on November 11.
- Wienerschnitzel: On Tuesday, November 11, all veterans and active-duty military can receive a free original chili dog, small fries, and small soda at participating locations nationwide, available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.
- Wings and Rings: A free dine-in lunch combo is available all day on November 11 for veterans.
Seafood and Casual Dining
Establishments specializing in seafood and broader American cuisine also have specific offers.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans will receive a free entree and drink from a special menu. This offer is valid for veterans and active military only on November 11, 2025, and is dine-in only.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active military receive a free meal with one side and drink on Tuesday, November 11. This offer is valid in-restaurant or at the drive-thru only and is not valid on online orders or delivery orders. A military ID or DD214 is required to redeem the offer.
- Chili’s: All veterans and active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. The offer is available in-restaurant only for select items.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s is honoring veterans and active-duty military with a free lunch from 11 a.m. on Veterans Day.
- Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military, and reserves can enjoy a free Shrimp & Chips entree, which features Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw. This offer is for dine-in only at participating locations.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active military receive a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. To redeem this offer, individuals must verify their status on the Sonny’s BBQ website and sign up for rewards by Sunday, November 9. The offer is valid for one meal per check for orders placed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
- Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse offers free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on Veterans Day.
- Viva Chicken: Veterans and active-duty military can eat for free with a guest purchase at all Viva Chicken restaurants on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Pizza and Mexican Food
Pizza and Mexican food chains are also providing special deals for the holiday.
- Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion. The offer is limited to one redemption per customer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and mobile ordering is not available.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: On Tuesday, November 11, Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present armed service members by offering 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID. This is available for dine-in and walk-in orders at participating locations.
Breakfast and Dessert
For those looking for breakfast or dessert options, some chains have specific promotions.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s offers a free Breakfast Combo to active-duty military and veterans on Tuesday, November 11, during breakfast hours. No purchase is required for this offer.
- TCBY: TCBY is offering free froyo to veterans and active military. All veterans and active military with a valid ID can receive their first 6 oz. of froyo free on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
Coffee and Beverage Chains
Coffee shops are also participating in Veterans Day by offering complimentary beverages.
- Starbucks: On Veterans Day, veterans, military servicemembers, and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12 fl. oz.) brewed coffee (hot or iced). This offer is valid at participating U.S. stores on November 11, 2025, for café and drive-thru orders only.
General Terms and Conditions
While specific requirements vary by establishment, there are common conditions associated with Veterans Day offers.
- Proof of Service: Most, if not all, offers require proof of military service. This typically includes a valid military ID, a VA card, or a DD214 form. Some restaurants may accept other forms of identification or proof of service at their discretion.
- Participating Locations: It is crucial to confirm that a specific restaurant location is participating in the promotion. Many offers are available at participating locations only, and not all franchises may choose to participate. It is recommended to check with the local establishment before visiting.
- Order Method: Several offers specify that they are for dine-in only and may not be available for online orders, mobile orders, or delivery. For example, Chicken Salad Chick explicitly states that the offer is not valid on online or delivery orders, and Chipotle's offer is not available for mobile ordering.
- Timing: Some offers are available only during specific hours, such as Chipotle’s 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. promotion or Wendy’s breakfast hours. Shoney’s offer is valid only until 11 a.m.
- Geographic Restrictions: While many national chains offer deals across the country, some promotions may be regional. Sources indicate that certain deals are available in specific states or regions, such as Primo Hoagies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania or Quaker Steak & Lube in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Other Related Freebies and Discounts
In addition to food, some businesses offer non-food related freebies and discounts to veterans.
- Sport Clips: Sport Clips offers free haircuts for veterans on November 11, 2025. The company also donates $2 per haircut to the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program. An in-store fundraising event for this program runs from October 5 to November 15.
- Smoothie King: Smoothie King offers a free 20-ounce red, white, or blue smoothie for veterans and active military.
- Sheetz: Sheetz, an Eastern U.S. convenience store chain, offers a free sub and drink for veterans and active-duty military at any location, as well as a free car wash.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 sees a broad coalition of fast food and casual dining restaurants offering free meals and discounts to honor military service members. From breakfast combos at Wendy’s to full entrees at Applebee’s and Chili’s, there are numerous options available. The key for veterans and active-duty personnel is to be prepared with valid proof of service, to verify participation with the local restaurant, and to be aware of any specific time constraints or order type restrictions associated with each offer.