Veterans Day 2016 featured a wide array of complimentary meals, discounted services, and special offers for active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. Numerous national restaurant chains and local businesses expressed gratitude by providing free food, beverages, and other perks, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID or discharge papers. While many of these offers were specific to November 11, 2016, some extended through the surrounding weekend or week.
National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Several major restaurant chains participated in Veterans Day 2016 celebrations by offering complimentary meals to those who served.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse offered a free lunch on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The offer was valid for active duty, retired, or former U.S. military personnel. Veterans could choose one of 10 entrees. Acceptable proof of service included a military or VA card or discharge papers.
Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ provided a free sandwich and cake to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016, while supplies lasted.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offered veterans a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016. Additionally, from November 1 through November 11, 2016, 10% of Rocking Chair Sales were donated to Operation Homefront, while supplies lasted.
Denny’s
Denny’s Restaurants planned to offer a free Grand Slam to active, retired, and veteran military personnel on Veterans Day from 5:00 a.m. to noon. This offer required ID. However, the source data indicates this was "Waiting Verification" at the time of publication.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s offered veterans and active duty military personnel a free meal from a limited menu on November 11, 2016. In addition to the free meal, veterans received a "$5 Bounce Back" card redeemable within three weeks.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings provided veterans and active duty military personnel with one small order of wings and a side of fries for free on November 11, 2016, all day. For Veterans Day 2024, the offer was updated to 10 free boneless wings with a side of fries.
Chili’s
Chili’s offered veterans and active military service members a free meal from a limited menu on November 11, 2016.
Chipotle
Chipotle offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free deal on entrees from 3:00 p.m. to close on November 11, 2016. The offer was valid for active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses, retired military with a valid U.S. military ID, and veterans with ID.
Other Participating Chains
- Hickory Tavern: Honored heroes with a special menu and 50% off everything on that menu on Veterans Day. Additionally, guests received a coupon for 20% off their meal on their next visit.
- Tap House Grill: Offered a complimentary meal (Dine-In Only) to active, inactive, and retired military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016.
- Hurricane Grill and Wings: Provided a free meal from a select menu and a non-alcoholic beverage at participating locations for veterans and active duty military with ID.
- Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill: Offered two free appetizer choices on Veterans Day: complimentary hummus served with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread.
- MOD Pizza: Offered a free Pizza or Salad for veterans and active duty military with ID on Veterans Day.
- Bar Louie: Offered a free meal, up to a $12 value, for active duty military and veterans on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, and Wednesday, November 11, 2015. The source notes this was "Waiting Verification for 2016."
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Invited veterans to enjoy a complimentary appetizer or dessert. Guests dining with a veteran also received 10% off their meal.
- Carrabba’s: Offered veterans and active-duty military a free calamari and 10% off on all future visits during the Veterans Day weekend.
- Cicis Pizza: Provided a free adult pizza buffet with Military ID or proof of service on November 11, 2016.
- Cinnaholic: In 2018, they honored those who served with a free cinnamon roll with valid military ID.
- Bonefish Grill: Offered veterans and active-duty service members a complimentary order of "Bang Bang Shrimp" with a soft beverage.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offered veterans a free "Chocolate Chunk Pizookie" and a bounce back coupon for a free appetizer, valid until the end of the year for both dine-in and takeout.
Discounted Meals and Group Offers
Some restaurants offered discounted meals or required a purchase to redeem the free offer.
CentraArchy Restaurants
Nineteen CentraArchy Restaurants honored veterans and active duty military service members with a free entrée and 25% off entrée(s) to their accompanied family on Friday, November 11, 2016. Participating locations included New York Prime, California Dreaming, The Tavern at Phipps, Chophouse New Orleans, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Chophouse ’47, Gulfstream Café, and Burro Loco. A valid military ID or proof of service was required. The free entrée was from the regular dinner menu, excluding AQ items, Porterhouse, alcohol, and tax.
Rodizio Grill
Rodizio Grill offered a free full Rodizio meal to veterans from November 7–11, 2016, with the purchase of another adult full Rodizio meal. Proof of service or military ID was required.
Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil offered veterans and active duty military (plus one guest) 50% off the regular dinner price from November 7–11, 2016. Additional guests received 20% off. A military ID was required.
Mimi's Cafe
Mimi's Cafe offered veterans and active duty military a free entrée from a special all-day ‘Veterans Day’ menu on November 11, 2016, with the purchase of any non-alcoholic beverage. On Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, veterans and active duty military received their choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner entrées on the ‘Veterans Day’ menu for a special price of only $5.99 with the purchase of any non-alcoholic beverage.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão offered all military veterans and active duty personnel with valid military ID 50% off their meal on Veterans Day. Up to three additional guests received 10% off their meals. Beverages, dessert, tax, and gratuity were not included.
Additional Perks and Non-Food Offers
Veterans Day 2016 extended beyond restaurants, offering free services in automotive, grooming, and entertainment sectors.
Automotive Services
- Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: Offered free car washes at thousands of locations nationwide.
- Meineke: Offered a free oil change at select locations.
- Jiffy Lube: Usually offered a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, plus a 15% military discount year-round (varies by location).
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Usually offered a free oil change on Veterans Day, plus a 15% military discount year-round.
Grooming Services
- Great Clips: Offered a free haircut on Veterans Day (or a redeemable haircut card for later use).
- Local Barber Shops & Salons: Many local establishments offered free or discounted haircuts or other services.
Entertainment and Recreation
- Hogle Zoo: Offered free admission to all military personnel and veterans, as well as their spouses and children under the age of 18 (with valid military ID) on Veterans Day. The zoo also welcomed families of fallen soldiers.
- Living Planet Aquarium: Offered free admission to veterans and their immediate families on Veterans Day.
- National Parks: Were free for everyone on Veterans Day.
- Red Rocks Film Festival: Offered free films to veterans on Veterans Day Opening Night.
- Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Offered free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets for family.
- Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Offered free admission during Veterans Day weekend, Friday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 11, to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
- Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Offered free admission for active military and veterans, plus 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10–11 and other "Military Mondays."
- Knott’s Berry Farm (California): Offered discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18.
Local Deals in Specific Areas
Some deals were specific to certain regions, such as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Lancaster Area Deals (2016)
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military received a free meal from a limited menu on November 11.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military personnel received one small order of wings and a side of fries for free on November 11 all day.
- Carrabba’s: Veterans and active-duty military received a free calamari and 10% off on all future visits during the Veterans Day weekend.
- Chipotle: Active duty military, Reserves, National Guard, veterans, and spouses got a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal from 3:00 p.m. to close on November 11.
- Cicis Pizza: Provided a free adult pizza buffet with Military ID or proof of service on November 11.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2016 provided a diverse range of opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive complimentary meals, services, and entertainment. The offers spanned national chains and local businesses, covering food, automotive maintenance, grooming, and recreational activities. While many specific offers were tied to November 11, 2016, some extended through the weekend or required specific purchasing conditions. Consumers were advised to call ahead for participating locations and bring valid proof of service.