Veterans Day 2019 offered a wide array of complimentary meals and discounts for military personnel across the United States. On Monday, November 11, 2019, hundreds of restaurants and businesses participated in appreciation events for active duty military members, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. The offers ranged from free breakfast items and burgers to full entrees and desserts. Most establishments required proof of service, such as a military ID, uniform, or DD-214 form, and many specified that offers were for dine-in customers only.
The availability of these deals often varied by location, with national chains offering broad participation and local establishments providing specific regional perks. In addition to restaurant deals, other sectors such as automotive care and entertainment offered free services or discounted admission. Veterans Day 2019 also coincided with a free admission day for National Parks, allowing veterans and their families to access these natural resources without cost.
Major National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Several large restaurant chains confirmed free meal offers for veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11, 2019. These offers typically applied to specific menu items and required valid identification.
Casual Dining and Sit-Down Restaurants
Casual dining establishments provided significant value through free entrees and meal components.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military in uniform could obtain a free meal from a limited menu at participating locations on November 11, 2019.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: All veterans and active duty service members were eligible for a free meal at participating restaurants on Veterans Day.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active military members received a free lunch on November 11, 2019, available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all locations.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans with a military ID could get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, 2019. Additionally, they received 20 percent off their check from November 12 through December 31, 2019.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active duty military members were offered a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day.
- Golden Corral: This chain offered a free sit-in dinner for military veterans, retirees, and active duty members on Monday, November 11, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- TGI Fridays: Military guests with a valid ID received a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These guests also received a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays.
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Military members and veterans with a valid ID were offered a free entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11, 2019.
- O’Charley’s Restaurant: Veterans of the armed forces and officers still serving could enjoy a free meal with several menu favorites to choose from.
- Houlihan’s: Both active-duty military members and veterans received a free and complimentary meal on Veterans Day.
- Mission BBQ: Veterans and active duty members received a free sandwich and a slice of cake while supplies lasted on Veterans Day.
Fast Casual and Quick Service Restaurants
Quick service and fast casual restaurants offered lighter meals, specific sandwiches, or breakfast items.
- IHOP: All active duty and retired veterans were invited to enjoy a free breakfast on November 11, 2019.
- Subway: Military veterans with a valid ID were offered a free six-inch sub on November 11, 2019, at select locations.
- Zaxby’s: Veterans and active duty military received a free Southern TLC Fillet Sandwich on Veterans Day.
- Wienerschnitzel: Veterans and active duty military received a free meal and drink on November 11, 2019.
- White Castle: Veterans and active duty military received a free combo meal on Veterans Day.
- Villa Italian Kitchen: Veterans received a free slice of pizza on Veterans Day.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: All active, former, and retired military personnel with valid identification could enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese at participating locations on Veterans Day. No additional purchase was required.
- Tim Hortons: Veterans and active duty military received a free small hot coffee on Veterans Day.
- Grub Burger: Veterans and active military members could get a free meal at Grub Burger Bar locations on November 11, 2019.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: Veterans and active duty military were offered a free meal on November 11, 2019.
- Village Inn: Veterans received a free breakfast item from four choices on Veterans Day.
Buffet and Diner Options
Buffet-style restaurants and diners also participated, offering discounts or specific meal deals.
- Hometown Buffet: Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID received a 15% discount on Military Mondays, including Veterans Day 2019.
- Old Country Buffett: Similar to Hometown Buffet, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel received a 15% discount on Military Mondays, with the discount extending to up to four family members.
Specialty and Regional Offers
Beyond the major national chains, various other businesses offered specific perks for Veterans Day 2019. These included airport dining, car washes, and entertainment venues.
- HMSHost Airport Restaurants: On November 11, 2019, U.S. active-duty military and veterans with ID could enjoy a complimentary Pimento Cheeseburger at more than 70 participating HMSHost airport restaurants.
- Grace for Vets: A non-profit organization coordinated free car washes for veterans and service personnel on November 11, 2019. The program involved over 1,500 independent car washes in four countries.
- KGB Espionage Museum: Veterans received discounted admission, paying $13 instead of the usual $22 for adults or $17 for seniors.
- TooJay’s Deli: Offered a free meal from a special menu on Monday, November 11, 2019, for dine-in only.
- Twin Peaks: Provided a free select meal on Veterans Day.
- Yard House: Offered a free appetizer on Veterans Day.
- 54th Street Grill and Bar: Details were available on their website regarding Veterans Day offers.
Non-Restaurant Freebies and Discounts
Veterans Day 2019 extended beyond food service. Several other sectors offered free services or admission to honor military service.
National Parks
National parks offered free admission on Veterans Day 2019. Veterans and military personnel could bring proof of service to receive a free, complimentary ticket for access. The offer also included discounts on admission for up to four companions.
Automotive Services
The "Grace for Vets" car wash program was a notable non-food offer. By visiting the Grace for Vets website, veterans could locate participating independent car washes offering free washes on November 11, 2019.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day deals, specific requirements and limitations often applied. Understanding these conditions helped ensure a smooth experience.
Proof of Service Requirements
Most restaurants and businesses required proof of military affiliation to redeem offers. Acceptable forms of identification typically included: * Military ID card * Uniform (for active duty personnel) * DD-214 form * Veteran organization membership card
Offer Limitations
- Dine-In Only: Many free meal offers were restricted to dine-in customers and did not apply to take-out or delivery orders.
- Location Variability: While many offers were advertised as national, participation could vary by specific franchise location. It was recommended to call ahead to confirm participation.
- Specific Menus: Some restaurants, such as Applebee’s, offered free meals from a "limited menu" specifically for veterans.
- Time Restrictions: Specific time windows were often in effect, such as the lunch offer at Texas Roadhouse (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or the dinner offer at Golden Corral (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.).
Additional Savings
Some businesses extended their appreciation beyond a single day. For example, Outback Steakhouse offered a 20% discount on checks from November 12 through the end of December 2019. TGI Fridays provided a $5 coupon for a future visit with their free lunch offer.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2019 provided numerous opportunities for active duty military members and veterans to receive free meals, discounts, and services. The offers spanned a diverse range of businesses, from major national restaurant chains like Applebee's and Golden Corral to specialized services like car washes and airport dining. To take advantage of these offers, veterans typically needed valid proof of service and should verify specific terms, such as dine-in requirements or limited menu options, with individual locations prior to visiting.