Veterans Day 2019 saw a wide array of businesses across the United States offering free meals, discounts, and special experiences to honor military veterans and active-duty personnel. The promotions ranged from complimentary food at national restaurant chains to discounts on retail goods and unique local activities. While the majority of these offers targeted veterans and active military members, some businesses extended similar courtesies to first responders, recognizing their service as well. Participation typically required proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD-214 form, or wearing a uniform, and many offers were valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, 2019.
Veterans Day 2019 Restaurant Freebies and Meal Deals
A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions centered on complimentary meals and food discounts. National and regional restaurant chains offered veterans and active-duty military personnel a variety of free menu items, often from a special Veterans Day menu.
National Chain Offers
- Applebee’s: Provided a free meal to all veterans and active military members from a special Veterans Day menu. This offer was valid for dine-in only and required proof of military service.
- BJ’s Brewhouse: Offered a free entree up to $14.95 in value and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Provided a free entree with the purchase of a beverage (iced tea or fountain drink) from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Chili’s: Gave a free entree to veterans and active military members from a select menu on November 11.
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans could enjoy a free slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake or pumpkin pie latte on Veterans Day.
- Denny’s: Active, inactive, and retired military personnel received a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5 a.m. until restaurant close on November 11.
- Friendly’s: Veterans and active-duty service members could receive a free Veterans breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The breakfast included the Big-Two-Do with coffee, while lunch and dinner featured the All-American Burger with fries and a choice of beverage. A military ID or honorable discharge card was required.
- Gordon Biersch: Active-duty service members and veterans could get a free meal from a special menu, which included options like a seven-ounce top sirloin, beer-battered fish & chips, cajun pasta, or the Märzen BBQ burger. Guests needed to show proof of service, such as a military ID or by being in uniform.
- Green Mill Restaurant & Bar: Veterans could order a free eligible menu item, though pizza selection was limited to a small one-topping deep dish, and wing samplers were excluded.
- Rock Bottom: Veterans and active-duty service members could receive a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu, requiring either a military ID or uniform.
- Ryan’s: Active-duty, reserve, or retired military personnel could take 15% off their order every day with proof of service. Additionally, every Monday, current and former military personnel could enjoy a discounted meal with up to three family members.
- Shoney’s: Offered veterans and troop members a free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet from open until 11 a.m.
- Sizzler: Provided a free lunch entree to current and former military service men and women who dined in between open and 4 p.m. on Veterans Day. Options included a six-ounce Tri-Tip Sirloin, single Malibu Chicken, or six Jumbo Crispy Shrimp, plus a side and fountain beverage. Proof of military service was required.
- Tap House Grill: Offered a complimentary meal to veterans, active, and inactive military personnel who dined in on Veterans Day.
- Texas Corral: Provided a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu to veterans and active-duty members. All meals included a soup or salad, iced tea, lemonade, or coffee. Guests needed to dine in uniform or show military ID.
- Texas de Brazil: Service members could take 20% off their dinner and lunch order with a badge or ID.
Other Restaurant Offers
- 54th Street Grill: Veterans and active-duty military could receive a free meal up to a $12 value. Proof of military service was appreciated, via military ID or a photo in uniform.
- Back Yard Burgers: Offered 20% off year-round to servicemen and women with proof of ID.
- Fazoli’s: Veterans could get a free spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara with proof of military service, though not all locations participated.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Provided veterans or active-duty military personnel with a free combo meal card, valid through November 30, 2019.
- Giordano’s: Offered an ongoing 20% discount on food orders for veterans and military personnel with a valid military ID card.
- The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: Provided a 15% everyday military discount on meals.
- HMSHost airport restaurants: Offered a 15% military discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Insomnia Cookies: Provided a free traditional cookie on Monday, November 11, through 3 a.m. on November 12.
Local and Regional Meal Deals
- Chimirri’s Italian Pastry Shoppe (Hartford, CT area): All veterans, active military, and first responders could get a free coffee and free slice of Hartford Cream Pie from November 10-11.
- Cuginos Restaurant (location not specified): Offered free lunch for veterans on Tuesday, November 12.
- Cumberland Farms: Provided a free cup of coffee (any size, hot or cold) to veterans or active-duty military on November 11.
- Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms (Plant City, FL): Invited veterans for a free meal and drink on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a valid military ID.
- La Mordida Restaurant Bar & Grill (Clearwater, FL): Offered all veterans a free empanada and a cup of coffee on November 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Veterans Day 2019 Retail Discounts and Non-Food Deals
Beyond food, various retailers offered discounts to honor veterans and active military personnel during the Veterans Day period.
Retail and Product Discounts
- Florsheim: Shoppers could take 20% off boots during the Veterans Day sale.
- FineJewelers: Offered 10% off any order in honor of their Veterans Day sale.
- Readers.com: Provided 30% off reading glasses and more during a sitewide Veterans Day sale from November 10 through November 12.
- Sealy Bedding: Shoppers could score up to $400 off select mattress sets from November 3 to December 3.
- Stearns & Foster: Offered savings of up to $1,000 on adjustable base sets from November 3 to December 3.
- Tempur-Pedic: Provided savings of up to $600 on select adjustable mattress sets from November 3 to December 3.
- Amazon: Veterans and active military personnel could receive $40 off Amazon Prime as part of Veterans Day 2019 store discounts.
Service-Based Discounts
- Auto and Home Services: Veterans and active military received free haircuts and car washes as part of Veterans Day 2019 store discounts.
Veterans Day 2019 Experiences and Local Activities
Several businesses offered unique experiences and activities for veterans, extending beyond traditional discounts.
- Empower Adventures Tampa Bay (Oldsmar, FL): Hosted a free ultimate mini-adventure for veterans on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The experience included two zip lines totaling over 1,200 feet and a 200-foot suspension bridge. Reservations were required by calling 813-448-5635, and proof of service was needed upon check-in.
- Flying J: Provided a free hot beverage and breakfast item via a special offer in the app from November 8-11.
- Fogo de Chão: Offered 50% off meals for veterans and active-duty personnel from November 8-11. Additionally, up to three guests received 10% off their meals at all U.S. locations.
- J9 (Female Disabled Air Force Veteran): Hosted a free pop-up yoga class for veterans followed by a discussion on issues facing women veterans. The event took place on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa, FL. Participants were asked to bring a mat and water.
General Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Participation in Veterans Day offers generally required specific forms of identification to verify military service. Accepted documents typically included a military ID, DD-214 form, VA card, veteran organization membership card, or wearing a uniform. Some businesses allowed a photo in uniform as proof. It was noted that not all locations of participating chains were required to take part in the promotions, so checking with the nearest location was recommended. Most offers were valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, 2019, unless otherwise specified. Some businesses, such as Giordano's, The Greene Turtle, and HMSHost, offered ongoing military discounts beyond the holiday.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2019 featured a broad spectrum of freebies and deals from restaurants, retailers, and local businesses across the country. The promotions primarily honored military veterans and active-duty personnel, with a notable inclusion of first responders at certain establishments. Offers ranged from complimentary meals at major chains to discounts on retail goods and unique local experiences. Access to these deals was contingent upon providing valid proof of military service, and participation often varied by location. The event served as a widespread gesture of appreciation from the business community to those who have served.