Comprehensive Guide to Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts in Michigan

Veterans Day offers a significant opportunity for military personnel to access complimentary meals and products from various businesses across Michigan. Multiple sources have compiled lists of restaurants and retailers providing special deals for veterans and active-duty service members. The availability of these offers typically requires proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. While many promotions are valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, some businesses extend their gratitude through coupons valid for future visits or discounts applicable over a longer period.

The following information details specific freebies and discounts available in Michigan, categorized by the type of offer and the participating businesses. It focuses on verified information from local news outlets and community reports.

Breakfast and Morning Meal Offers

Several major restaurant chains offer complimentary breakfast items to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These deals are often available during specific morning hours or throughout the day.

Bob Evans: Bob Evans provides veterans with a free meal from a special menu. According to a statement from Bob Holtcamp, President and Chief Marketing Officer, the restaurant honors veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free meal on Veterans Day. Participants can choose from ten breakfast items available all day when dining in at Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen locations.
Denny’s: Denny’s offers veterans a free Original Grand Slam breakfast. Some reports indicate this is available from 5 a.m. to noon, while others note it is a "Build Your Own Grand Slam" available from 5 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (Veterans Day).
McDonald’s: Participating McDonald’s locations in Michigan offer veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast meal. The meal includes a choice of either an Egg McMuffin or a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit, accompanied by a hash brown and any size fountain drink or coffee. This offer is confirmed for the Saginaw area and is available during breakfast hours until 10:30 a.m. via dine-in or drive-thru, though it is not available in the McDonald’s app.
IHOP: IHOP offers veterans and active-duty military a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
Cracker Barrel: Cracker Barrel provides veterans with a complimentary Surprise Pancake Special or a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. One source notes a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast is also available.
Dunkin’ Donuts / Dunkin’: Dunkin’ offers veterans a free donut. Additionally, Einstein Bros. Bagels provides veterans with a free hot or iced medium coffee upon stating their veteran status.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Bruegger’s Bagels offers veterans a free hot or iced medium coffee when they state they are a veteran.

Lunch and Dinner Entrees

Numerous restaurants offer free lunch or dinner entrees, ranging from burgers and pizza to seafood and Italian cuisine.

Applebee’s: Applebee’s offers a free entree from a special menu. The availability of this offer may vary by location.
Benihana: Veterans can receive a free entree worth up to $49.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: BJ’s offers a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. Furthermore, guests with a military ID who dine from November 12 through December 31 will receive a free appetizer coupon for a future visit.
Bonefish Grill: Bonefish Grill provides free bang bang shrimp and a drink, or an ongoing 10% discount.
Buca di Beppo: Buca di Beppo offers a free lunch entree.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries. Some reports indicate this is available with the purchase of 10 wings.
California Pizza Kitchen: California Pizza Kitchen offers a free entree and drink from a special menu.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Carrabba’s offers free calamari with any purchase for veterans and active military, valid through Wednesday. The chain also offers a free appetizer or dessert on November 10 and 11 and maintains an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.
Chili’s: Chili’s offers a free meal from a special menu.
Dave & Buster’s: Dave & Buster’s offers a free entree and a $10 Power Card for gameplay.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Dickey’s offers a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich.
Famous Dave’s: Famous Dave’s offers a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with a side.
Golden Corral: Golden Corral hands out free meal and beverage cards to all active-duty military and veterans through November 30. These cards can be used once through May 31 for lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday.
Hooters: Hooters offers 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of 10 wings.
Iron Skillet: Iron Skillet provides a free meal for veterans on Wednesday.
Little Caesars: Little Caesars offers a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free meal between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday from the American Roadhouse menu.
Macaroni Grill: Macaroni Grill offers free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti.
Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coke product on Wednesday.
Papa Gino’s: Papa Gino’s offers 50% off whole pizzas for walk-in and carry-out orders.
Red Lobster: Red Lobster offers a free appetizer or dessert.
Red Robin: Red Robin offers a deal starting the day after Veterans Day, from Thursday through November (specific details on the deal are not provided in the source text).
Saroki’s Crispy Chicken and Pizza: Saroki’s offers veterans and active military a choice of free three-piece chicken tenders or a slice of pizza.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill offers veterans 25% off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals on November 11.

Retail, Convenience, and Other Offers

Beyond restaurants, convenience stores and retailers offer specific freebies and discounts for veterans.

Sheetz: Sheetz offers veterans and active-duty military a free half turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink. Extras and add-ons to the sub are included in the offer. Sheetz also offers their $9 car wash option for free at locations with car wash service. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Bubba’s 33: Bubba’s 33 offers all veterans (active, retired, or former) a free meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. Veterans can choose from six entrees, including cheeseburgers, chicken salads, or a 12-inch pizza, plus a choice of Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea, or coffee. Proof of service (military or VA card, or discharge papers) is required.
Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores: Love’s offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on roller grill items and a free fountain drink or coffee of any size.
Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J offers a free breakfast combo, including coffee, for veterans and military on the Pilot Flying J app through November 15.
7-Eleven: 7-Eleven offers veterans with a Veterans Advantage account a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day. This requires linking the Veterans Advantage account to the 7Rewards loyalty program.
Biggby Coffee: Biggby Coffee offers free hot brewed coffee up to 24 ounces.
Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme offers a free doughnut of choice and a small hot or iced coffee.
Qdoba: Qdoba offers 50% off any entree on Wednesday.
Captain D’s: Captain D’s offers 10% off meals for veterans.

Community Events

In addition to restaurant offers, community events are held to honor veterans.

Salute to Service: A community-wide gathering in Lansing, MI, held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on November 11. The event features a ceremony, live music, speeches, and a complimentary brunch provided by One North Kitchen & Bar. Admission is free for veterans, active military members, and a guest, provided they pre-register.

General Rules and Eligibility

Most offers require proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include: * Military ID * VA Card * Discharge papers

While many offers are strictly for dine-in, some, like McDonald’s, are available via drive-thru. It is noted that offers may vary by location, and consumers are advised to check with their local establishment to verify participation. Some businesses, such as Applebee’s, note that offers can vary. Additionally, some deals are available through mobile apps, while others, like the McDonald’s offer, explicitly exclude app usage.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Michigan is marked by a wide variety of free meals and discounts offered by restaurants and retailers. From breakfast staples at Bob Evans and McDonald’s to lunch and dinner entrees at chains like Applebee’s and Bonefish Grill, there are ample opportunities for veterans to enjoy complimentary food. Retailers such as Sheetz and convenience stores like Pilot Flying J also contribute to the day's offerings. To access these deals, veterans should ensure they have valid proof of military service and confirm offer details with specific locations prior to visiting.