Veterans Day 2018 saw a wide array of participating restaurants and retailers offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special deals to honor military service members. These offers were generally available to active duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and members of the National Guard, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID. The promotions were predominantly valid for dine-in service on Veterans Day, with some establishments extending offers to the surrounding weekend or providing vouchers for future use.
The following guide details the specific food freebies and other relevant offers available during the 2018 Veterans Day period, compiled from various promotional announcements and news reports. While many of these specific 2018 offers have expired, the participating brands listed often continue similar traditions in subsequent years, making this historical data useful for understanding typical Veterans Day promotion patterns.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Numerous national restaurant chains offered free meals to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day 2018. The eligibility requirements and specific menu items varied by establishment.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s offered a free meal to veterans and active military personnel. This promotion included a selection of eight entrees to choose from. Proof of service, such as a military ID, was required. Applebee’s has a long history of providing free meals on Veterans Day, having served millions of veterans over a decade-long period.
Baker’s Square
Active duty military and veterans could enjoy a free breakfast on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Participants could select from three Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast, or one Belgian Waffle.
Bar Louie
Bar Louie provided veterans with a free Flatbread or Burger, with a value up to $15, upon presentation of ID on Sunday.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
Veterans received a free entree (up to $12.95 value) plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage on Veterans Day. This offer was valid for all active duty military and veterans. Additionally, BJ’s offered a free Pizookie® for current or retired military from November 1 through November 30, 2018, while supplies lasted.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans offered free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items on Veterans Day. This offer was available to active duty military, retirees, and veterans with ID or proof of service.
Boston Market
From November 11 to November 12, 2018, Boston Market offered a buy-one-get-one free deal on individual meals with a drink at all U.S. locations. A coupon was required for this offer, but a military ID was not.
Bruegger’s Bagels
On Veterans Day, veterans and active military members could receive a free cup of coffee (any size).
54th Street Grill & Bar
Veterans and active duty personnel could eat for free (up to $12.00) at this establishment. There was also a promotional element where customers could win a gift card by inviting a military member to take advantage of the deal and posting the photo on Instagram with the hashtag #54SupportVets.
Arooga’s
This sports bar allowed veterans to dine in for free on Veterans Day. Troops had the option of one meal from a “fixed menu,” which included items such as a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and a Sriracha Chicken Caesar salad.
Bar Louie
In addition to the free meal, Bar Louie announced a donation of $25,000 to Operation Homefront, a military family assistance organization.
Buffalo Wild Wings
The sports bar brought back their annual Veteran’s Day menu item, Wings For Heroes, to serve active military members and veterans.
Grub Burger Bar
Grub Burger Bar provided complimentary Veteran’s Day entrées to active, former, and retired veterans. For those who missed the Veterans Day offer, Grub Burger Bar also offered veterans and active military 10 percent off any purchase all year round, requiring a uniform or ID proof of military service.
In-N-Out Burger
On Veterans Day, In-N-Out Burger provided veterans, active-duty, reserves, and National Guard members with a free made-to-order meal, including any burger, fries, and drink. They also provided a special decal with proof of military service.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Veterans and active-duty military could get a free Taco Trio at Bubbakoo’s Burritos on Tuesday, November 11, with a valid military ID for in-restaurant dining.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s offered a free Breakfast Combo to active-duty military and veterans on Tuesday, November 11, during breakfast hours. No purchase was required.
Outback Steakhouse
Service members received a free Bloomin' Onion and a Coke product.
Red Robin
Service members received a free Red's Tavern Double Burger served with bottomless fries at participating locations.
Ruby Tuesday
Veterans could receive $10 off their appetizer. If the appetizer value was below $10, it was effectively free.
Starbucks
Service members and their spouses received a free tall hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day.
TGI Fridays
Veterans received a free rack of Big Ribs or any entrée up to $12 when they ate at TGI Fridays.
Chipotle
With a military ID, customers received a buy-one, get-one free burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos.
Bonefish Grill
Showcasing a military ID provided a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Veterans were provided a free appetizer or dessert.
Hooters
All military members, both active-duty and veterans, who presented their military ID received a free entree from a select menu.
Kolache Factory
Showcasing a military ID provided one free kolache and one cup of coffee.
Yard House
Showcasing a military ID provided a complimentary appetizer.
Retail and Other Discounts
In addition to food offers, several retailers provided discounts to veterans and military members during the 2018 Veterans Day period.
Target
Target offered a 10% discount for veterans and military families, valid through November 11 for both in-store and online purchases.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s provided a 30% discount for veterans and their families.
Home Depot
Home Depot offered a 10% discount year-round, verified through their app.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s also offered a 10% discount year-round.
Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops provided a 10% discount.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s provided a 10% discount.
A.C. Moore
A.C. Moore offered 15% off every time a customer shopped with a military ID.
Dollar General
Dollar General offered 11% off to veterans on Veterans Day.
Sport Clips
Sport Clips offered free haircuts for veterans and donated $2 per haircut on November 11, 2025, with in-store fundraising for the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program running from October 5 to November 15.
Important Considerations for Participants
When seeking to utilize Veterans Day offers, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements set by each establishment. Most free meal offers are valid for dine-in service only and require proof of service, such as a Military ID, VA Card, or DD214. Some locations may have specific participating menu items for the free meal.
It is also important to note that offers can vary by location. While many chains have national policies, individual franchise owners may choose to participate or set slightly different terms. Therefore, verifying with the local establishment is recommended.
The information regarding Veterans Day 2018 offers is based on reports from that time. While many brands maintain similar traditions annually, the specific terms, menu items, and participating locations for current years should be verified directly with the brands or through updated promotional announcements.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2018 featured a significant number of participating restaurants and retailers offering free meals and discounts to honor military service. The offers ranged from full meals at casual dining chains like Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse to specific menu items like the Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse, and retail discounts at stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Most promotions required proof of military service and were valid for dine-in on Veterans Day. While these specific 2018 offers have expired, the participating brands listed remain active participants in Veterans Day promotions in subsequent years.