Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, represents a significant opportunity for U.S. businesses to demonstrate appreciation for active-duty military personnel and veterans. In 2025, falling on a Tuesday, November 11, numerous national chains and local establishments are participating in this tradition by offering complimentary meals, beverages, services, and retail discounts. These offers generally require proof of military service, such as a military ID, and are frequently restricted to dine-in consumption at food establishments. The scope of these promotions extends beyond dining, encompassing personal care services like haircuts, automotive services, and entertainment options.
The following comprehensive guide details verified Veterans Day offers for 2025, categorized by industry and specific participating brands. This information is derived from recent news reports and official announcements to assist eligible service members in planning their day.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
The restaurant sector consistently leads Veterans Day promotions, with major chains offering free entrees, combo meals, and side items. Participation varies by location, and most require in-person verification of veteran status.
Major National Chains
Applebee’s continues its long-standing tradition of honoring veterans. For the 18th consecutive year, Applebee’s will provide veterans and active-duty military personnel with a complimentary full-size entrée from a special selection menu. Additionally, diners will receive a $5 "Bounce Back Card" valid for a future visit. This offer is strictly dine-in only; beverages and gratuity are not included. Proof of service is mandatory, with acceptable documents including a U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., VFW or American Legion), DD214, or a photo in uniform.
Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal voucher on November 11. Unlike many dining offers, this voucher is redeemable for dine-in or carry-out options and remains valid through May 30, 2026, providing flexibility for veterans who cannot dine on the holiday itself.
Buffalo Wild Wings is providing veterans and active-duty military members with a free order of 10 Original Wings or a selection of other items, including a Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad. The free item is available with the purchase of a beverage at participating locations.
Hooters offers a similar promotion, allowing veterans to select a free menu item—10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad—on November 11. This offer requires a drink purchase and is valid at participating restaurants.
Little Caesars is active between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day, offering a free Lunch Combo. This includes four slices of the chain’s signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. The offer is available to veterans and active-duty military members.
IHOP will serve a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11. The combo includes two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links.
IKEA extends its offer over three days, from November 9 to 11. Active and veteran service members can enjoy a free entrée at the IKEA Swedish restaurant.
Another Broken Egg Cafe is offering a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee at participating locations. This is strictly dine-in and requires a valid military ID.
Mac’s Speed Shop (primarily in the Carolinas) offers a free half rack of ribs and fries with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. This is dine-in only, and ID is required.
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations are providing a free medium breakfast combo to veterans and active-duty military on November 11.
Bubba’s 33 is preparing to honor veterans in the West Texas area. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., they will provide a free meal from a selected menu. For those unable to dine in, they are conducting a drive to provide free vouchers earlier in the day.
Bruegger’s Bagels offers veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store.
Casey’s General Stores provides past and present service members with a free any-size coffee or fountain drink.
Biggby Coffee offers a free 16oz latte (hot, iced, or frozen) to veterans and active-duty service members with military ID.
Quick Service and Casual Dining
Dave & Buster’s is offering a free entrée (up to $20 value) and a free $10 Power Card to veterans with a valid ID on November 11.
QDOBA provides veterans and active-duty military with free chips and dips in-restaurant. No purchase is required.
Tim Hortons will provide a free Classic Doughnut to those in U.S. military uniform or presenting a valid veteran ID at participating locations.
Playa Bowls is offering free bowls to all veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID at participating locations nationwide.
Personal Care and Services
Beyond food, several businesses in the personal care sector are offering free services to honor veterans.
Sports Clips and Great Clips are participating in Veterans Day appreciation events. In the West Texas area, Sports Clips is offering free haircuts, beard trims, and hair washes. An assistant city manager for Sport Clips in Odessa stated, "We provide free haircuts, beards, and hair washes to all the veterans just to give appreciation back to them for serving our country."
The Barbershop is hosting its 4th annual veterans event at its Darboy location (W3192 County Hwy KK), offering free haircuts and services to men and women who served in the armed forces.
Car Washes: While specific chains were not detailed in the source data, it is noted in general reports that some businesses provide free car washes as part of Veterans Day freebies.
Retail, Entertainment, and Other Discounts
Brown County Rifle Range (Wisconsin) is offering free admission to the Reforestation Camp Rifle Range for veterans. Additionally, free gun and archery sighting will be provided for veterans and active-duty military members from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Movie Theaters: General reports indicate that some movie theaters offer free tickets or discounted concessions to veterans, though specific chains were not detailed in the provided source data for 2025.
General Eligibility and Verification
A common thread across all these offers is the requirement for proof of service. The documentation accepted varies by provider but generally includes:
- Military ID (Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID)
- Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- Veterans organization membership card
- DD214 discharge papers
- Photographs of the individual in uniform
Most dining offers are designated as "dine-in only" to encourage community gathering and immediate verification. However, exceptions exist, such as the Texas Roadhouse voucher system and the drive-through/voucher options mentioned by Bubba’s 33.
It is noted that while these offers are widely publicized, participation may vary by location. Franchise-owned locations often have the discretion to participate or not. Consumers are advised to call their local establishment ahead of arrival to confirm participation and specific terms.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a diverse array of free meals, services, and products for U.S. military personnel. From full steak dinners at Texas Roadhouse to haircuts at Sports Clips and coffee at Biggby Coffee, businesses across the nation are utilizing November 11 as a day to give back. The primary requirements for accessing these benefits are valid proof of military service and, in most cases, the ability to visit a participating location in person. As the holiday approaches, consumers should verify specific details with local branches, as participation can vary.